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School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology

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UCAS tariff 112 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code FF86
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location ҹèƵ

Physical geography and geology examines how the Earth’s surface is shaped by natural and human processes. This knowledge is key to addressing many of the complex sustainability challenges facing the planet. Core modules explore seismic, landscape and volcanic geohazards, clean energy transitions, and long term environmental change. Students also study geographical modules which provide a deep understanding of climate, environments, and the biosphere.

Innovative Earth Science courses

Our Earth Science courses are designed to equip you with the essential skills and expertise needed to confront today’s global challenges. From discovering and extracting the raw materials vital for a green energy revolution to understanding the complexities of climate history, Earth Sciences are at the heart of shaping a sustainable future. You'll gain the knowledge and perspectives that are crucial for addressing the planet’s future, making a real impact on the world around you!

Careers with this subject
Our Earth science students have tremendous opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in a variety of work settings. Our hands-on approach to teaching and learning throughout the course will provide you with the topical skills and experience that you can apply to the wide range of career options as graduates.

Key features
  • Our modules address critical sustainability challenges: reducing risk from natural hazards, harnessing cleaner energy sources and how to combat climate and environmental change.
  • Gain specialist academic, international fieldwork and laboratory skills providing a springboard to an exciting and diverse range of careers.
  • Our approachable staff share their cutting-edge research and expertise through varied teaching practices in lectures, tutorials, practical classes and field courses.
  • Learn to apply the latest techniques in the field and laboratory. Our substantial fieldwork programme uses the unrivalled local range of geological and geographical locations. Residential overseas fieldwork visits regions of active tectonics such as Death Valley, Italy and Sicily.
  • All students have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.
  • Students can undertake a placement year, between the second and final year, working full time for a geological employer.
  • Study modules addressing the connection between physical geography and geology, such as ‘long-term landscape development’.
  • Improve your skills in our open access laboratory, LABplus .
  • Develop your confidence with your personal tutor, providing you with regular guidance throughout your degree.
  • Get support from students in the year ahead via our PALS mentoring scheme.
  • Live and study close to the sea, Dartmoor and two geological UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Receive essential field safety equipment free as part of your welcome package.
  • Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the , the world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology, helps you to gain the required experience.
  • We are proud of our 2024 NSS results for our Earth science degrees: 95% of students agree that “staff are good at explaining things”.
  • A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science .

Course details

  • Year 1

  • From day one you’ll dive into the world of Earth Sciences, laying the foundations of geological and geographical knowledge that will set you up for success throughout your university journey. Your first year will equip you with essential skills and core knowledge, empowering you to tackle sustainable development challenges alongside developing an understanding of topics such as plate tectonics, climate change, and landscape evolution. Hands-on learning will be a key part of your experience, as you study minerals, rocks, fossils, and geological structures in our cutting-edge 5G microscope laboratories. Plus, get ready for exciting fieldwork in the stunning landscapes of the UK’s south west and Southern Italy, where you'll explore the real-world impact of geohazards.

    Core modules

    GEES1103
    Glaciers, Deserts and Climate Change 20 credits

    Deserts are expanding. The Arctic is melting. The 21st Century is a time of extraordinary transition. Here we show you why. We journey back in time to explore how and why climate has changed over thousands of years. We examine why cold places have such remarkable features and what they can tell us. We delve into the drivers of our driest environments. We ask what agency humans have had in these places and since when.

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    50% Tests

    GEES1104
    Water, Landscapes and Environmental Management 20 credits

    Explore the dynamic world of physical geography through a series of environmental themes centred on the role of water as an agent of landscape change, and a vital natural resource. Learn how to collect and analyse real-world data by combining fieldwork, lab techniques, and spatial analysis to build your quantitative skills. This hands-on module enables you to connect theory to the environment we live in.

    50% Practicals

    50% Tests

    GEES1201
    Sustainable Geoscience 20 credits

    Kick off your degree by gaining an understanding of the important role of geoscientists in solving today’s biggest environmental issues (e.g. the energy transition, sustainable development) alongside exploring the fundamentals of Earth history and structure (e.g. plate tectonics, climate change, evolution of life). Through field, tutorial and lecture-based teaching this module will support your transition to university.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES1202
    Earth Materials and Resources 20 credits

    Discover Earth’s building blocks and how dynamic Earth processes shape geologic materials. You will gain the observational skills needed to unravel how the Earth works, including getting hands on using our 5G-enabled microscope lab. You will learn to read geological maps and use them to decipher the sequence of geological events that have shaped our planet’s history. See the Earth in a whole new light!

    70% Coursework

    30% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES1203
    Climate, Tectonics and Hazards 40 credits

    Develop your knowledge of climate and hazards. Through hands on practicals, field work and lectures learn how sedimentary rocks and fossils illuminate past, present and future climatic and oceanographic changes, and use maps and GIS to explore landscapes, earthquakes and volcanoes. Consolidate knowledge in the field, putting into practice new skills and seeing hands on the effects of geohazards on people and places.

