BSc Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year)
Entry requirements
A level: AAB including Geography or Geology ABB including Geography or Geology plus a second science We accept the following subjects as a second science: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences IB: 35 points including 5 in Geography at Higher Level or; 34 points including 5 in Geography at Higher Level plus a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences) at Higher level. BTEC: DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A level Geography or Geology. If you are studying for the BTEC National Extended Diploma or a different combination of A levels and BTEC qualifications please contact us at ug-admissions@york.ac.uk for advice.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year), a geography degree examining the dynamic physical environment and its complex relationship with human societies. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course includes an integrated professional placement year and holds accreditation from the Institute of Environmental Sciences. The first year establishes fundamental concepts through modules such as Core Skills in Physical Geography, Environment, Development and Society, Ecological Principles, and Introduction to Global Challenges. The second year progresses into specialised studies including Water Environments, Glaciers, Ice Sheets and Climate Change, Engendering Change, and Research Skills and Project Design, alongside optional choices like Geographical Information Systems. The final year involves advanced core work including a Research Project, Natural Hazards and Mitigation, and Sustainability Clinic, while optional modules cover areas such as Atmosphere and Ocean Science and Biodiversity and Society.
Modules
- Core Skills in Physical Geography
- Environment, Development and Society
- Ecological Principles
- Introduction to Global Challenges
- Introduction to Research Skills
- Dynamic Earth
- Water Environments
- Glaciers, Ice Sheets and Climate Change
- Engendering Change
- Research Skills and Project Design
- Megacities and Urbanisation
- Ecosystem Management and Conservation
- Food, Space, Culture and Society
- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
- Geographical Information Systems
- Solving Environmental Problems with Code
- Research Project
- Natural Hazards and Mitigation
- Sustainability Clinic
- Energy Transitions and Low Carbon Futures
- Atmosphere and Ocean Science
- Biodiversity and Society
- Pollution: Monitoring, Assessment and Control
- Land Use Change and Management: A Global Perspective
- Tackling Britain’s Environmental Challenges (field course)