Geography with Ocean Science, BSc (Hons), with industry placement

Course summary

Geography explores the relationships between people, places and the environment. Our geography with ocean science degree allows you to focus on physical geographical processes while also studying ocean science. Plymouth’s coastal location, close to Dartmoor and flanked by two major estuaries, is the perfect setting to study marine and terrestrial environments.Our geography degrees make the most of geography’s strengths in tackling head on the biggest global challenges we face. Modules have been designed to address many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – developed by the UN as the 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all' – all of our degrees are fully accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

• Our newly designed Geography curriculum places sustainability challenges at the centre, with modules designed to help address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

• Choose from an exciting range of physical geography and ocean science modules. Establish a sound knowledge base across all areas of ocean science, with options to study physical oceanography and meteorology, biological and chemical oceanography, and coastal oceanography.

• Our supportive staff are expert researchers and many are world leaders in their field.

• Teaching is innovative and student-centred. You will learn through lectures, seminars, practicals, national and international residential fieldwork, tutorials and one-to-one dissertation support.

• Learn to use Geographical Information Systems to analyse and communicate complex spatial data.

• Take the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.

• Experience a valuable work placement programme, opening up a range of career opportunities such as consultancy, policy development and management, teaching, planning and conservation.

• LABplus is a unique open access laboratory and resource centre designed for students studying science and engineering courses. The lab provides a flexible workspace, computing facilities, specialist software, access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.

• Benefit from our unique location, in the heart of the historical city of Plymouth, bordered by Dartmoor National Park as well as the Tamar Valley and South Hams Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Devon and Cornwall have glorious beaches, coasts, rivers and estuaries.

• In your first year, lectures, tutorials, practicals and local fieldwork in physical geography will strengthen your knowledge and introduce new ideas and techniques. Complete ocean science foundation modules, and select an optional module from a range of disciplines.

• In your second year, you’ll specialise in physical geography options (fieldwork options may also be chosen). There is a chance to study in Europe, North America or Australia.

• Year three is your opportunity to spend a year working in industry to improve your knowledge of applied geography and ocean science and gain invaluable work experience, leading to a Certificate of Work Experience. Our employability service will help you find a placement from our extensive network across all sectors.

• In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation on your choice of geography topic and take further physical geography optional modules. There is also an optional field trip module. In ocean science you complete modules exploring shelf sea oceanography, estuarine processes and further aspects of waves and coastal processes.