BSc Geography (Physical)

Compulsory modules

Year 1

• Skills in Geography and Environmental Science: Discover the expected academic standards and integrity at the undergraduate level, while being introduced to the Geography and Environmental Science discipline. Through real-world examples and data, learn essential skills for research.
• Global Challenges: Explore interrelated global issues confronting the planet and humanity today. Delve into the human geography, physical geography, and environmental science perspectives surrounding key challenges. Develop the ability to critically analyse and discuss these challenges using academic literature.
• Field Class: Undertake field research in a real-world setting, using contemporary methods and equipment for data gathering and experience working as part of a team. The training you receive will be authentic and relevant to your ambitions and to the skills you’ll likely need for dissertation field research.
• Restless Planet: Learn about the fundamental processes in the Earth System, encompassing the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Discover the interactions between the spheres, particularly the Earth System's integrated nature and how alterations to key biogeochemical cycles, can have far-reaching impacts across the globe.
• Landscapes and Natural Resources: Explore the integrative concept of landscape, with a focus on the component biophysical elements, their patterns and natural processes. You'll also examine the resilience of renewable and living resources in the context of global climate change.

Year 2

• Skills Training and Project Design: Develop professional skills, including research approaches, project management, career awareness and employability. Work closely with an academic mentor to carry out carefully planned and highly professional research, act as consultants, designing, executing and reporting on a research project.
• Field Class: Undertake field research in a real-world setting, using contemporary methods and equipment for data gathering and experience working as part of a team. The training you receive will be authentic and relevant to your ambitions and to the skills you’ll likely need for dissertation field research.
• Earth Processes and Hazards: Discover the dynamic process and resultant hazards which stem from the tectonic and geomorphological evolution of the Earth including volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, weather events and landslides, and the impact these can have on the natural world and human societies.

Year 3

• Dissertation: All students must produce a dissertation as part of their degree. The dissertation is an original piece of research carried out by the students independently, with support from a supervisor, contributing to knowledge in a particular field of study.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Geography arms you with the ability to see the big picture. The intellectual, technical and team-working skills and knowledge you develop during your degree are sought by employers. Overall, 91% of graduates from Geography and Environmental Science are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our analysis of HESA data © 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes first degree Geography and Environmental Science responders).

Add your voice to the development of renewable energy, protect ecological diversity by joining a wildlife conservation organisation, or provide support and planning to mitigate natural disasters through flood relief. You could lend your skills to a career in national government or NGOs, channel a passion for science into teaching, or join one of the many sectors where a geography degree is highly regarded, such as construction and engineering.

Recent BSc Geography (Physical) graduates have gone on to work for organisations including:

• Atkins
• Environmental Resource Management (ERM)
• Mott MacDonald
• RPS Group
• Syngenta
• WSP.