Geology (Volcanology) BSc (Hons)

Volcanology – the study of one of the Earth's most dynamic processes. From climate change to natural hazards, our Geology (Volcanology) BSc allows you to explore and understand the Earth’s fascinating history. Our modern programme focuses on developing your practical skills through fieldwork and laboratory scenarios, as well as enhancing your employability by offering the opportunity to spend a year working in industry. These essential skills will prepare you for highly valued careers in geology, including volcanologist, seismologist, or geological surveyor.

Why choose this course?


• This programme is accredited by the Geological Society of London



• Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic natural environment to perform fieldwork



• Geology ranked Top 10 in England (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)*



• No prior knowledge of geology is required and there are no formal exams



• Top 20 in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences (Guardian University League Table, 2025)



Delve into the inner workings of volcanoes and gain the geological skills to address some of our planet’s major environmental issues. Our Geology (Volcanology) degree will build your comprehensive geology knowledge and skills and provide an in-depth study of volcanic processes and their effects on society.

Never studied Geology before? We've designed this programme to provide you with a solid grounding in the subject during year one, laying the foundation for advanced study in years two and three.

When you study geology you will explore Earth’s origins, the evolution of life, and the exploration, extraction, and management of its natural resources. As an interdisciplinary subject, it draws on geography, environmental science, chemistry, biology, and physics. You will develop an understanding of Earth’s and other planets' structures and explore the physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring deep beneath our feet.

Our volcanology pathway allows you to study specialist field techniques, equipment and software to understand different volcanic phenomena. You will explore everything from magma generation deep within the Earth, to the diverse types of volcanic eruptions and the effects of volcanoes on society, ranging from natural hazards to climate change.

We place a strong emphasis on developing practical skills, equipping you with the methods and techniques needed for future employment. You will gain hands-on experience using equipment, samples, and digital resources in our state-of-the-art Central Science Labs while gathering, analysing, and interpreting your own research data through residential and one-day field courses. There are study abroad and work placement options, and Keele’s campus serves as a ‘living laboratory’ with 600 acres of natural environment for fieldwork.

*We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges).

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.