BSc (Hons) Physical Geography

About the course

Ever wondered why natural disasters happen? If they’re becoming more prevalent? Or perhaps considered how best to deal with their consequences? With its focus on how physical spaces on our planet are sculpted and the interplay of people, the environment and biodiversity - physical geography allows you to consider these and other questions at length.

• For example you’ll have the opportunity to examine the contemporary landscape and the processes which have influenced its formation, before following specific routes in your final year.
• We offer two modules on environment and society to ensure that you appreciate how the physical world has influenced how we, as a society, have developed.
• You can also gain valuable insights and real-world experience, in the third year from an optional work placement, to help you get ahead in the career of your choice. In the final year of this course you’ll have the chance to complete a dissertation that includes a piece of independent research.
• We also firmly believe in ‘learning through doing’ and since fieldwork is an integral part of any geographers training, you’ll find that we’ve embedded field-trips, including residential field courses in Years 1 and 2, into all three of our Geography degrees, so you can fully embrace the fantastic opportunities that learning in the field presents.
• All our teaching staff are educated to doctoral level have expertise in a range of geography subject areas and by studying this course you'll become eligible for membership of the Royal Geographical Society giving you access to resources, events, and networking opportunities via the Royal Geographical Society community.

Your career

By developing clear conceptual understanding of core geography principles together with hands-on experience of key techniques and approaches related to its practice, our Physical Geography BSc(Hons) is designed to give you the skills sought by a range of graduate recruiters. These include communication/presentation fluency, team-working, fieldwork expertise, environmental, social and commercial awareness, IT literacy, report writing, data analysi and GIS, time management and investigative skills, among others.

Geography graduates typically progress into careers in:

• Teaching: school, college, university
• Research: climate change, sustainability
• Environmental Management: environmental monitoring, environmental impact officer
• Planning: GIS analyst, policy advisor, land surveying
• Finance Banking: insurance, auditing
• Commercial Enterprises: management, data analysis
• Travel/Tourism: writing/promotion, sales professional
• Development: NGOs, charities
• Nature Conservation: biodiversity officer, planning ecologist