Program Overview

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Introduction to Physical Geography with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

The Physical Geography with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's processes and systems. This four-year full-time degree program combines theoretical and practical approaches to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex environmental challenges.

Subject Areas

• Earth and environmental sciences
• Geography (physical)

Program Details

UCAS Code: F849

Next Intake: September 2026

Duration: 4 years

Mode: Full time with year abroad

Why Study This Course

The program offers high-quality facilities, strong connections with local organizations, and a great location for exploring natural environments. Students will have access to the latest technologies in surveying and mapping equipment, chemical laboratories, and laboratories with Geographic Information System (GIS) software. The program also provides opportunities for fieldwork, including regular day trips and an overseas trip, to develop strong fieldwork skills.

Entry Requirements

• A combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications, are accepted.
• Typical offers are:
  • ABB-BBC (with 1 science subject) or BBB-BCC (with 2 science subjects) at A-level.
  • 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) for International Baccalaureate.
• Acceptable science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, Maths, Physics, Psychology, and Statistics.
• Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer.

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 during trips.
• Students will pay 15% of the usual Cardiff University fees during their year of study abroad and will need to pay for living costs while abroad.
• Travel and visa application fees are additional costs.

Course Structure

This is a four-year full-time degree. The first year provides a strong foundation in physical geography, with core modules. The second and fourth years offer a combination of core and optional modules, allowing students to choose areas of interest. The third year is spent studying at a partner university in another country.

Year One

• Core modules:
  • World of Dynamic Environments (EA1300, 20 credits)
  • Exploring Planet Earth (EA1301, 20 credits)
  • GIS, Maps and Analytical Skills (EA1303, 20 credits)
  • Geography Field Skills (EA1305, 20 credits)
  • Understanding the Living Planet (EA1308, 20 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Geographical Science (EA1309, 20 credits)

Year Two

• Core modules:
  • Process Geomorphology & Hydrology (EA2312, 20 credits)
  • Geographical Fieldwork and Perspectives (EA2337, 40 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis (EA2308, 20 credits)
  • Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Science (EA2309, 20 credits)
  • The Coastal System (EA2311, 20 credits)
  • The Ocean-Atmosphere System (EA2315, 20 credits)

Year Three: Sandwich Year

• Year of Study Abroad (EA3300, 120 credits)

Year Four

• Core modules:
  • Physical Geography Dissertation (EA3313, 40 credits)
  • Hazards, Risk and Resilience (EA3317, 20 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Extreme Environments: biogeochemical perspectives (EA3320, 20 credits)
  • Marine Environmental Systems (EA3321, 20 credits)
  • Global Climate Change (EA3322, 20 credits)
  • Advanced Geography Fieldwork (Physical Geog) (EA3333, 20 credits)

Learning and Assessment

The program uses a mix of 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

Graduates can work in various industries, including government, government agencies, consultancies, and environmental charities. The program provides employable skills that sectors like insurance, finance, education, and planning are looking for. Some past students have gone on to work at the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, local government, environmental consultancies, and environmental charities.

Fieldwork

The program includes regular day trips along the coast and to the Brecon Beacons in South Wales, as well as an overseas residential field course to Europe. These trips provide hands-on experience in exploring unique geographic areas.

Next Steps

For more information about the program, including how to apply and career prospects, please refer to the official university resources.