Physical Geography

Overview and aims of the Programme Our planet is constantly evolving and reshaping itself. We need to understand the science behind physical processes and hazards like flooding and coastal erosion so we can adapt and find solutions to challenges we’ll face in the future.

On our Physical Geography course, you will explore how the Earth functions and learn about global hazards like volcanoes and landslides and investigate how landscapes evolve over time. You will study physical processes from across the world, from glacial processes to desertification. You will develop skills in mapping and research and get experience of using industry-standard equipment and software.

We make the most of our location and take regular day trips along the coast and to the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. There will also be opportunities to do overseas trips, in the past our geography students have been to Switzerland and Tenerife.

Students on this course are usually interested in the physical world around us and want to use their knowledge and understanding to make a positive difference. Graduates leave with the skills to solve a range of complex real-world problems related to the physical environment and with experience of hands-on fieldwork and cutting-edge research with world-leading scientists.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

Student satisfaction - belong to a small and friendly community voted top among all Russell Group Universities in the main category of Overall Satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2018. In 2019 our Geography degrees were jointly ranked 1st out of 63 Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences undergraduate courses.

Flexible degree schemes - all of the School’s degrees have a common first semester that introduce you to geosciences and geography. You can then decide whether to stay with your chosen degree or switch to another in the same School.

Placement opportunity - in year three you can choose to do an industry placement and gain invaluable skills and experience.

Hands-on fieldwork in the UK and overseas - you will get plenty of opportunity to develop your fieldwork skills with regular day trips and residential trips in Wales and overseas. Wales is like a playground for geographers. From impressive mountains in the north to a biodiverse tidal estuary in the south, we have a huge range of natural environments to explore.

World leading experts and facilities – you will be taught by world-leading scientists and have access to: the latest technologies in surveying and mapping equipment, chemical laboratories, laboratories with GIS (Geographic Information System) and a 12-metre research boat, the RV Guiding Light.

Industry connections - we have excellent links with external partners including employers, consultancies and local organisations like Natural Resources Wales. These connections help students to find relevant and highly topical research projects and will often offer practical help, advice and placement opportunities.