Discover the rapidly evolving science at the heart of global environmental change on our Geology and Physical Geography BSc. You'll explore innovative approaches to understanding the physical and natural world and develop hands-on experience through fieldwork, laboratory activities and industry work placements. Geology professionals are highly sought after and our programme equips you with the skills to excel in careers including climatologist, exploration geologist, and nature conservation officer.

Course overview

Are you curious about the world around you and eager to explore different approaches to studying our planet? As we consume more of Earth’s resources, society needs individuals with geology and physical geography skills to achieve a decarbonised future and more sustainable resource extraction. Our Geology and Physical Geography BSc offers a balanced programme that incorporates elements from geophysics, meteorology, geomorphology, and environmental science.

Never studied Geology or Physical Geography before? We've designed this programme to provide you with a solid grounding in both subjects in year one, laying the foundation for advanced study in years two and three.

Geology explores Earth’s origins, the evolution of life, and the management of natural resources. This interdisciplinary field combines environmental science, chemistry, biology, and physics, enabling you to understand the structures of Earth and other planets and identify the physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring deep beneath our feet.

Physical geography is vital for understanding pressing issues like population growth, climate change and economic inequality. You’ll study the processes that shape Earth’s surface, their impact on human lives, and the interactions between climate and landscape.

We place a strong emphasis on developing practical skills, equipping you with the methods and techniques needed for future employment. You will gain hands-on experience using equipment, samples, and digital resources in our state-of-the-art Central Science Labs while gathering, analysing, and interpreting your own research data through residential and one-day field courses.

Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Your future career

Geology and physical geography graduates are likely to be in high demand. Our modern society requires increasing amounts of energy, raw materials and other resources of which the vast majority are discovered by geoscientists. You will graduate with a strong set of transferable skills suited to a range of different sectors including energy, environmental, engineering, education, and consultancy. To become a professional geologist, you will need to gather professional experience after gaining your degree to then apply for Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status. Your accredited degree may give you a head-start by reducing the number of years' experience you will need for chartered status.

Studying geology and physical geography at degree level can lead to a variety of jobs. These include:

Basin Analyst

Cartographer

Climatologist

Environmental Manager

Exploration Geologist

Geochemist

Geoenvironmental Engineer

Geological Surveyor

GIS Specialist

Hydrologist

Teacher/Lecturer

Duration of study: 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year