Secrets Beneath the Surface: The Power and Impact of Volcanoes
31 October 2026
10:00am-5:00pm
Ewert House Ewert Place, Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DD
Event status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
31 October 2026
Study Format:
In-person day/weekend
Fees:
£140.00
What is a volcano? What is magma and how does it form? During this course you will be introduced to volcanoes and igneous rocks. You will cover all aspects of the subject from the internal heat of the Earth, plate tectonics, what volcanoes are and the different types, as well as where they are found.
You will discover how to identify the great variety of igneous rocks, and this is accomplished by learning 15 common minerals (as rocks are made from minerals). You will then explore how to interpret the features that the rocks display by using the tutor’s collection from around the world. Useful handouts make this process easy, even for beginners.
Watch video footage of real eruptions and gain the skills of interpreting eruption styles and how geologists use data to forecast volcanic activity. A few case studies will be used such as Vesuvius, the Caribbean, Mount St Helen, Iceland as well as using the current live information for any eruptions on the day of the course. You will be able to put your skills gained from this course in action on all your future holidays.
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 on 28 October 2026.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Accommodation
If you wish to stay with us before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.
Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk
Our accommodation at Rewley House in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.
Recommended reading
Rothery, David. A. Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis, John Murray Learning, 2015
Programme details
9.45am
Registration
10am
Introduction to volcanoes: shape, form and eruption styles
11.15am
Tea/coffee break
11.45am
Identifying igneous minerals and igneous rocks
1pm
Lunch break
2pm
Linking the rocks to eruption styles. Case study 1.
3.15pm
Tea/coffee break
3.45pm
A glimpse of the eruptions of the day. Case studies 2 and interpreting rocks.
5pm
End of day
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Event Fee (includes tea/coffee) | £140.00 |
| Baguette lunch | £7.90 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Payment
Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.
Dr Jill Eyers
Dr Eyers is a UK geologist and lecturer with many years’ experience who has worked and travelled all over the world. She is an author of many scientific papers and books, and is a regular speaker on cruise ships.
Module code: O26P102BIJ
Please use the ‘Book’ button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.
