Physical Geography and Geology

Physical geography and geology together provide the tools to understand the processes that have shaped the Earth's surface over millions of years and that continue to transform it today. Physical geography examines landforms, soils, rivers, glaciers, coastlines, and the ways in which climate and human activity interact with them. Geology goes deeper, literally and figuratively, investigating the rocks, minerals, and tectonic forces that underpin those surface processes and recording the long history of life and climate preserved in the geological record.

Combining both disciplines at the University of Plymouth over three years gives you a richly integrated scientific education, and the programme includes a foundation year entry route, a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and embedded work placement experience.

You will develop strong quantitative and observational skills, learning to gather and interpret data from fieldwork in diverse environments, from laboratory analysis of rocks and sediments to computational modelling of surface processes. The programme covers topics from glaciology and geomorphology to structural geology and palaeoclimatology, asking how the Earth system has responded to internal and external forcing over geological and human timescales. The sandwich year and year abroad provide substantial opportunities to develop professional experience in different scientific environments, building the breadth and adaptability that employers in earth and environmental science value.

A typical entry tariff of 120 UCAS points reflects an accessible but scientifically rigorous programme. Graduates move into careers in environmental consultancy, engineering geology, hydrogeology, natural hazards assessment, the energy sector, climate science, cartography, and environmental management. Many continue to postgraduate study in physical geography, geology, or environmental science, deepening their expertise in specific areas of the discipline.