    50% Coursework

    25% Practicals

    25% Tests

  • Year 2

  • Year 2 takes you on a journey from the Earth’s atmosphere and climate to the ever-changing surface to its core, travelling through geological time to uncover key moments in Earth history. You'll sharpen your observational, analytical and interpretive skills, using them to tackle some of the most exciting topics in Earth Sciences, including climate change, sustainable geo resources, and human impact on landscapes. You'll also gain hands-on experience with field techniques, including geophysical equipment. For those looking to broaden their horizon even further, you can seize the opportunity to study your second year abroad in incredible locations like Canada, USA or Europe.

    Core modules

    GEES2000
    Placement Preparation 0 credits

    This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.

    100% Assessments

    GEES2201
    The Earth Surface and Critical Zone 40 credits

    Explore the Earth’s surface and shallow subsurface now and through Deep Time. Develop the skills and knowledge used by geoscientists to find and manage resources like groundwater or geothermal energy, store energy or hazardous fluids, build safe infrastructure and understand hazardous phenomena and climate impacts. Work on real-world projects that integrate remote sensing, geophysics, field and lab-based investigations.

    50% Coursework

    25% Practicals

    25% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES2202
    The Earth's Interior and Resources 40 credits

    Investigate the Earth’s Interior to understand how magmatism, tectonics and fluid flow control the development of sustainable resources. Through a case-study approach you will combine state-of-the-art rock microscopy, structural geology and geophysics to evaluate the Earths internal processes. Fieldwork and seismic imaging with industry software will allow you to apply this knowledge to real-world situations.

    50% Coursework

    25% Practicals

    25% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES2305
    Weather and Climate 20 credits

    Studying weather and climate is not just for scientists—it's essential for all of us. In this module you'll gain intellectual and practical skills that will help you understand the drivers of weather and climate. You’ll explore the scientific evidence behind current trends and predictions, equipping you with an understanding of how weather and climate can impact all walks of life and are critical for a sustainable future.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    Optional modules

    GEES2104
    Quaternary to Anthropocene 20 credits

    Discover how and when our planet moved from a state where natural processes controlled ecological conditions and the climatic system, to the human-dominated environment we inhabit (the 'Anthropocene'). You will learn about these changes from local to global scales, and develop new skills in generating, interpreting and presenting long-term ecological data to identify and quantify changes in the biosphere.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES2105
    Catchment and River Processes 20 credits

    Explore the science behind how rivers and their catchments co-function. You will develop an understanding of how they respond to important issues such as climate change and resource management. The fieldwork and workshops have been co-designed with professional bodies so that you will develop professional practical expertise in how to address serious river catchment issues such as erosion and flooding. .

    100% Coursework

  • Year 3

  • Take advantage of our optional placement year, giving you the opportunity to develop your geological skills in the workplace and gain valuable experience. Find your perfect placement with the help of our employability service and benefit from specialist workshops and tutorials in your second year, helping you prepare for your year in industry.

    Core modules

    GEES3000
    Placement 0 credits

    This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.

    100% Coursework

  • Final year

  • In your third year you will elevate your data analysis skills to a professional level. Your dissertation project will be an exciting opportunity to collect and analyse data independently, whether in the field or the lab. Alongside core modules that deepen your professional geological expertise, you’ll have the chance to choose from a range of sustainability-focused optional modules in geology and physical geography, allowing you to tailor your final year to your passions and interests. For those craving adventure, you can take your learning beyond the classroom with advanced fieldwork opportunities in incredible locations like Namibia or Death Valley, USA, where you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience and refine your professional field skills.

    Core modules

    GEES3201
    Geoscience Research Project 40 credits

    Realise your passion for Earth science by conducting a research project on an exciting scientific question. Choose a project from a wide range of Earth Science topics (e.g. volcanology, palaeontology, remote sensing, structural geology). Use cutting-edge fieldwork, lab techniques, or digital tools to explore your chosen area, gaining hands-on experience and developing valuable subject specific and transferable skills.

    85% Coursework

    15% Practicals

    GEES3202
    Professional Field and Core Analysis 20 credits

    Ready to rock the world of geology? Get set to apply your skills in the field and the lab, working solo and within a dynamic team. You'll dive into geological mapping and rock core analysis, using top-notch industry tools. A hands-on experience will help you master job tendering, data analysis, and reporting for real commercial clients. It's not just learning, it's about becoming a pro and preparing for an awesome career!

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    Optional modules

    GEES3001
    Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability 20 credits

    This module provides an opportunity for students to experience professional practice in environmental management and sustainability. Students will undertake a minimum of 100 hours service with a professional organisation (private, public or third sector). You will investigate the organisation's practice in environmental management and sustainability and further develop professional attitudes and behaviours.

