Geology A Level

A Level Geology

Volcanoes erupt, Earth's plates shift, welcome to the only course at Runshaw which is 4 billion years in the making. The present is the key to the past! Choose Geology and unlock the secrets of volcanoes, earthquakes, ancient oceans, and lost continents. This subject is perfect if you're curious about the forces that shape our planet — and even other planets! With real-world fieldwork, hands-on lab skills, and links to careers in sustainability, energy, and engineering, Geology gives you a powerful mix of science and adventure. It’s the ultimate subject for explorers, problem-solvers, and future planet-savers!

• Course Information

  • Course Code

    LAGEOLO

  • Learner Aim Reference

    Exam Board - Cambridge OCR

  • Attendance Pattern

    Daytime

  • Course Level

    Level 3

  • Study Mode

    Full Time

  • Course Location

    Langdale Road, Leyland

  • Age Group

    School Leavers (16-18)

  • Course Duration

    2 years

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• Overview

  The course is divided into 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.  Within each module students will complete practical assessment group activities that will foster their curiosity and understanding of key concepts while developing geological skills.

  Course Highlights:

  Trips abroad including Blencathra, Field Studies Council (4 day residential visit), university workshops and guest lectures from industry experts.

  

• Entry Requirements

  Overall requirements for the A Level Programme at Runshaw College require a minimum of 5 GCSE subjects at Grade 5, in 5 separate national curriculum subjects (including a minimum of grade 4 in both English and Maths). It is expected that most students will study 3 subjects – the option of doing 4 subjects for students who have an average GCSE grade profile of 8 or above will be considered on an individual basis. For more information on your future career path, visit www.informedchoices.ac.uk. View all our A Level courses in detail by clicking here.

  For this course, this must include a Grade 5 in Maths, a Grade 66 in Combined Science or a Grade 6 in Geology. Geology/Earth Science at the most prestigious Universities requires Maths and Chemistry, or Physics.

• How will I be assessed?

  Examinations are sat at the end of the two year course.

  • 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.

• Progression Pathway

  Many students who study Geology go on to pursue careers in Earth Sciences, but it is also widely recognised as a strong science qualification for a variety of other science-related pathways. According to the OCR Geology Factsheet, here are some examples of related fields and degrees:

  Geology-related courses: Applied Geology, Archaeology & Earth Science, Environmental Geology, 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, Materials Science, Mining Engineering, Petroleum and Gas Engineering.

• National Careers Service

  For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.