Physical Geography (with integrated year studying abroad)

Why study Physical Geography at Aberystwyth University?

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

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
• GIS and Remote Sensing
• fieldwork opportunities in New Zealand, Crete New York, and Ireland
• travel awards to fund your own adventures (up to £400) that are available each year
• 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.

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 education to name a few.

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

Work opportunities:

If you are interested in undertaking valuable work experience during your degree, then perhaps our sister course (F846) may be some interest to you. This course combines the identical syllabus as L700, however you will undertake your work placement in-between your second and final year. This opportunity will definitely enhance your CV and employability skills.

Study Abroad:

DGES has also established Erasmus Exchange Programmes with the University of Bergen, the University of Oulu, Finland, and the University Centre in Svalbard, giving students the unique experience of studying in one of the world’s most extreme environments. We also have strong links with a number of universities in North America, where students can complete their second year of study. In recent years, our Exchange Co-ordinator has overseen placements at Purdue University (Indiana), the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, the University of Montana and the University of Ottawa in Canada.

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 your first 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

In your second year you will develop further in:

• laboratory and computer research skills in preparation for your independent research project
• analysing quantitative datasets
• producing maps and other graphical representations of geographical data

You will also participate in a residential field trip in the UK or overseas, and you can choose optional modules to specialise or simply maintain a broad interest across Geography.

In your third year you will embark on your Integrated Year studying abroad.

In your final year:

• you will undertake an independent research project involving collection, analysis and interpretation of your own data. 

How will I be taught?

Our courses are taught through lectures, seminars, laboratory and computer practical classes, 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.