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Underwater species survey in Samos

Geography (physical)

Explore the landscapes, climate and the dynamic physical processes that shape the Earth's surface, with a focus on the global challenges facing our oceans or the effect humans are having on our planet.

Why study with us

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Exciting fieldwork

Wales is an exciting location for geographers to explore with impressive mountains in the north and a biodiverse tidal estuary in the south.

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Skills society needs

Climate change, pollution, land degradation and natural hazards are at the forefront of many global challenges, creating an ever-increasing demand for geographical skills.

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Strong connections

Our excellent links to local organisations, such as Natural Resources Wales and the Severn Estuary Partnership, help our students to find projects and placement opportunities.

Field trips teach you new techniques you will use throughout your degree and give you an overview of the course. They are also a great opportunity to meet new people. When you are dropped off on one of your first trips, you can’t help but make friends. Whilst all my flatmates were sat in lectures day after day, I was out exploring Cardiff and the surrounding area.
Philippa Smith, BSc Environmental Geography

Courses

Entry year

Environmental Geography (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Environmental geographers use their scientific understanding of the natural and physical environment to find solutions to crucial environmental issues.

Environmental Geography (MSci)

Full time, 4 years

Discover how to analyse and solve wide-ranging environmental problems with a focus on learning how to conduct research.

Environmental Geography with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Environmental geographers use their scientific understanding of the natural and physical environment to find solutions to crucial environmental issues.

Marine Geography (MSci)

Full time, 4 years

This four year marine geography degree covers a broad range of marine and coast-related subjects and includes an independent research project.

Marine Geography (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Our marine geography degree covers a broad range of marine and coast-related subjects from climate change, meteorology and oceanography, through to ocean exploitation and sustainability.

Marine Geography with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Our marine geography degree covers a broad range of marine and coast-related subjects from climate change, meteorology and oceanography, through to ocean exploitation and sustainability.

Physical Geography (MSci)

Full time, 4 years

On this four-year degree programme, you will work on an independent research project of your choice, developing the skills needed for an academic or consulting career.

Physical Geography (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Physical geographers explore the evolution of Earth's surface, the science behind its physical processes and the impacts and influences surrounding them, including glacial environments, natural hazards and climate change.

Physical Geography with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Physical geographers explore the evolution of Earth's surface, the science behind its physical processes and the impacts and influences surrounding them, including glacial environments, natural hazards and climate change.

Facilities and location

All facilities Teaching spaces Libraries and study spaces Laboratories Social spaces Specialist facilities
Main Building, home to the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Our School

Located in Main Building

The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences is located inside the University's iconic Main Building.

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Shandon Lecture Theatre. One of our large lecture theatres where you may have some of your lectures.

Large lecture theatre

Located in Main Building

The Shandon Lecture Theatre is one of our large lecture theatres where you may have some of your first-year lectures.

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Wallace Lecture Theatre

Small lecture theatre

Located in Main Building

The Wallace Lecture Theatre is one of our smaller lecture theatres where you may have some of your second and third-year lectures.

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Science Library

Science Library

Located in Main Building

The library contains collections on biosciences, chemistry, Earth and environmental sciences, as well as facilities to support you with your studies.

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A typical medium to large-sized laboratory session for Earth science students.

Laboratory

Located in Main Building

This is a typical laboratory where geography students might complete activities such as mapping sessions.

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RV Guiding Light. Our coastal research vessel enables us to understand marine issues better, from sea level rise through to coastal management.

RV Guiding Light

Our coastal research vessel enables some of our geography students to understand marine issues better, from sea level rise through to coastal erosion and management.

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Our talks

Dr Jenny Pike, Deputy Head of School, explains our broad subject areas and gives you a flavour of the degree programmes we offer.

Our School and subject areas

Dr Jenny Pike, Deputy Head of School, explains our broad subject areas and gives you a flavour of the degree programmes we offer.

Dr Jenny Pike describes the structure of our degree programmes including our teaching methods, contact hours and our wide module selection.

Our degree programmes

Dr Jenny Pike describes the structure of our degree programmes including our teaching methods, contact hours and our wide module selection.

Director of Recruitment and Admissions, Dr Andrew Kerr, provides general guidance on entry requirements. Specific course entry requirements can be found on the course pages.

Entry requirements

Director of Recruitment and Admissions, Dr Andrew Kerr, provides general guidance on entry requirements. Specific course entry requirements can be found on the course pages.

Dr Rhoda Ballinger explores the field trip opportunities available to students studying one of our geography degrees.

Fieldwork for geographers

Dr Rhoda Ballinger explores the field trip opportunities available to students studying one of our geography degrees.

Dr Andrew Kerr reviews some of the possible careers that can be pursued after studying with us, including case examples from former students.

Graduate career opportunities

Dr Andrew Kerr reviews some of the possible careers that can be pursued after studying with us, including case examples from former students.

I work as a Coastal Process Scientist monitoring the coast as part of the Southeast Strategic Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme. We undertake topographic beach surveys and nearshore hydrographic surveys. The data are processed and used by a wide variety of stakeholders. I am responsible for planning, undertaking and analysing beach surveys within the East Solent area. The wide variety of modules I covered at Cardiff, as well as the use of different software and the practical fieldwork aspect, helped me to secure a job I love.
Emma Evans, MSci Marine Geography 2014

A taste of studying with us

Watch our taster lecture or sign up for our free online short course to get a taste of our approach to teaching, as well as some of the exciting topics you might study.

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Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

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Guaranteed accommodation

If you arrive in September, you're guaranteed a single occupancy room, and you'll be allocated with other first-year students.

Student life

Learn more about our sport and recreation, free language programmes, living costs, learning support and the Students' Union.

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Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

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View our physical geography courses

Explore our courses.

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Download brochure

Learn more about our School in our subject brochure.

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Contact us

Ask a question and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

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How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

Other subjects you may be interested in

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Earth and environmental sciences

Gain the scientific knowledge and skills required to impact key environmental developments and decisions and learn how to preserve our planet for generations to come.

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Geography (Human) and Planning

Passionate about tackling global social, political, economic and development challenges to improve where and how we live? Our human geography and planning programmes are the choice for you.

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.

Copyright: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2022. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.