@Turmerictolly oooo well geology and engineering geology are both interesting courses for him.
Things I’d ask are around are options and breadth of options for study in 2nd and 3rd year. Is there plenty of choice in modules so he can find things he likes to learn about.
Where is field work and is the cost included in the degree tuition fees. DS1 went to Ullapool, France, Cyprus and Sicily ( last one cancelled due to covid) plus lots and lots of day trips and one local trip to cheddar gorge area in first year to bond that was just food on one night. Paid for 1 flight and 2 lots of food costs across first three. So everything else covered. Many make you find money for the whole lot.
End of second year into third there is normally a 6 week field study that gives you data for final year project. Some unis have links and you can do it in South America etc others expect you to organise yourself.
Do they have third year placement links to particular companies for ease of a placement.
Look at unis with good research reputations.
DS1 is a scout leader and enjoys walking around in shorts and walking boots in all seasons. Enjoys climbing, sea kayaking etc - talked about computing as course in gcse years but came into geology as 4th a level and by the January wanted to do the degree in it.
Other A levels - included Chemistry which is very useful
Unis aren’t fussed about geology or geography a level but it does show interest and passion. Chemistry and or physics is very helpful.
1st year is the basics plus catch up physics and chemistry - if you’ve done it at a level you get 2 extra hours of free time per week.
my DS1 loves his job … as he’s gone to a middling uni for Geology he stayed and dud a masters to give him a lift in the jobs market and a specialism he loves geological hazards - 🌋!
Unis that impressed were:
Exeter Penryn - we thought grades too high for DS1 ( however as very remote often in clearing so might have been one to drop grades) - own mine!!?! Less nightlife but beach life big thing - small campus
Cardiff - friendly place and good research - cheap rents - good nightlife
Leicester - 1st place we went as had an early open day - surprisingly good and strong research - friendly
Birmingham - had a museum at uni with a dinosaur 🦕 Can’t remember much else
Royal Holloway - lots of courses - nice campus - research good - yr2 rentals close by weren’t cheap
Portsmouth - Solid mid range - research and equipment investment - friendly - seaside location and nice restaurants and historic dockyard for parent visits plus town location so lots of nightlife