This is the degree for you if you wish to specialise purely in physical geography. We start by considering the origin of the solar system and the Earth, the structure of the solid earth, and the functioning of the atmosphere and biosphere. We emphasise the important inter-connections between these components of the Earth System, providing a solid grounding in the fundamental operation of the Earth, both today and in the geological past.

This leads to a second year programme that specifically addresses our understanding of landscape processes  (geomorphology) and biogeography. There is increasing specialisation towards departmental research interests in the third year, with emphasis on deserts, tropical environments, palaeo-environmental change, contemporary climate change and biogeochemistry. Additional opportunities for students to pursue their own interests are provided through assessment choice in modules, and the tutorial-based second year “Contemporary Issues in Physical Geography” module. You can take a year abroad with this degree programme.

Course Structure

Year One

Students studying this degree will take no human geography in their first year. These credits are made up with additional modules taken outside the Geography Department teaching programme. Some modules external to Geography may have pre-requisites.

Year Two

Year Three

The tables above provide a list of typical modules available to Geography students. We cannot guarantee that any single module will be available in any given year, particularly in regard to those modules delivered by other departments.

What our external examiners say: