Physical Geography / Mathematics

This BSc in Physical Geography and Mathematics is a specialist degree in which you will spend half of your time studying science-based Geography and half of your time studying mathematics. This gives you a remarkable opportunity to investigate the processes which structure the natural world with the aid of mathematical analysis. You will do this on local and global scales, and you will look at the implications for human society that these powerful forces may threaten.

You will examine a range of subjects including environmental management, quaternary science, global ecology and earth surface environments, complemented with the development of your mathematical skills in areas such as algebra and calculus, differential equations or statistics.

You will be able to direct your study into specialist areas by choosing optional modules including River System Dynamics, Geomorphology, Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing, or Volcanic Activity. You will also be able to choose your mathematical focus between mechanics and statistics, choosing from modules such as Comparative Statistical Inference and Linear Modelling Techniques, or Partial Differential Equations and Hydrodynamics.

This course is based at our internationally-renowned Departments of Geography and Earth Sciences (DGES) and Mathematics. Our staff members specialise in particular branches of their disciplines and will be available for advice and guidance throughout your course, including as you prepare to write and present your substantial final dissertation.

DGES is one of the largest Geography communities in the UK and the fascinating coastal, fluvial and biological geography around Aberystwyth is perfect for you to get out and conduct regular field work.

This BSc in Physical Geography and Mathematics will be valuable in any almost any graduate workplace. Upon obtaining your degree, you will be a capable researcher, a confident analyst and fluent communicator. You will be experienced in planning projects, presenting in both oral and written form, and leading and co-operating in team settings. These skills are just some of the many you will be able to bring to any graduate workplace.

Our lecturers are active researchers working at the cutting edge of their disciplines, and you will benefit from being taught the latest geographical theories and techniques. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment (REF 2014) DGES retained its crown of the best Geography department in Wales, with 78% of the research being undertaken classified as either "world leading" or "internationally excellent”. DGES is also in the top ten of UK Geography departments with regard to research power, which provides a measure of the quality of research, as well as of the number of staff undertaking research within the department. In Mathematics, all research submitted to REF 2014 was rated as internationally recognised and above.

Our Staff

Department of Geography and Earth Science: lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.

All lecturers in the Department of Mathematics are qualified to PhD level and are research active. The majority have a postgraduate teaching qualification and new staff are required to complete the PGCTHE. The department also employs a number of part time tutors, with extensive teaching experience, and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

Your BSc in Physical Geography and Mathematics can prepare you for a broad range of employment and further training options. Your expertise in Physical Geography will make you a strong candidate for opportunities in cartography, environmental consulting, planning and development, and teaching. Your mathematical training will assist you in work relating to numerical analysis, such as working as an investment analyst, statistician, research scientist or secondary school teacher.

Recent statistics from HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) show that over 82 per cent of Geography graduates find either paid employment or continue with further study upon graduation from BSc courses comparable to this one. 40% of Mathematics graduates who find work do so in the business and financial sector. For more information see job prospects with a Geography degree and job prospects with a degree in Mathematics.

Throughout your training you will develop a wealth of core geographic and mathematical skills, as well as a range of other generic skills, all of which can be easily transferred into almost any graduate or professional employment situation.

Transferable Skills

Studying for a degree in Physical Geography and Mathematics will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include:

• enhanced numerical and computational skills
• the ability to research, interpret and analyse business and financial data
• the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
• effective problem-solving
• analytical and creative thinking skills
• decision-making
• the ability to work independently
• time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
• sself-motivation and self-reliance
• team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

Year in Employment scheme (YES)

The University operates a Year in Employment Scheme (YES), which offers you a fantastic opportunity to take a year out between your second and third year to work in an organisation in the UK or overseas. YES provides a very rewarding and worthwhile experience, both personally and professionally, and can help you to stand out from the crowd in a very competitive job market. The University’s Career Service will help you to explore your options and secure a suitable work placement.

Personal Development Plan

You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.

My course is very interesting. I have learnt about many different aspects of the world from how it was formed to what it could be like in the future. The lecturers are all really nice and friendly and they're happy to help anyone out with any problems or issues. My favourite modules are the practical ones where we get to do experiments. The fieldtrip in the second year is also a pretty good bonus. Charlotte Hewsen

Physical Geography starts with a love for the outdoors. It's brilliant because it's real, it's out there; you can't walk down a street without noticing geography. So many people have a fascination for the natural processes which take place around us, but few truly understand them. By studying Physical Geography you can gain valuable knowledge about the world around you. By engaging with the world we live in, we can understand it, promote it and conserve it for future generations, and that's pretty cool! Emily Brown