Physical Geography BSc Hons

With a range of modules, opportunities for specialisation and a practical emphasis throughout, the Physical Geography course at Worcester is a great way to learn about the world in which we live.

From the movement of wind-blown sand on a beach, to the long-term evolution of the world’s great mountain belts, Physical Geography is concerned with the range of processes that shape our natural environment. It also considers the role of humans in modifying the physical environment and how we contribute to the world’s environmental problems, such as climate change, landslides and flooding.

Resource provision is excellent, and includes river monitoring installations, 24-hour access computer rooms and a brand new digital mapping and survey suite. Field mapping equipment includes a range of GPS units as well as a remote control helicopter with camera attachment. There are numerous opportunities for fieldwork, both local and residential, and this is a distinctive feature of the programme. Residential fieldwork to the Cairngorms, the Lake District, France and Switzerland provides valuable opportunities to study environments that are markedly different from those found locally.

The first year of the course offers an introduction to the breadth of the discipline, with fieldwork and practical activities featuring from the outset. The second and third years provide increasing opportunities for specialisation, with the content of many modules benefiting from staff research and consultancy activities. Throughout, you will find enthusiastic staff and a friendly and supportive learning environment.

Factfile
Entry requirements
Course content
Student views

UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Physical Geography BSc (Hons) (Single Honours) F800 BSc/PG

It is also possible to study this degree in combination with other courses. For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

Single Honours, Major, Joint and Minor
Cannot be combined with Geography BSc (Hons)
First-class facilities (including digital mapping and survey suite, laboratories, river monitoring stations and computer room)
Supported by staff research and consultancy
Local and residential fieldwork
Opportunity to spend a semester overseas

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Institute of Science and the Environment Admin Office
01905 855201
ise@worc.ac.uk

280-300 UCAS Tariff points

The University will consider each application on its individual merits and will recognise a range of qualifications not currently included in the Tariff, including Access courses, European Baccalaureate and pre-2002 qualifications such as GNVQ.

If your qualifications are not listed, please contact the Admissions Office for advice on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk for advice.

Further information about the UCAS Tariff can be obtained from http://www.ucas.com

Modules

Year 1
Mapping the Environment
Field Investigations
Earth Systems & Processes
Landforms & Landscapes
Introduction to Geology
Science & Politics of Climate Change
History of the British Landscape

Year 2
Residential Field Course
Research Methods
Geographical Information Systems
Natural Hazards
River Processes
Mountain Geomorphology
Meteorology & Climate
Environmental Geology
Hydrological Monitoring

Year 3
Independent Study
Mountain Environments Field Course
Applying Geography
Work Placement
Applied GIS & Remote Sensing
Ice Age Britain
Hazard Mapping
Mountain Glaciers & Landscape
River Conservation & Management
Environmental Geology
Environmental Pollution

Assessment

A wide range of assessment techniques are employed in Physical Geography at the University of Worcester. A variety of methods will be used consisting of: essays, field and laboratory reports, video podcasts, seminar presentations and research projects.

James Chapman

Student, Physical Geography BSc (Hons)

James graduated with a degree in Environmental Management and Physical Geography in 2010. His lecturer kept in touch with him, and emailed him about an opportunity to work at Worcester-based Enviromontel, which is one of the largest flow monitoring companies operating within the UK, providing flow data to the majority of water companies and their consultants. James is now employed as a Field Technician for the company.

“I’m now working at Enviromontel as a Field Technician. I spend most of my time in London working on the Thames Tideway Tunnel Scheme. It’s hard work but I enjoy it.”

Academic department

Institute of Science & the Environment

“The Institute’s acclaimed research in areas such as river management, rural issues, forensic biology, nutrition and archaeology has a common thread: our belief that science should be centred around its impact on people.”
Professor John Newbury, Head of Institute

Employability

You will develop skills relevant to a wide range of careers, including environmental consultancy, geographical information systems (GIS) management, local government and planning, conservation organisations, Wildlife Trust, Civil Service, research or teaching.

Alternatively, you may wish to continue to postgraduate study and other professional qualifications.