University of Leicester

Geology with Foundation Year BSc

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

Geology at Leicester provides a friendly, dynamic and supportive environment in which to learn about the history of our planet and life on Earth. You will be taught by staff recognised internationally for their expertise in fields such as palaeontology, economic geology, volcanology, structural geology, geophysics, and palaeoenvironments. You will benefit from our excellent facilities, ranging from dedicated student study spaces, 24/7 secure access to the building, and collections of over 250,000 specimens of rocks, fossils and minerals to help you learn.

In later years, you can choose modules that give you experience of our research facilities, including advanced microscopes and geochemistry labs. All of our geology-focussed degrees include common modules in the first year, so you can easily transfer between courses as you discover the topics that inspire you most and best match your career aspirations. From the third year you can choose from a range of optional modules, and it is also possible to transfer between the three-year BSc and the four-year MGeol degrees, so you can graduate with the most appropriate qualification for your future career.

Our Physical Geography and Geology degree is a bit different, with a tailor-made programme right from the start, and plenty of options later on. For details of all the modules, follow the links under each degree course. We pride ourselves on our excellent staff-student relations and have high student satisfaction levels, not least because of our small-group teaching and tutorials, which provide individually tailored academic and pastoral support throughout your degree.

You will learn through a combination of lectures, practical classes, workshops, small-group tutorials, and field trips. This means you will have plenty of contact time with the lecturers, who are happy to provide feedback as you progress through each module. Your assessments will be a mixture of exams, presentations, written reports, group projects and othe

Key highlights

  • Taught by staff expert in palaeontology, volcanology and geophysics
  • Collections of over 250,000 rock, fossil and mineral specimens
  • Optional modules using advanced microscopes and geochemistry labs
  • Option to transfer between the BSc and four-year MGeol degrees
  • Small-group tutorials with individually tailored academic and pastoral support
  • Learning through lectures, practical classes, workshops and field trips

Entry requirements

  • A-level: BCC — or points equivalent from your best three
  • GCSE: C/4 — to include Mathematics, English
  • BTEC: DDM — to include in a science related subject, which must include appro; BTEC Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate: 26 — minimum, o
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass diploma with 24 Distinctions in a science related subject, which must include appropriate maths and science content
  • T-level: Merit — overall in Science (Laboratory

Scholarships

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Geologist
  • Engineering geologist
  • Geophysicist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Mining geologist
  • Environmental consultant

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790; Tuition fees for subsequent years of the degree will be charged at the standard undergraduate rate set by the UK Government. For the 2027/28 academic year, the Home UK tuition fee is expected to be £10,050. Further increases are anticipated to be implemented automatically through government legislation, therefore it is likely that your tuition fees will rise for each subsequent year of your studies. | International: £20,750

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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