BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology is a three-year degree at Plymouth studying Earth materials, tectonics, climate, landscapes and environmental change, with teaching in microscopy laboratories and an optional placement.

Duration: 3 years full-time (+ optional placement year) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Glaciers, Deserts and Climate Change, Water, Landscapes and Environmental Management, Sustainable Geoscience, Earth Materials and Resources, and Climate, Tectonics and Hazards. Year 2 covers Quaternary to Anthropocene, The Earth Surface and Critical Zone, The Earth's Interior and Resources, Catchment and River Processes, and Weather, Climate and Meteorology. The final year includes an Independent Project, Professional Field and Core Analysis and options such as Tectonics and Geohazards and Big Data and Spatial Analytics.

Career pathways

Graduates work in engineering and environmental consultancy, environmental planning, mining, geospatial science, surveying and education; placement employers have included the UK Hydrographic Office, Gardline and Fugro.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 112 UCAS points. GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above. A levels: 112 points from a minimum of two A levels including one science subject from the accepted list (for example Biology, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science). BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in a science-related subject. Access to HE Diploma (science-based): at least 33 credits at merit. T Level: Merit overall from any science pathway. International Baccalaureate: 26 points with English and Maths accepted within (Higher Level 4, Standard Level 5). Contextual offers are typically 8 points below the tariff. International applicants must hold a suitable English language qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 19,200 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

Duration: 3 years

Engineering