Physical Geography (BSc)

Program Overview

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Through fieldwork, research, and industry-standard equipment, students develop skills in mapping, data analysis, and environmental monitoring. The program prepares graduates for careers in government, consultancies, and other sectors, empowering them to find sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

Program Outline

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Analysis of "Physical Geography (BSc)" at Cardiff University

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• Develop a thorough understanding of the Earth's processes and hazards.
• Apply knowledge to real-world problems related to the physical environment.
• Gain experience in fieldwork and research with world-leading scientists.
• Understand the science behind physical processes and hazards like flooding and coastal erosion.
• Adapt and find solutions to the challenges we face in the future.

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Description:

• Explores how the Earth functions and global hazards.
• Investigates landscapes and glacial processes.
• Studies physical processes around the world.
• Develops skills in mapping and research.
• Uses industry-standard equipment and software.
• Focuses on the physical world and its impact.
• Provides knowledge to make a positive difference.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Core modules focus on Earth sciences and geography.
• Topics include oceans, climate, earth processes, and global environments.
• Develops geographical skills like map and chart work, GIS, and basic geographical data analysis.
• Decision on continuing with chosen degree or switching to another geography degree in same school.

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Year 2:

• Builds on knowledge from year one.
• Explores advanced concepts like process geomorphology and hydrology.
• Gains skills and experience in sampling, data collection, and analysis.
• Residential field course to a coastal national park in Wales to learn key field skills.
• Independent research in summer between years two and three for dissertation preparation.

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Year 3:

• Freedom to shape degree and choose modules fitting career ambitions.
• Develops essential professional skills and knowledge.
• Core modules include dissertation and Environmental Geomorphology.
• Optional modules include Global Climate Change, Extreme Environments, and Marine Environmental Systems.
• Overseas residential field course to a coastal location in Europe to develop skills in environmental monitoring and surveying the physical landscape.

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Assessment:

• Assesses knowledge and understanding through assignments, presentations, fieldwork, examinations, and a dissertation.
• Provides written and oral feedback on coursework.
• Informal feedback throughout the course.
• Wide range of assessments, including traditional essays, data interpretation exercises, posters, group presentations, technical reports, and briefing papers.
• Prepares students for employment and professional assessment experiences.

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Teaching:

• Friendly and informal school environment.
• Taught by world-leading experts involved in cutting-edge international research.
• Mix of theory and practical, including lectures, laboratory work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, and seminars.
• Encouragement for independent and group learning.
• Development of project management, organizational skills, and competence in applying information technology and using state-of-the-art field techniques and equipment.

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Careers:

• Graduates are in demand due to increasing pressure on the planet from climate change and a changing landscape.
• Use knowledge of the Earth's processes to find sustainable solutions to complex challenges.
• Work in various industries and roles, including government, government agencies, consultancies, technical specialists, geospatial analysts, and other sectors like insurance, finance, education, and planning.
• Past students work at Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, local government, environmental consultancies, and environmental charities.

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Other:

• Four-year program option with a professional placement year.
• Regular day trips along the coast and to the Brecon Beacons in South Wales.
• School aims to create an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment.
• Bronze status in Athena SWAN principles, promoting gender equality in higher education.
• Admission requirements and application process for 2025 entry.

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Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas. Learn how we decide your fee status

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Fees for home status

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.

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Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

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Additional costs

The fieldwork costs for your core modules are included but you will need to contribute towards food if it is provided during the trip.

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Course specific equipment

You will need suitable clothing including warm weather, wind and storm-proof jackets and walking boots. We will provide all health and safety equipment as well as specialised field equipment.

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Accommodation

We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.

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Living costs

We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.