BSc Physical Geography and Geology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Physical Geography and Geology, a physical geography and earth sciences degree centred on the analysis of surface processes, climate change, and earth materials. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students can undertake an optional professional placement year or study abroad period during their studies. The first year establishes fundamentals through modules such as Glaciers, Deserts and Climate Change, Water, Landscapes and Environmental Management, Sustainable Geoscience, and Earth Materials and Resources. The second year progresses to advanced topics via Quaternary to Anthropocene, The Earth Surface and Critical Zone, and The Earth's Interior and Resources, alongside optional modules like Catchment and River Processes. In the final year, students complete core study through Professional Field and Core Analysis and an Independent Project, while choosing from optional modules spanning Dryland Change, Big Data & Spatial Analytics, and Environmental and Resource Geoscience.
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
GCSE: All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above. A level: 112 points from a minimum of 2 A levels including one science subject (see subject list below) We accept the following A level subjects: Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Computer Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology. BTEC QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma: DMM – science related subject. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria. BTEC National Diploma modules: If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. All Access courses: Pass an Access to HE Diploma (science based) with at least 33 credits at merit. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria. T level: Merit overall from any science pathway. International Baccalaureate: 26 overall. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5.
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What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 69%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 39 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 68%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 8%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 21%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 11%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 11%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 8%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 43%
- Wales: 7%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Placement
- Glaciers, Deserts and Climate Change
- Water, Landscapes and Environmental Management
- Sustainable Geoscience
- Earth Materials and Resources
- Climate, Tectonics and Hazards
- Placement Preparation
- Quaternary to Anthropocene
- The Earth Surface and Critical Zone
- The Earth's Interior and Resources
- Catchment and River Processes
- Weather, Climate and Meteorology
- Professional Field and Core Analysis
- Independent Project
- Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability
- Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential
- Dryland Change
- Long-term Environmental Change
- Contemporary Arctic and Alpine Challenges
- Big Data & Spatial Analytics
- Environmental and Resource Geoscience
- Tectonics and Geohazards
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physical Geography and Geology at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £36,500. The £30,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Physical geographical sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Physical Geography and Geology at University of Plymouth do next?
86% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physical Geography and Geology at University of Plymouth?
96% 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 and Geology at University of Plymouth?
The average entrant had 124 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physical Geography and Geology at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does BSc Physical Geography and Geology at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Physical Geography and Geology at University of Plymouth?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.