BSc

Physical Geography (with integrated year in industry)

Physical Geography (with integrated year in industry) Code F846 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

F846

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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Aberystwyth University's Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is one of the most established and experienced departments of its kind. Aberystwyth University offers you the unique opportunity to study geography in one of the most picturesque locations in Europe and take part in the Integrated Year in Industry.

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 enhanced skills, abilities and expertise to face and engage with the challenges facing society today. 

Course Overview

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
  • Remote Sensing and GIS
  • 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 eg mass spectrometers and core scanners 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
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
Work Placement * GSS0260 60

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, and in education amongst 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

Work opportunities:

If you are interested in enhancing your CV and improving your employability prospects, then our sister course (F846) may be of some interest to you. This course is identical to F846, however you can combine studying with our integrated year in industry. You will take part in your placement in-between your second and final year. 

International opportunities: 

If you would like to discover a culturally enriching experience by studying in one of our partner universities across the world, then our sister programme (F845) may be of some interest to you. Discover another world in-between your second and final year. 

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.

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 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
  • global environmental change

In your second year you will develop further in:

  • your field
  • laboratory and computer research skills in preparation for your independent research project
  • how to analyse 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 can also choose optional modules to specialise or simply maintain a broad interest across Geography.

In your third year you will embark on your Integrated Year in Industry.

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
  • you will study 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 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. 

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

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

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

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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