Physical Geography and Geology BSc (Hons)
University of Plymouth
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Main Site

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

16-SEP-24

time
Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full time

Start date

16-SEP-24

Duration

3 Years

SELECTED

Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Sandwich

Start date

16-SEP-24

Duration

4 Years

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Subjects

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Geology
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Geography & Environmental Science
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Exam type

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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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UCAS Tariff
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Access to HE Diploma
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AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
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AS
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City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)
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Extended Project
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)
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OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)
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T Level
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life (Core Maths)
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Location

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England
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EU
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Course info

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.Students gain specialist academic, ...Read more

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.Students gain specialist academic, international fieldwork and laboratory skills providing a springboard to an exciting and diverse range of careers.- Our modules address critical sustainability challenges: reducing risk from natural hazards, harnessing cleaner energy sources and how to combat climate and environmental change. - 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 Geological Society, the world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology, helps you to gain the required experience.- We are proud of our 2022 NSS results for our Earth science degrees: 90% of students thought that staff were good at explaining things and 86% of students felt that staff made the subject interesting.

Key stats

Geology
WUSCA ranking
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2023 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
39/81
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2024
23rd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2024
64th
Earth Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
100%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Earth Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
Physical Geographical Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
100%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Physical Geographical Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
What students say
S
Samuel
29 Oct 23

The feel of the University is great and there are fantastic facilities for the course. however the look of some of the buildings could be better..Read more

W
Will
16 Feb 23

Such an amazing location for a geology..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Advanced Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

UCAS Tariff:

112 - 120 Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

AS:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Extended Project:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

28 - 30 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DDM - DMM Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

T Level:

M Grades / Points required

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

112 - 120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels with a relevant science subject: Biology, Maths/Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology or Technology.

Considered in combination with Advanced Highers

Range from 112 to 120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 Advanced Highers to include a Grade C in a relevant science subject: Biology, Human Biology, Maths, Use of Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Computer Science, Computer Programming, Information Technology, Applied Science, Geography, Geology.

112 - 120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels with a relevant science subject: Biology, Human Biology, Maths, Use of Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Computer Science, Computer Programming, Information Technology, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, BTEC Applied Science, BTEC Engineering.

Pass a Science based Access to HE Diploma with at least 33 credits at merit to include 18 credits in science units

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

To include 4 at Higher Level in two Science subjects

112 to 120 UCAS points. To include relevant science subjects: Biology, Maths/Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology or Technology. English and Maths considered within

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Science/Technology related subject required

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Must be a Science Pathway

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Popular A-level subjects

Earth Sciences

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Geography
61%
Biology
40%
Geology
32%
Chemistry
22%
Mathematics
20%
HESA
Physical Geographical Sciences

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Geography
70%
Biology
36%
Geology
27%
Mathematics
20%
Chemistry
19%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

18,100 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

18,100 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Physical Geography reviews

Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Geology
S
Samuel
29 Oct 23
Physical Geography and Geology BSc (Hons)
The feel of the University is great and there are fantastic facilities for the course. however the look of some of the buildings could be better...
Read more
W
Will
16 Feb 23
Physical Geography and Geology BSc (Hons)
Such an amazing location for a geology...
Read more
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( 4.2) 1,985 reviews
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Uni info

University of Plymouth
University of Plymouth , Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is a modern campus university ideally placed in the centre of Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth, located on...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
64th
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus Plymouth PL4 8AA United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Plymouth  0.2 miles away

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