MSci Physical Geography
About this course
MSci in Physical Geography, a physical geography degree focusing on Earth surface evolution, environmental processes and spatial analysis. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The four-year programme includes an independent fourth-year research project and advanced research training. The first year covers core topics through World of Dynamic Environments, Exploring Planet Earth and Geography Field Skills. The second year progresses to Process Geomorphology & Hydrology and Geographical Fieldwork and Perspectives, with optional modules covering Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis or The Coastal System. The third year features the Physical Geography Dissertation alongside Hazards, Risk and Resilience, with optional topics such as Global Climate Change and Marine Environmental Systems. The fourth year concludes with the MSci Physical Geography Research Dissertation and Advanced Research Field Course, alongside optional choices including Business and the Environment.
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: ABB (with 1 science subject) or BBB (with 2 science subjects)
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What students say
Based on about 57 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 135 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 1%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 4%
What graduates do next
Based on about 34 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 8%
- Further study: 17%
- Unemployed: 3%
Most common jobs
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 55 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 11%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 22%
- Wales: 36%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 140 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 97%
- Access course: 1%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- No formal qualifications: 1%
Modules
- World of Dynamic Environments
- Exploring Planet Earth
- GIS, Maps and Analytical Skills
- Geography Field Skills
- Understanding the Living Planet
- Fundamentals of Geographical Science
- Process Geomorphology & Hydrology
- Geographical Fieldwork and Perspectives
- Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis
- Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Science
- The Coastal System
- The Ocean-Atmosphere System
- Physical Geography Dissertation
- Hazards, Risk and Resilience
- Extreme Environments: biogeochemical perspectives
- Marine Environmental Systems
- Global Climate Change
- Advanced Geography Fieldwork (Physical Geog)
- MSci Physical Geography Research Dissertation
- Advanced Research Field Course
- Scanning the Research Horizon
- Business and the Environment
- Earth and Environmental System Modelling and Applications
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Physical Geography at Cardiff University earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £30,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,500 and £34,500. The £30,000 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Physical geographical sciences.
What do graduates of MSci Physical Geography at Cardiff University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Physical Geography at Cardiff University?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Physical Geography at Cardiff University?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 129 UCAS points.
How many students continue on MSci Physical Geography at Cardiff University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 1% left higher education.