Studying Geology at School

You can study Geology as an independent A Level or GCSE subject in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Geology is also taught when it overlaps with other subjects, as part of the science and geography curriculum.

Note that the information on this page is correct at the time of writing (February 2016) but the current GCSE and A level Geology specifications were taught for the last time from September 2016. From the academic year beginning September 2017, new GCSE and A levels will be taught. At this point the examining board WJEC will become known as EDUQAS.

After Age 16 in England, Wales & Northern Ireland: A & AS Levels

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, geology may be studied at A (advanced) level and AS (advanced subsidiary) level through the OCR and WJEC examining bodies. AS level is equal in weight to half an A level.

Not all schools and sixth-form colleges offer A level geology, and it is not an essential subject for entry to a degree course. Taking science subjects and maths, possibly with/without geography will provide a solid base for going on to university if that is your intention. The course content for A level geography (and, to a lesser extent, science subjects) typically includes some Earth science.

After age 16 in Scotland: Highers

In Scotland the main post-16 academic qualification is the ‘Higher’. Students typically take a number of subjects at Higher level, and then proceed to Advanced Highers, if available; or opt to take more Highers. Since 2015, geology is not offered at Higher level; students planning to study geology at university are advised to study maths and science subjects, although some schools are offering the English Geology A Level.

Four Higher qualifications are typically equivalent to three A levels as the entry qualification for university in Scotland, along with Scottish Vocational Qualifications and National Qualification Group Awards. For universities in the UK, outside of Scotland, Advanced Highers may be required.

In 2015/16 new National Qualifications were introduced across Scotland. SQA is one of three partner organisations responsible for Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) - the 3-18 curriculum in Scotland. Please visit the Education Scotland website for further information on Curriculum for Excellence.

Geological maps

Before age 16 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: GCSEs

For students aged 14 – 16 (Key Stage 4), geology can be taken as a separate GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at some schools, which extends the Earth science content well beyond that in the National Curriculum. This GCSE Science: geology syllabus is administered by the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC).

All students, however, can take a GCSE in Core Science at Key Stage 4. Most then take extra science either as ‘Additional Science’, ‘Applied science’, or through individual science subjects leading to GCSE awards in physics, chemistry and biology. At Key Stage 4, for those students who cannot take a GCSE specifically in geology, geological content is present in the GCSE geography and science courses.

Before age 16 in Scotland: Nationals

Since 2014, Scottish pupils aged 14 – 16 study National Qualifications. A variety of subjects are available including science, environmental science physics, chemistry and biology.

Geology in School

Geology in UK schools before age 14

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland at Key Stages 1 - 3 (ie for ages 5 – 14), Science and geography are core subjects.

Most of the geology within the science content is delivered through a teaching section called ‘Materials and their properties’, which is largely focused on chemistry. Geological topics can be featured as exemplars in ‘Experimental and investigative Science’, which offers scope for field investigations. Additional Earth science topics, including plate tectonics, are also included in geography at Key Stage 3.

So all students will gather some geology during their time at school, although it may remain hidden unless a teacher is keen to highlight it!

Find out more about the
National Curriculum for England

Options before age 16

To find out how choices at school before age 16 can influence your future career visit icould, or the Science Coucil’s Future Morph.

Key Stages and levels

All students up to the age of 16 in state schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland study the National Curriculum which is organised into four key stages:

Key Stage 1, age 5 - 7
Key Stage 2, age 7 - 11
Key Stage 3, age 11 - 14
Key Stage 4, age 14 - 16

Scotland follows the Curriculum for Excellence which is organised into levels:

First Level, age 5-8
Second Level, age 8-11
Third/Fourth level, age 11-14
Senior phase, age 14-16

School Qualifications & Applying for University

The International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate is an alternative programme of study to the UK National Curriculum, and is taught at around 140 schools in the UK. It’s well-respected by universities and can be an advantage if you hope to study overseas.

There are 4 programmes for students aged 3 – 19, but in the UK the Diploma Programme (roughly equivalent to A levels) is the one you are most likely to hear about. The IB Diploma was established in 1968 and is taught to students aged 16-19.

The IB has a reputation for being demanding but very rewarding. It offers a broader programme of study than A levels (six subjects are studied) and students complete assessment tasks in school and take written exams at the end of the programme. Each of the six subjects is marked out of 7 (maximum of 42 points). The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, out of a total of 45 points. The top UK universities usually make offers to students who achieve between 32 and 40 points.

For full details, visit the IB website

Equal Opportunities at school

A number of organisations work to improve access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths careers for young people regardless of their backgrounds or income.

Find out more