Physical Geography Degree

Physical Geography Degree students study the processes structuring the natural world and the environmental management issues that arise as a consequence of such processes. As a Physical Geography Degree student you'll also gain an understanding of the global environment and how problems relating to it impinge on all our lives.

This specialist science-based honours degree in Geography, the first of its kind in the UK, centres on the scientific study of environmental processes, within a flexible modular structue which will enable you both to maintain a breadth of interest, and also to concentrate on certain areas according to your own interests and aspirations.

We welcome applications from all people with a passion for the subject; we also welcome applications from mature students.

In the first year you will spend the majority of your time studying Physical Geography modules such as  and there is also the opportunity to study other modules from the wide range offered by the Institute of Geography and Earth Science or adjacent subject areas. In the second and third year you will be able to specialise in particular areas of Physical Geography, such as Glaciology, River System Dynamics, Geomorphology, Quaternary Environmental Change, Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing, or Volcanic Activity.

Physical Geography Degree Year 1

In Year 1 the six core module topics include:

• Global Environmental Issues;
• Global Ecology;
• Earth Surface Environments;
• Atmosphere and the Water Cycle.

In addition, you will study five modules from other subjects offered by the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, including Environmental Science, Environmental Earth Science and Human Geography.

All the modules include lecture and practical components.There is also a tutorial module running through the core of all three years of Physical Geography degree, which is a vital and distinctive aspect of the Aberystwyth approach. The practical compnents includes elements of cartography, descriptive statistics and data processing and computing.

Physical Geography Degree Years 2+3

In Year 2 you take nine modules. Core module topics include:

• Fieldwork and Analytical skills;
• Fluvial Geomorphology;
• Glaciology;
• Environmental Management;
• Quaternary Science.

You can then choose your specialist modules, including options in:

• Geohazards; Earth Resources; Oceanography; Polar Environments; Hydrological Systems.

In the third year of the Physical Geography degree course, the required core is smaller and includes an independent research dissertation based on fieldwork. You then have the opportunity to study along one of a variety of pathways, which include specialist modules in:

• Water Resources; Glaciology; Remote Sensing; Geographical Information Systems; Geochemistry; Volcanic Activity...

...and many more. This fantastic range of modules ensures that you work with members of staff who are at the very forefront of their subject.. The specific details of the modules on offer are contained in the 'Geography at Aberystwyth' course brochure.

Facilities

The Physical Geography degree course is supported by advanced facilities for laboratory work in chemical and physical analysis (for example for soils, water quality and pollen work) and data processing. You'll receive training in computer-based data handling and retrieval via the Internet, statistical analysis, the analysis of natural materials and field survey methods. This training is enhanced and supported by the research undertaken in the Centre for Glaciology, the Quaternary Environmental Change and River Basins and Hydrology research groups. Other facilities include photographic and reprographic units, and field and laboratory equipment workshops.

Aberystwyth is fortunate in having a supportive community of Geographers with close and friendly contact between students and staff. There is an active Staff-Student Consultative Committee as well as a flourishing student-led Geographical Society which organises regular lectures from guest speakers, together with informal field excursions, a dinner dance and other social functions.

A Global Physical Geography Degree

A compulsory field course, currently based in New Zealand, Spain, Ireland or mid-Wales, option-based field work, and individual field based dissertations and project work are important aspects of the Geography course. Our coastal, fluvial and biological environments provide Aberystwyth with unique academic advantages for the local study of Physical Geography.

We encourage all our undergraduates to develop a global and international perspective. In keeping with our status as a centre of international excellence, our research and undergraduate teaching focuses on a wide variety of themes and environments - from the high Arctic to the Antarctic; through Europe and the Americas to China and the far East; from North Africa to Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa.

Career Opportunities related to your Physical Geography Degree

In the last few years, graduates from Aberystwyth have found employment in environmental, scientific, mathematical, information and social services; in tourism, industrial management and business enterprises. Some geographers join the teaching profession, but the majority enter a wide range of professions in all sectors of the economy, where their skills as both generalists and specialists are recognised in a highly competitive employment market.

Every effort is made to ensure that graduates obtain appropriate employment on completion of their degrees. Discussion of career openings takes place with students as part of the tutorial programme they follow as undergraduates and every encouragement is given to you to participate to the full in university life and take the opportunities it offers to strengthen your employment profile.

Available with: BSc

• Computer Science - F8G4
• Computer Science - FG84
• Education - F8X3
• Education - FX83
• French - FR81
• German - FR82
• Mathematics - F8G1
• Physics - FF38
• Spanish - FR84
• Statistics - F8G3

Sarah Louise Page, Physical Geography Degree
Banbury

I chose to study at Aberystwyth because it's a great place to study Physics and Geography. It's a really nice area, and the people were very friendly on the Open Day.

It was really easy to settle in. You quickly meet new people and start seeing them around Aberystwyth, and the lecturers are really helpful. Aberystwyth is a great place, it's got the beach and the hills. The department is just excellent. It has got everything.

I like best the atmosphere here. Everyone on the course is great, we all get on really well and we all know each other. You've got the social life as well, all the pubs in town, it's brilliant, and the sports club socials are great.

Aberystwyth is a great place to come and study. It's not too big, nor too small, and you get to meet a great range of people who just have fun, it's excellent.