BSc (Hons)
Geological Hazards
Solving problems using real-world data
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides are all part of how the earth works. Unfortunately, these, along with human activities such as mining, present major risks to life, infrastructure and livelihoods.
This course trains you to ‘read’ the landscape and understand the mechanisms, triggers and risks involved in the evolution of its geological hazards.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Use our state-of-the-art geological and geotechnic labs for practical work
- Venture overseas for field-based learning and project work
- Visit geological sites in Norfolk and the Cotswolds
What opportunities might it lead to?
This course is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London, the professional body that oversees geoscience in the UK. It is the first stage of professional development leading to the award of Chartered Geologist status after a period in industry.
We will give you the knowledge and practical skills to ensure an interesting and rewarding career in the specialist area of geological hazards.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- aid organisations
- environmental organisations
- shore work
- civil sector roles
- mining
- insurance companies
My course is informative and interesting, the staff are approachable and friendly, and the fieldtrips are especially great.
Tim Over, BSc (Hons) Geological Hazards student
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- F611
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Entry
260-300 points to include 2 A Levels or equivalent, with 100 points from one science subject (biology, chemistry, environmental science/studies, geography, geology, mathematics or physics), or 160 points from two science subjects or one science and one relevant technology subject.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £11,900 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- sci.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5550 - Department
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Subject:
Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Fieldtrips in the UK and abroad providing invaluable practical skills
- The open-door approach of the lecturers, many of whom have industry experience
- Superb careers advice and support that is part of your course
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
To be a good geological hazard professional you first need to be a good geologist. In year one we concentrate on the fundamentals of the geological sciences, as well as focusing on the physics and chemistry of earth processes.
Core units in this year include:
- How the Earth Works
- Earth Materials
- Earth History and Life
- Natural Hazards
- Quantitative Methods
- Science for Earth Systems
Year two
You will specifically focus on the following areas:
- Volcanology and seismology (primary hazards)
- Geological hazards that affect the UK
- The mechanical behaviour of engineering soils and rocks
- Ground water and flood management
- More geology focused on structural aspects of geological interpretation and map work
Year three
Customise your studies by undertaking an independent project where you can decide the hazard-based topic, collect samples, carry out lab tests and report your findings. You’ll also consolidate your learning in the study of the following specialist subject areas:
- Hazard and risk analysis
- Geological hazard modelling
- Management and communication of hazard and risk
- Landslides and slope stability
Teaching and Assessment
The course provides a balanced structure of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. You will generally be taught in small classes, providing an informal, friendly and supportive atmosphere for your studies.
How are you assessed?
Assessment is a mix of coursework and exams, roughly 50:50. However, your coursework can take a variety of forms including:
- laboratory reports
- oral and poster presentations
- reports on field-based projects
- computer-based assessment
Tutor's view
Nick Koor
Earth and Environmental Sciences
A sound understanding of the geological processes that interact with us and the built environment and how we can predict and manage these events. This unique degree utilises state-of-the-art labs and computing facilities throughout and graduates often go on to postgraduate studies in subjects such as volcanology, climate change and coastal engineering.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
Laboratories
We offer a fully equipped geological, geochemical and geotechnics labs
Field Trips
Fieldwork is an important part of our courses
Maths Café
The Maths Café - drop in any time and get one-to-one help
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
Laboratories
We offer a fully equipped geological, geochemical and a recently refurbished geotechnics lab. Brimming with ultra-modern equipment, here’s a taste of what you’ll be able to work on:
- soil mechanics
- rock mechanics
- rock preparation
- aerial photographic interpretation
Field Trips
Fieldwork is an important part of our courses and can take between 75-80 days spread across the whole course. From hazard assessment to land mapping exercises, previously trips have been to:
- the Isle of Wight
- Dorset
- the Cotswolds
- Northern Spain
- Provence
- Tenerife
Maths Café
Drop in any time and get one-to-one help with that tricky maths or stats problem. With handouts on key topics to take away and computer-aided learning packages, we can get the problem solved and help you improve your numeracy skills.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
There is a growing need to monitor, warn and help control problems arising from geological hazards, leading to a rapid increase in employment opportunities for geological hazard graduates.
You are eminently employable and as a leading provider of applied geoscience graduates to industry we have an enviable employment record. Job opportunities include roles in regulatory authorities and government agencies, with geotechnical and geological consultants or in teaching.
Or you may choose to go on to postgraduate study and specialise in subjects such as volcanology, engineering geology, crisis and disaster management, contaminated land studies and coastal engineering.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- hazard mitigation specialist
- geotechnical and geological consultant
- ground investigation specialist
- researcher in volcanic hazards
- disaster risk management strategists
- hazard assessors for insurance companies
Work experience
We feel it’s very important for you to gain first-hand experience of the variety of geological techniques you will be learning throughout your course. Our strong emphasis on field work means you can gain real-world data from geological sites giving you an insight into current geohazard management and mitigation practice.
Current destinations include Norfolk, the Cotswolds, the Isle of Skye, Tenerife and an optional trip to North America in year three. You also have the chance to undertake your final-year project at a location of your choice, either in the UK or overseas.
In your final year there is an optional self-funded field course to a region of extreme geological hazard.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more