Geology and Physical Geography with Foundation Year
Geology and physical geography together explore the processes that shape the Earth, from the deep time of rock formation and plate tectonics to the surface systems of rivers, glaciers, climate, and landscape. Geology investigates the composition, structure, and history of the Earth through the rock record, revealing how continents have moved, how mountains have been built and eroded, and how life has evolved and been extinguished over billions of years. Physical geography examines the processes operating at the Earth's surface today, including hydrology, geomorphology, climatology, and biogeography, connecting geological history to the environmental challenges of the present.
At Keele this four-year full-time degree includes a foundation year that provides additional preparation before you progress to the main degree. You will engage with innovative approaches to understanding the physical and natural world, developing hands-on experience through fieldwork and laboratory activities. Industry work placements are integrated into the programme, giving you professional exposure to the sectors that employ earth and environmental scientists.
The combination of geological and geographical training equips you with a versatile scientific toolkit that is relevant to a wide range of careers at the intersection of science and environmental management.
Geology and physical geography graduates go on to careers in environmental consultancy, exploration geology, climatology, hydrology, nature conservation, planning, hazard assessment, and government agencies including the Environment Agency and British Geological Survey. The growing urgency of climate change, resource management, and natural hazard risk has increased demand for graduates with this kind of integrated earth and environmental science training. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in geology, geography, climate science, or environmental management, deepening their expertise in fields where specialist knowledge is particularly valuable.