BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography (Including Foundation Year)
95% OF OUR PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE STUDENTS ARE SATISFIED WITH THEIR COURSENATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY 2019
Are you looking for a degree that combines a study of the Earth, including its structure, composition and history, with its surface processes and their interactions with Earth’s systems and people? Together, the study of geology and physical geography will provide you with a unique breadth of subject knowledge and a sound understanding of the Earth.
The BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography is the only degree in Wales to properly offer this combination of subjects, you will be able to combine the study Physical Geography and Geology elements that really interest you, shaping your final degree in Earth Sciences.
The Foundation course is designed for applicants who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to the BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography degree. You’ll start by completing a foundation year, which provides well-structured support, allowing you to develop your scientific skills and knowledge.
Field-trips may take you to the Pembrokeshire National Park, the Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Brecon Beacons National Park. There may also be the opportunity to travel further afield, for example to the tectonically and volcanically active areas of Sicily or Greece, and mapping in locations such as France, Spain, Scotland Ireland, Thailand or Uganda. (Additional costs may apply).
What you will study
You will gain a wide range of applied technical skills, in addition to developing traditional analytical, research and mapping skills. The course will develop your ability to work logically and independently, to acquire, analyse and interpret data; to develop scientific principles and to employ these methods and techniques to solve geological and geographical problems.
The curriculum provides suitable background knowledge in the first year depth in the second year, and a focus on management, practical application and employability in the third year. This will include areas of greatest interest and relevance to society, including exploration and exploitation of mineral and hydrocarbon resources, environmental management, management of hazards and climate change. Your degree will provide you with the knowledge and experience to tackle these areas in employment or further study. You will gain experience in a variety of field and survey skills.
Year One
- Foundations in Earth Sciences
- Key Ideas in Geography
- Foundation Ecology and Environmental Science
- Geo Field Techniques
- Key Skills and Professional Development
- Scientific Data Literacy
Year Two
- The Dynamic Earth
- Rocks, Minerals and Fossils
- Basic Field Geology
- Introductory to Data Analysis and GIS
- Landform Systems
- Introductory Field and Research Skills
Year Three
- The Evolving Earth
- Sedimentology
- Structural Geology
- Reconstructing Change
- Fluvial and Glacial Environments
- Techniques in Geography
Year Four
- Basin Analysis and Hydrocarbon Exploration
- Management of Environmental Hazards
Additionally, four modules from the following options:
- Climate Change
- Volcanology
- Engineering and Mining Geology
- Independent Mapping and Project
- Regional Geography Field Course
- Earth Observation
- Dissertation
- Work Based Learning
Careers
The emphasis for the Geology and Physical Geography degree is on employability and our graduates have obtained positions in many areas of traditional geological employment such as hydrocarbon extraction and exploration, or aggregate exploitation. In addition, other career openings for our graduates include contaminated land reclamation, waste disposal and geotechnical engineering. Many of our graduates have developed careers in local authorities, environmental consultancies, the Environment Agency, the construction industry, the service sector and the civil service.
Whether in a diverse and competitive jobs market or reading for a higher degree, we know you will be as well prepared as possible come graduation. You will find that there is no match for the practical experiences and applications you will develop through study on our courses and on fieldwork.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.