    70% Coursework

    30% Practicals

    GEES3002
    Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential 20 credits

    Embark on exploration of critical, real-world challenges in an exciting field context. Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle a core issue through a research project of your own creation. Sharpen your existing expertise and develop important transdisciplinary skills that prepare you to face career challenges beyond university with confidence and innovation.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3105
    Dryland Change 20 credits

    The world’s drylands, or deserts, cover at least a third of the Earth’s land surface. You’ll learn how these dynamic, vulnerable landscapes experience dramatic changes throughout history and the present day, via lectures, workshops and practicals. You’ll build expertise in reading the landscape to explore past changes, and explore how we can sustainably address desertification, which affects the livelihoods of billions.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES3106
    Long-term Environmental Change 20 credits

    Discover how lessons from the past can help tackle today’s biggest environmental and societal challenges. Through workshops and lectures, you’ll explore 'grand environmental challenges,' placing current issues in a long-term context - spanning decades to millennia. You’ll also reflect on the power of long-term thinking in shaping sustainability and environmental management for the future.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3107
    Contemporary Arctic and Alpine Challenges 20 credits

    Investigate the challenges facing some of the Earth’s most climatically extreme landscapes and their societies. Explore rapid landscape evolution, climate-driven geohazards, and sustainable solutions for high latitude and altitude environments. Build practical skills to measure environmental change, quantify risks, and create mitigation strategies that address these challenges and our ability to withstand them.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES3109
    Big Data & Spatial Analytics 20 credits

    Explore the power of spatial analysis in this practical module. You’ll develop hands-on skills in data processing, management, and programming while diving into the world of big data. Learn to acquire, process, analyse, and visualise datasets through real-world examples from the natural and social sciences. Gain essential expertise and confidence, supported by data, to unlock new insights for societal challenges.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3204
    Environmental and Resource Geoscience 20 credits

    Sharpen your skills ready for industry, tackling some of the most urgent environmental issues facing the world today, from pervasive mining pollution in post-industrial catchments to the role of the subsurface in decarbonisation. You will engage in hands-on workshops, solving problems associated with past industry, as well as getting to grips with state-of-the-art software and real-world datasets.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3205
    Tectonics and Geohazards 20 credits

    Explore one of the World’s most tectonically active and hazardous regions to understand the cause and impact of tectonics on hazards (earthquakes, volcanics, landslides, tsunami, floods) and resources (water, minerals, energy). Develop skills to evaluate the influence of active tectonics on these hazards, either through an overseas field trip (e.g. California) or through application of GIS and remote sensing.

    100% Coursework

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

112

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level
112 points including a minimum of 2 A levels in a science subject (see subject list below) or 120 points including 1 A Level in a 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.
T Level
Merit overall from any science pathway.
BTEC QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma
DMM-DDM – 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.
Access
Pass an Access to HE Diploma (science based) with at least 33 credits at merit. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.ukif you do not meet this criteria.
IB
28 - 30 points overall. English and mathematics must be included.
GCSE
Mathematics and English language grade C.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an , the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the ҹèƵ. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the ҹèƵ offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for home undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,905.
The fee for home undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,430.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the .
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to ҹèƵ degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Adrienne, BSc (Hons) Geology student, shares her experience of a course field trip in Italy.

Our suite of courses offer opportunities for overseas fieldwork.

Discover facilities in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

As student in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences you will have access to a range of cutting-edge resources and facilities.
These will support your learning in the field and in the laboratory – whether in traditional chemistry lab or a high-performance computing room. Many are solely for the use of our students and researchers and you will also have access to LABplus Resource Centre and the Marine Station.
Students using a petrographic microscope

Additional information

Baobab tree in Madagascar
Sustainable Earth Institute
Earth Sciences Geology Students on fieldtrip to Kilve on the north Somerset Coast.
Careers

Complete University Guide 2025

Our Earth Sciences degrees were ranked overall fifth in UK for overall student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2025

The Guardian Best UK Universities Guide 2025

89.3% of Earth and marine sciences students were satisfied with teaching according to the Guardian Best UK Universities guide 2025

QS World University Rankings 2023

In top 15 UK universities for earth and marine sciences, geology and geophysics - QS World University Rankings by subject 2023

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022*

The ҹèƵ has been named among the top 5% of universities globally in 2022 for its contribution to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals*, in particular, work on marine issues and on climate change. In the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, sustainability is at the heart of our research and teaching. From sustainable cities, affordable and clean energy, to climate policy, biodiversity, and natural hazards, our academic staff work with partners locally and overseas to help understand, communicate and solve fundamental and pressing sustainability challenges.
Find out more in our press release

Where could a career in geology take you?

Geologists are in demand globally. From meeting challenges associated with sustaining energy supplies, to developing low-carbon economies, and understanding, designing and mitigating against changing climates, there are many exciting opportunities available.

Graduate profiles

Centre for Research in Earth Sciences (CRES)

Our world-class research keeps staff at the cutting edge of recent scientific developments within the field.
Explore the interdisciplinary research carried out within Earth sciences.
Aerial shot of an active volcano.

Journey to the Bottom of the Celtic Sea

Research by our Earth Scientists on the Celtic Sea bed is helping develop renewable energy futures in the south west.

People


Celebrating 50 years of geography

2019 marked the 50th anniversary of geography as a degree subject at the ҹèƵ.
In the last half century, 6,394 students have graduated from our geography programmes and 154 staff have worked with us, supporting and carrying out world-class research and teaching.
*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on is updated annually in September.