International courses

About International Field Geosciences (bsc (hons)) in University College Cork

The BSc International Field Geosciences (IFG) is a joint Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree that focuses on the documentation, interpretation and synthesis of critical geological issues in the field.

The degree rests upon a backbone of existing modules that are the foundation of current geology courses at UCC and the University of Montana, complemented by an emphasis on the development of field-based learning in an intercultural setting.

The core curriculum is identical to that required for the existing BSc Geology at UCC. Upon successful completion of Year 1 Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences examinations, students will apply to undertake the BSc in International Field Geosciences.

The International Field Geoscience degree is a geology degree with a significant emphasis on field-based learning in an international environment.

Students who undertake this course will spend their third academic year at the University of Montana, where they will take a number of field-orientated courses set in the Rocky Mountains and western United States.

By taking this course you will learn something of the processes that have formed this planet over 4,500 million years, and which allow humans and life as we know it to exist on Earth. The course has a strong focus on field skills, and this, coupled with the international component, makes our graduates highly employable.

Key facts

• The International Field Geosciences (IFG) is a joint Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree with University of Montana
• The degree focuses on documentation, interpretation and synthesis of critical geological issues in the field
• IFG curriculum is identical to the BSc Geology except for year 3 which is spent studying at the University of Montana

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Year 3 of the course is spent in approved courses of study at the University of Montana. In year 4, you take approved geoscience modules to the value of 20 credits at the University of Potsdam.

Skills and Careers Information

There is currently a global shortage of geosciences and geology graduates. In recent years, our graduates have gained employment in the area of environmental geology and have worked at home or abroad in diverse fields such as infrastructure and engineering projects, geotechnical site investigations, hydrogeology, landfill management and environmental impact and protection.

Currently our graduates are in high demand and are being actively recruited by hydrocarbon and mineral exploration companies, guaranteeing unrivalled opportunities to work overseas.

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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