BSc Physical Geography (with integrated year studying abroad)
About this course
BSc in Physical Geography (with integrated year studying abroad), a geography degree centred on Earth surface environments, geosciences, and environmental change. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Environmental Analysis. The programme includes a compulsory year studying abroad and is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). The first year covers Earth Surface Environments, How to Build a Planet, Life on Earth, Living in a Dangerous World, Researching the World: data collection and analysis, and Rocks and Minerals. The second year builds technical proficiency through Geoscience Laboratory Techniques, Glacial and Fluvial Processes, Quaternary Environmental Change, Research Design and Fieldwork Skills, and Visualisation and Analysis of Geographical Data, alongside optional modules such as Environmental Geochemistry and Geoscience for a Sustainable World. The final year centres on the compulsory Dissertation: Geography, Environmental Science, and Environmental Earth Science, while optional studies span areas like Applied Environmental Management, Debates in Climate Science, and Glaciers and Ice Sheets.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBB-CCC IB: 30-26
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What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 100%
- Assessment and feedback: 95%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 100%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 25%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 6%
- West Midlands: 13%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 6%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 12%
- Wales: 33%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) for the purpose of recognising the delivery of geographical knowledge, understanding, skills, approaches and attributes expected of high quality geography graduates.
Modules
- Earth Surface Environments
- How to Build a Planet
- Life on Earth
- Living in a Dangerous World
- Researching the World: data collection and analysis
- Rocks and Minerals
- Geoscience Laboratory Techniques
- Glacial and Fluvial Processes
- Quaternary Environmental Change
- Research Design and Fieldwork Skills
- Visualisation and Analysis of Geographical Data
- Environmental Geochemistry
- Geoscience for a Sustainable World
- How to Build a Sustainable Society
- Dissertation: Geography, Environmental Science, and Environmental Earth Science
- Applied Environmental Management
- Biogeochemistry and Health
- Debates in Climate Science
- Glaciers and Ice Sheets
- Monitoring our Planet's Health from Space
- Past environments, future challenges
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physical Geography (with integrated year studying abroad) at Aberystwyth University earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £24,000 after 3 years, £29,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £33,500. The £29,000 median after five years is £3,000 less than the UK median for Physical geographical sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Physical Geography (with integrated year studying abroad) at Aberystwyth University do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physical Geography (with integrated year studying abroad) at Aberystwyth University?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Physical Geography (with integrated year studying abroad) at Aberystwyth University?
The typical offer is BBB at A level. The average entrant had 95 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physical Geography (with integrated year studying abroad) at Aberystwyth University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) for the purpose of recognising the delivery of geographical knowledge, understanding, skills, approaches and attributes expected of high quality geography graduates.
Does BSc Physical Geography (with integrated year studying abroad) at Aberystwyth University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Physical Geography (with integrated year studying abroad) at Aberystwyth University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.