Geography, BSc (Hons), with industry placement

The study of geography, encompassing landscape formation, satellite data analysis, and environmental monitoring, is increasingly vital in today's world. This BSc programme, ideal for those interested in physical geography and science, enhances employability through practical, numerical, and computational skills applicable to careers in regional planning, environmental management, or business. Students benefit from exceptional fieldwork in areas like the Gower Peninsula and international sites such as Austria or Borneo, while exploring topics like climate change and plate tectonics. Access to advanced facilities, including GIS labs and spectrometers, and guidance from renowned academics, further enriches the experience.In the first two years, core modules cover global environmental change and research methods, with options in human and physical geography. The third year involves a 40-week industry placement for real-world skill development, supported by the department. Final-year studies include a dissertation and electives on meteorology or urban modelling, plus potential trips like to the Indian Himalayas. This four-year course allows switching to a BA until Year 2, with a year abroad option available.

In Year 1 you’ll study several compulsory modules covering topics such as global environmental change, people place and nation, global shifts and sustainability. You will then choose from optional modules covering geographical skills and methods, writing skills and personal development planning, and topics such as mobilities and migration, urban geography and geology. In Year 2, you’ll choose from a range of optional modules covering data analysis, approaches to human and physical geography, and conducting social and environmental research. You’ll study topics such as geographic information systems, glacial environments and processes, creative geographies, quaternary environmental change, regional economic development and policy, boundaries and connections, global vegetation patterns and dynamics, political geographies, urban modelling and geological record of past environments. You’ll also have an opportunity to take part in an overseas field trip. In Year 3, you’ll spend a minimum of 40 weeks in an industrial placement in a UK company. Occasionally, opportunities may arise outside of the UK. You’ll receive support from our placements team during your 2nd year to help you prepare for and secure a relevant industrial placement. In Year 4, you’ll undertake your dissertation and choose from a range of optional modules covering topics such as migration, security and humanism, contemporary rural Britain, geographies of national identity, glaciology, humid tropical environments and landscapes, meteorology and atmospheric science, plate tectonics and global geophysics, World cities, environmental modelling and the climate of the last 1,000 years. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake an interdisciplinary field trip to the Indian Himalayas (Sikkim).