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    Study geology abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying geology as an international student.

    Find geology programs

    Explore geology programs abroad

    See other programs in geology

    Geology degrees abroad

    Geology is the study of the physical Earth, what it’s made up of, the processes acting upon it and how it has changed over time. As a geology student, you’ll look at the complex formation of our planet by studying rocks, minerals and fossils to learn about the physics, chemistry and history of the Earth.

    Geologists have a vital role to play, and as a graduate you’ll be able to use your knowledge to help address the challenges we face from issues like climate change and natural disasters. That’s why geology is an ideal subject if you have a scientific mind and a desire to make a difference.

    Geology is a hands-on degree with lots of time spent out in the field, so studying overseas could give you the opportunity to study in a new and exciting environment. You can study geology abroad at all levels including bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate, and there are programs available all over the world.

    Geology program structure

    Geology is offered as a BSc at undergraduate level, and will take you between three and four years to complete, depending on where you study. Some universities in the UK and certain other countries offer an MSci geology program, which is a four or five year undergraduate degree that combines a bachelor’s and master’s.

    If you already have a related undergraduate degree you can study an MSc in geology as a separate program over one or two years. PhD doctorate degrees are also available, and can be studied in geology, or in a specialized area like geophysics or geochemistry. PhD programs can take five or more years to complete and will be entirely research-based.

    Most geology programs are practical in nature, and you’ll be taught through a combination of fieldwork, laboratory work, tutorials and group lectures. You will be assessed through written exams, oral presentations, assignments, essays and a research dissertation in your final year.

    The program structure and content of each geology program will vary depending on the university you study at, but here are some of the most common modules you will study:

    • Earth systems
    • Structural geology
    • Geoscience
    • Ocean systems
    • Sedimentology
    • Geochemistry
    • Geophysics
    • Palaeontology
    • Structural geology and tectonics
    • Geodynamics

    Best countries to study geology

    Best universities to study geology

    See all universities offering geology programs

    How to study geology abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

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    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Geology study abroad programs

    Geology undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in geology

    • false

      Geology - BSc University of Otago, New Zealand

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,640 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,055 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Geology
    • false

      Geology: Environmental Geoscience - BSc (Hons) Keele University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      22,258 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Geology: Environmental Geoscience
    • false

      Earth and Environmental Sciences: Geology track - BSc Murray State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,920 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,920 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Earth and Environmental Sciences: Geology track
    • false

      Geology - BSc (Hons) (with placement) University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,484 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,600 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Geology
    • false

      Environmental Geology - BSc University of Dayton, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      44,890 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 44,890 USD

      Start date
      January, May, August
      Show program overview about Environmental Geology
    See all bachelor's degrees in geology

    Associate in geology

    • false

      Geology - ASc Santiago Canyon College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,304 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 8,304 USD

      Start date
      February, June, August
      Show program overview about Geology
    • false

      Geology - AA North Seattle College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,687 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

      Start date
      September, January, April, June
      Show program overview about Geology
    • false

      Geology - AA/ASc Seattle Central College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,687 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

      Start date
      September, January, April, June
      Show program overview about Geology
    • false

      Geology - ASc Douglas College, Canada

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,375 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD

      Start date
      January, May, September
      Show program overview about Geology
    • false

      Geology - ASc College of the Desert, USA
      • Blended learning

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      7,368 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,368 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Geology
    See all associate degrees in geology

    Diploma in geology

    • false

      Advancing University Studies: Geology - DipAdvUniStud University of Canterbury, New Zealand

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      19,485 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,023 NZD

      Start date
      January, February
      Show program overview about Advancing University Studies: Geology
    See all undergraduate diplomas in geology

    Geology graduate programs

    Master's in geology

    • false

      Applied Geology - MAppSc University of Otago, New Zealand

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,564 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,890 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Applied Geology
    • false

      Earth and Environmental Sciences: Environmental Geology - MSc Murray State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,200 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,200 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Earth and Environmental Sciences: Environmental Geology
    • false

      Economic Geology - MEcon University of Tasmania, Australia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,349 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,068 AUD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Economic Geology
    • false

      Engineering Geology - MEngGeol University of Auckland, New Zealand

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      30,960 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 44,526 NZD

      Start date
      July, February
      Show program overview about Engineering Geology
    • false

      Engineering Geology - MSc University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,484 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,600 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Engineering Geology
    See all master's degrees in geology

    Doctorate in geology

    • false

      Geology - PhD University of Canterbury, New Zealand

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      4,936 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,099 NZD

      Start date
      January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
      Show program overview about Geology
    • false

      Geology - PhD University of Regina, Canada

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      11,227 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,058 CAD

      Start date
      January, May, September
      Show program overview about Geology
    • false

      Geology or Geophysics - PhD University of Wyoming, USA

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,500 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,500 USD

      Start date
      May, September
      Show program overview about Geology or Geophysics
    See all doctorates in geology

    Diploma in geology

    • false

      Science: Geology - PGDipSc University of Canterbury, New Zealand

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      27,639 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 39,500 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Science: Geology
    See all postgraduate diplomas in geology

    Future geology careers

    Many students studying geology will look to start a career as a geologist after graduation, but there are many other fields you could look to work in as well. Here are some jobs you could consider with the skills you’ve learned from a geology degree:

    • Mining geologist
    • Well-site geologist
    • Geotechnical engineer
    • Geoscientist
    • Environmental consultant
    • Environmental engineer
    • Hydrogeologist
    • Teacher

    Check to see if the program you want to study is accredited, as this can make it easier to get a geology role in the country you study in. If you need help working out what career you want to pursue, speak to your university who will be able to help you find the right role for you.