Program Overview

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Environmental Geography with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Overview

The Environmental Geography with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's functions and the science behind human impact on the planet. This four-year full-time degree includes a year of study abroad, where students can experience other cultures and viewpoints, learn different styles and approaches to the subject, and explore new physical environments.

Subject Areas

• Earth and environmental sciences
• Geography (physical)

UCAS Code and Duration

• UCAS code: K32L
• Duration: 4 years
• Mode: Full time with year abroad

Why Study This Course

The program offers a unique opportunity to learn while traveling and experiencing the landscapes, education, and culture of a different country. Students will have access to the latest technologies and develop skills in geographical mapping, research, analysis, and problem-solving. The course also provides industry connections, fieldwork opportunities, and high-quality facilities.

Entry Requirements

A Level

• ABB-BBC (with 1 science subject) or BBB-BCC (with 2 science subjects)
• Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Statistics

International Baccalaureate

• 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects (with 1 HL science subject) or 31-29 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects (with 2 HL science subjects)
• Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Maths, Physics, Psychology

Baccalaureate Wales

• From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3)

GCSE and Other Essential Requirements

• English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent
• GCSE Maths grade C/4 or equivalent qualification

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Fees for Home Status

Year	Tuition Fee	Deposit
Year one	｣9,535	None
Year two	｣9,535	None
Year three (sandwich year)	｣1,430	None
Year four	｣9,535	None

Fees for Overseas Status

Year	Tuition Fee	Deposit
Year one	｣30,700	None
Year two	｣30,700	None
Year three (sandwich year)	｣4,605	None
Year four	｣30,700	None

Additional Costs

• Fieldwork costs are included, but students may need to contribute towards food
• Students will pay 15% of the usual Cardiff University fees during their year of study abroad
• Living costs while abroad, health insurance costs, travel, and visa application fees

Course Structure

This is a four-year full-time degree. The first year provides a strong foundation in environmental geography, while the second and fourth years offer core and optional modules. The third year is spent studying at a partner institution in another country.

Year One

• Core modules:
  • World of Dynamic Environments
  • Exploring Planet Earth
  • GIS, Maps and Analytical Skills
  • Geography Field Skills
  • Understanding the Living Planet
  • Fundamentals of Geographical Science

Year Two

• Core modules:
  • Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Science
  • Geographical Fieldwork and Perspectives
• Optional modules:
  • Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis
  • The Coastal System
  • Process Geomorphology & Hydrology
  • The Ocean-Atmosphere System

Year Three: Sandwich Year

• Year of Study Abroad

Year Four

• Core modules:
  • Environmental Geography Dissertation
  • Extreme Environments: biogeochemical perspectives
• Optional modules:
  • Advanced Geography Fieldwork II
  • Hazards, Risk and Resilience
  • Marine Environmental Systems
  • Global Climate Change

Learning and Assessment

The teaching approach is a mix of theory and practical, including lectures, laboratory work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, and seminars. Students will be assessed through a combination of assignments, presentations, fieldwork, examinations, and a dissertation.

Careers and Placements

The program provides a wide range of career opportunities, including conservation and environmental management, environmental consultancy, and geospatial analysis. Students will also develop essential employable skills that are valuable in various sectors.

Fieldwork

The program includes several residential field trips, including an overseas trip, to train students in essential fieldwork skills such as map-reading, landscape identification, and the use of a compass.

Next Steps

Students can sign up to receive the latest news, learn more about the university's global opportunities, and get in touch with the admissions team for help with any questions.