Geology with Foundation Year

There’s always another way to follow your passion. If you don’t quite have the entry requirements to study geology at Leicester, this STEM Foundation Year degree is for you.

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 other activities, as we recognise that everyone has different strengths and preferred ways of learning. For many students, fieldwork is one of the highlights of their time at Leicester.

All of our geology focussed courses are accredited by the Geological Society, demonstrating that our degrees offer high-quality teaching as well as providing the skills necessary for a career as a professional geoscientist. Furthermore, our graduates are highly sought after in many professions because of the breadth of skills you will develop, including high levels of independence, team-working, and data analysis. We have a strong emphasis on embedding skills within our modules, and we provide careers advice throughout your degree, including an annual in-house careers event and through our excellent links with industry partners and alumni.

With diverse modules to choose from to develop your own interests, and with excellent field programmes and numerous scholarships and bursaries available to support your studies, we are committed to helping you achieve your full academic potential.

Leicester isn't just a top 25 UK university (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025) and Daily Mail's University of the Year 2025. It's cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, an incredible network of expert teaching staff, a warm campus community, and a place to call home.

What's more, all Clearing applicants are guaranteed a place in Leicester's accommodation! Expect modern furnishings, speedy Wi-Fi and cosy lounge areas - all at a range of costs and sizes. To secure a spot, make sure you've completed your application before 1st September.

With a student body made up of Midlanders, Brits, and people from across the world, you're bound to make friends for life at Leicester. Whatever you're passionate about, there are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people, with societies including Film, Debating, Art, Bollywood, Archery & Tennis. Leicester is also one of the most student-friendly cities in the UK. You've got music venues, bars, pubs & clubs all on your doorstep!