Geology With Physical Geography With Stem Foundation Year
Geology with physical geography is a combination that addresses the natural world at a range of scales, from the deep time of geological history and the movement of tectonic plates to the contemporary landscape processes that shape rivers, coasts, glaciers, and soils. Geology is concerned with the composition, structure, and history of the Earth, using the evidence preserved in rocks, minerals, and fossils to reconstruct environments and events that occurred millions or billions of years ago. Physical geography examines the Earth's surface systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere, and how they interact to produce the landscapes and climate patterns we observe today.
At Edge Hill University, this four-year full-time programme includes a STEM foundation year as stated in the title, which provides the key transferable skills and subject-specific knowledge needed to progress into the science-based degree. The foundation year is designed to develop the scientific and mathematical foundations required for rigorous study of geology and geography, making the programme genuinely accessible to students who have strong interest and potential but may not have completed all the science A-levels that standard entry would require.
A typical entry tariff of 104 points reflects the programme's accessible entry standard. Edge Hill is located in Lancashire, within reach of a diverse range of geological and physical geographical environments in the Lake District, Pennines, and coastal Lancashire that enrich fieldwork throughout the programme.
Graduates work in geological survey, environmental consultancy, the oil and gas industry, engineering geology, hydrogeology, environmental management, and teaching. Physical geography graduates also find roles in planning, conservation, hydrology, and climate research. Many continue to postgraduate study in geology, physical geography, or environmental science.
The combined programme opens opportunities across both sectors.