BSc Physical Geography (Placement Year)
Entry requirements
A level: BBB. We recommend that this includes Geography, or alternatively you should have one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Studies, Mathematics or Physics. IB: 30 points overall with 15 points from the best 3 HL subjects including Geography or alternative cognate subject at HL grade 6
About this course
BSc Hons Physical Geography (Placement Year) is a geography degree focused on the physical processes, environmental systems, and human-landscape interactions shaping our planet. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Entrepreneurship, and Human Behaviour. The course includes a dedicated third-year industry placement and a final-year independent research dissertation. The first year establishes fundamental knowledge through compulsory modules such as Atmosphere, Weather and Climate, Biodiversity and Global Change, Foundation Skills for LEC, Introducing Research in Geography, and Reading the Landscape, alongside optional choices in practical environmental science and geology. The second year advances core competencies through Geographical Data Science, Living with the Landscape, and Physical Geography in Practice, while offering optional modules covering atmospheric science, ecology, glaciology, hydrology, geoscience, soil science, and field courses. The third year consists of a professional placement role in industry or the public sector. The final year centres on the Dissertation module, accompanied by specialized optional modules spanning climate change, cryosphere dynamics, eco-innovation, pollution management, geological hazards, conservation science, energy transition, spatial analysis, sustainable agriculture, Earth's interior, volcanic processes, public engagement, and water resources management.
Modules
- Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
- Biodiversity and Global Change
- Foundation Skills for LEC
- Introducing Research in Geography
- Reading the Landscape
- Introduction to Practical Environmental Science
- Geology
- Geographical Data Science
- Living with the Landscape
- Physical Geography in Practice
- Atmospheric Science
- Ecology and Conservation
- Glaciology
- Hydrology and Water Quality
- Geoscience in Practice
- Soil Science
- Sustainable Hebrides: Field Course
- Placement
- Dissertation
- Climate Change
- Cryosphere in a Changing Climate
- Eco-Innovation for Sustainable Development
- Environmental Pollution: Management and Remediation
- Geological Hazards
- Interdisciplinary Conservation Science
- Managing the Energy Transition
- Spatial Data Analysis
- Sustainable Agriculture
- The Earth's Interior
- Volcanic Processes Field Course
- Teaching, Outreach and Public Engagement
- Water Resources Management