Skip to Main Content

Geology

Geology is the study of the earth’s past, present and future. The course involves study of a broad range of traditional geology such as Palaeontology and structural geology, balanced with contemporary issues such as fracking and sinkholes. Students will gain hands-on practical experience in the laboratory and in the field.

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board OCR
Level Level 3
Qualification A Level
Assessment Method Examination
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
Photograph of a student revising for a Geology exam

You will study 7 modules over two years: Development of practical skills in geology, Foundations in geology, Global tectonics, Interpreting the past, Petrology and economic geology, Geohazards, Basin analysis.

All exams are taken at the end of the 2 year and all 3 examinations assess content from all 7 modules

  • Paper 1 Fundamentals of Geology worth 41%
  • Paper 2 Scientific literacy in Geology worth 37%
  • Paper 3 Practical skills in Geology worth 22%
  • The fourth component is a Practical endorsement which is non-examined.

Many Geology students specialise in a career in Earth Sciences however it is also an accepted science qualification for entry to other science pathways, see below for some examples from the OCR Geology Factsheet
Geology:
Applied Geology, Archaeology & Earth Science, Earth Science, Environmental Geology, Environmental Science, Geological Hazards, Geological Oceanography, Geophysics, Geology with Physical Geography, Palaeobiology, Palaeoecology, Palaeontology, Planetary Science, Conservation & Countryside Management, Forensic Science.
STEM degrees:
Civil Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Engineering with Environmental Management, Engineering Geology & Geotechnics, Material Science, Mining Engineering, Petroleum and Gas Engineering.

  • This course includes a compulsory 4 day residential field trip at Blencathra Field Studies Centre
  • Lectures/workshops in college and the local area

Related Courses

Skip Courses

Applied Science

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) is designed for post-16 students interested in pursuing science beyond GCSE. Equivalent to one A Level[...]

Photograph of an applied science student conducting an experiment

Biology

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from[...]

Photograph of a biology student with books and some plants.

Chemistry

Chemistry is a linear A level course that requires, and develops, a variety of skills from mathematical calculations and problem solving to analysis and practical skills.

Photograph of chemistry students performing an experiment

Environmental Science

This course provides an ideal base for employment, for example, ecology and wildlife conservation, land management, town planning, architecture, forestry, geology or climatology. Students could work for a charity like[...]

Photograph of Environmental Science student studying.

Geography

Geography has modules in physical and human geography. Students develop skills in mathematics, analysis and extended writing. Practical work within the specification is one of the attractions of Geography and[...]

Photograph of a student studying Geography next to a globe

Mathematics

This course is for those who enjoy the challenges of mathematics and want an A level which is highly thought of by both employers and universities.

Photograph of an A level maths student.

Statistics

Using and understanding data is becoming increasingly important in many areas of study and employment. Understanding of statistics is a crucial skill, and this A Level aims to give students[...]

Photograph of a student with a calculator
News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

Students, staff and guests came together on Friday 22nd May for the annual Duke of Edinburgh Garden Party, celebrating the achievements of Aquinas students involved in the award programme.

Photograph of a group of students stook outside an old building

Our Music Technology students recently visited Spirit Studios for a hands-on Drum Recording Workshop, gaining valuable experience in a professional studio environment. Students explored the process of recording live drums, learning about drum tuning and setup, patching signals for recording, and operating professional mixing equipment. A fantastic opportunity to develop technical skills, work with industry-standard […]

Cropped photograph of a recording studio

Our Environmental Science students recently visited Chester Zoo for a fantastic day of learning beyond the classroom. Students took part in an engaging educational talk, enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour, and had the opportunity to see a wide variety of species up close, including some of the zoo’s iconic giraffes. The trip provided valuable insight into […]

Students at Chester Zoo

Students taking part in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recently completed their Practice Expedition in the stunning Lake District, following on from their training walk earlier this year in January. The expedition challenged students to navigate independently, carry full expedition equipment, camp overnight and work together as a team across demanding routes and changing […]

Students in the Lake District with hiking equipment