BSc

Physical Geography

Physical Geography Code F84F Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

F84F

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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BSc Physical Geography with integrated Foundation Year is delivered by Aberystwyth University’s Department of Geography and Earth Sciences and is the most established and experienced department of its kind - with the unique opportunity to study geography in one of the most picturesque locations in Europe.

Set on the coast of Cardigan Bay and surrounded by a great diversity of beautiful environments, including marine, moorland, mountain and grassland, the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is uniquely placed to make the most of the stunning landscapes that surround it, providing you with a fabulous variety of fieldwork and recreational opportunities. This degree accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) will equip you with the skills, abilities and expertise to face and engage with the challenges facing society today.

The integrated foundation year - designed for prospective students who do not have a sufficient or relevant academic background - is the perfect option to access this highly-sort scheme. In the Foundation Year, you will learn about key concepts for Physical Geography from an inter-disciplinary angle, giving you a unique experience and critical perspective to make the most of the full undergraduate degree.

Course Overview

Following the foundation year, the syllabus of this course is identical to its sister course [Physical Geography, F840].

Why study Physical Geography at Aberystwyth University?

As a large dynamic Geography community we are able to offer you an extremely broad range of geographical specialism, opportunities and facilities:

  • River catchment processes;
  • Glaciology;
  • Biogeography;
  • Quaternary Environmental change;
  • Current trends in Geohazards;
  • Remotes Sensing and Geographical Information Systems;
  • Fieldwork opportunities in New Zealand, Crete, New York, and Ireland;
  • Travel awards available each year to fund your own adventures (up to £400);
  • State of the art teaching facilities with the latest technology to enhance learning;
  • Fully stocked laboratories with an array of analytical instruments e.g. mass spectrometers and core scanners of which can be used for fieldwork and independent study.
Our Staff

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

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Environmental Management GS00420 20
How to be a Student 1 GS09520 20
How to be a Student 2 GS09320 20
Information in a Post-Truth World GS01120 20
Understanding Change - Environment, People, Places GS00820 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Representing the Other: Cultures and Clashes GS09820 20
The "Othered" Migrant: Social Science Perspectives GS09620 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
An introduction to Earth Materials GS12520 20
Earth Surface Environments GS10520 20
How to Build a Planet * GS11520 20
Life on Earth GS10720 20
Living in a Dangerous World GS10020 20
Researching the World: data collection and analysis * GS13020 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Geography Dissertation * GS34040 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Applied Environmental Management GS31120 20
Environmental geochemistry and biogeochemistry GS30320 20
Glaciers and Ice Sheets GS33420 20
Monitoring our Planet's Health from Space GS32020 20
Volcanic Activity: Hazards and Environmental Change GS30420 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

What can I do with a degree in Physical Geography?

Our graduates have, for example, found employment as environmental consultants, planners, civil servants, surveyors, in and in education among many other things.

Employability is embedded within all courses provided by us. Our degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of careers across a range of sectors. In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.

The skill sets include:

  • Enhanced mathematical and computational skills;
  • Effective problem solving and creative thinking skills;
  • Information technology skills;
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
  • Time-management, organisational skills;
  • Communication skills both written and oral;
  • Self-motivation and self-reliance.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four-year degree scheme.

In the first foundation year, you will be introduced to core components of Physical Geography.

In your second year, you will be introduced to:

  • Key concepts in geographical study;
  • Issues and techniques in the collection, analysis and presentation of geographical data;
  • Climate change;
  • Landscape processes;
  • Global Environmental Change.

In your third year you will develop further in:

  • Laboratory and computer research skills in preparation for your independent research project;
  • You will learn how to analyse quantitative data sets;
  • Produce maps and other graphical representations of geographical data;
  • Participate in a residential field trip in the UK or overseas;
  • You can also choose optional modules to specialise or simply maintain a broad interest across Geography.

In your final year:

  • You will undertake an independent research project involving collection, analysis and interpretation of your own data;
  • You will be allocated your own advisor who will provide guidance;
  • Optional modules as diverse as glaciology, hydrology, volcanic hazards, and past climate change will enable you to tailor your study to suit your interests.

How will I be taught?

Our courses are taught through lectures, seminars, laboratory and computer practicals, small group tutorials, field courses and individual supervision of project work.

How will I be assessed?

We assess our students through a different range of methods. Some modules are assessed in part through traditional exams, but some have elements of coursework. We also have some modules that may require the student to produce practical reports, oral presentations, the design of web pages, production of short films, or contribution to online discussion forums. Some modules, notably the tutorials and field courses are assessed entirely through coursework.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

International Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

European Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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