BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology with Placement Year drafted

Program Overview

Physical geography and geology examines how the Earth’s surface is shaped by natural and human processes. This knowledge is key to addressing many of the complex sustainability challenges facing the planet. Core modules explore seismic, landscape and volcanic geohazards, clean energy transitions, and long term environmental change. Students also study geographical modules which provide a deep understanding of climate, environments, and the biosphere.

Students gain specialist academic, international fieldwork and laboratory skills providing a springboard to an exciting and diverse range of careers.

The University of Plymouth has been named among the top 5% of universities globally in 2022 for its contribution to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals*, in particular, work on marine issues and on climate change. In the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, sustainability is at the heart of our research and teaching. From sustainable cities, affordable and clean energy, to climate policy, biodiversity, and natural hazards, our academic staff work with partners locally and overseas to help understand, communicate and solve fundamental and pressing sustainability challenges.

Our Earth Science courses are designed around a core which provides students with the skills and expertise that are critical to tackle today’s challenges of global environmental change. Ranging from locating and extracting the raw materials needed for a green energy transition to understanding climate history through time, the Earth Sciences play an active role and provide crucial perspectives on our planet's future.

Key features

• Our modules address critical sustainability challenges: reducing risk from natural hazards, harnessing cleaner energy sources and how to combat climate and environmental change.
• Our approachable staff share their cutting-edge research and expertise through varied teaching practices in lectures, tutorials, practical classes and field courses.
• Learn to apply the latest techniques in the field and laboratory. Our substantial fieldwork programme uses the unrivalled local range of geological and geographical locations. Residential overseas fieldwork visits regions of active tectonics such as Death Valley, Italy and Sicily.
• All students have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.
• Studentscan undertake a placement year, between the secondand final year, working full time for a geological employer.
• Study modules addressing the connection between physical geography and geology, such as ‘long-term landscape development’.
• Improve your skills in our open access laboratory, LABplus.
• Develop your confidence with your personal tutor, providing you with regular guidance throughout your degree.
• Get support from students in the year ahead via our PALS mentoring scheme.
• Live and study close to the sea, Dartmoor and two geological UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Receive essential field safety equipment free as part of your welcome package.
• Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the Geological Society, the world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology, helps you to gain the required experience.