Physical Geography

Physical geography is the branch of geography concerned with the natural world: the processes that shape the Earth's surface, the systems that govern climate, the behaviour of rivers, glaciers, and coasts, the distribution of soils and vegetation, and the environmental changes, both natural and human-induced, that are transforming landscapes and ecosystems across the planet. It is a science that sits at the boundary of geology, ecology, meteorology, and hydrology, and it has become increasingly urgent as the scale and pace of environmental change intensify.

At Cardiff University, this three-year full-time programme is delivered within one of the UK's leading geography departments, with research strengths in quaternary environmental change, geomorphology, hydrology, and climate science. Cardiff's location near both upland Wales and the Bristol Channel coast provides fieldwork environments that span a remarkable range of physical landscape types, from glacially shaped uplands and floodplains to exposed coastlines and estuaries. The department has invested in analytical equipment that supports student engagement with contemporary methods of physical investigation.

You will develop a rigorous understanding of the physical processes that operate at the Earth's surface, learn to work with geographical data using quantitative methods and GIS, and develop strong fieldwork skills in a range of natural environments. You will engage with the science of climate change and its effects on landscapes and ecosystems, and you will develop the ability to present complex environmental data clearly and persuasively.

Physical geography graduates from Cardiff move into careers in environmental consultancy, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, conservation organisations, hydrology and flood risk management, climate science, GIS and spatial data analysis, and academic research. The quantitative and analytical skills the degree develops are also valued in insurance, finance, and data roles with an environmental dimension, and many graduates continue to postgraduate study in environmental science or related disciplines.