Geology of Scotland's Coast

Scotland’s coastline is ideal for studying geology, with diverse rocks revealing its geological history and coastal processes.

In this classroom-based course you will explore the coastline and islands as a rich natural laboratory, from rocky cliffs and headlands to long sandy beaches, estuaries and deep-sea lochs. You will examine a wide range of rock types, learning how they reveal Scotland’s long and complex geological history and investigate how the landscape has been shaped my marine and glacial erosion.

You will also consider why the coast continues to change today, and how sea-level rise and climate change are likely to reshape it in the future.

Any recommended reading will be advised by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Describe the main rock types and geological framework of Scotland, and explain how these underpin the diversity of Scotland’s coastline and how this has influenced people in the past and present
• Explain and evaluate the key coastal geological processes, the timescales they operate over, and assess how Scotland’s coast may change in the future
• Apply transferable skills in observation, recording and analysis by identifying and interpreting common coastal rocks/features, and communicating evidence-based conclusions clearly (e.g., through field notes, sketches, photos, and short written summaries) 

This course assumes no prior knowledge and introduces a range of topics including rock formation, coastal change and climate change.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

There are no specific entry requirements for this course. You do not need to have any prior knowledge about geology.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course start date, unless the course is full or cancelled.