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 natural and physical environment, as well as the science behind human impact on the planet. This four-year full-time degree program includes a year of study abroad at a partner institution in another country.

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 different landscapes, education, and cultures. Students will develop strong fieldwork skills, industry connections, and access to high-quality facilities. The flexible course structure allows students to request a transfer to a program with a professional placement year or to the MSci at the end of the first year.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: 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)
• BTEC: DDM-DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Science, Applied Science, Engineering, Health Science, ICT, or Sports and Exercise Science
• Other qualifications: Select your qualification and country for more information

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

• Fees for home status:
  • Year one: Ł9,535
  • Year two: Ł9,535
  • Year three (sandwich year): Ł1,430
  • Year four: Ł9,535
• Fees for overseas status:
  • Year one: Ł30,700
  • Year two: Ł30,700
  • Year three (sandwich year): Ł4,605
  • Year four: Ł30,700

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
• Students will need to pay for their living costs while abroad, which may include health insurance costs
• Travel and visa application fees are additional costs

Course Structure

This is a four-year full-time degree. In the first year, students will study core modules and get a strong foundation in environmental geography. In years two and four, there are core and optional modules, allowing students to choose areas of interest. Year three 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

• Core module: 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 program uses a mix of theory and practical teaching approaches, 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 students with the knowledge and skills to work in various industries, including conservation and environmental management, environmental consultancy, and geospatial analysis. Students will have the opportunity to undertake a study placement in year three at a partner institution in another country.

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. Students will only be asked for a small contribution towards food and drink provided on trips.