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Physical Geography at Cardiff University - UCAS

Cardiff University

Degree level: Undergraduate
Awarded by: Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)

Physical Geography

Course options

Course summary

Overview and aims of the Programme Our planet is constantly evolving and reshaping itself. We need to understand the science behind physical processes and hazards like flooding and coastal erosion so we can adapt and find solutions to challenges we’ll face in the future. On our Physical Geography course, you will explore how the Earth functions and learn about global hazards like volcanoes and landslides and investigate how landscapes evolve over time. You will study physical processes from across the world, from glacial processes to desertification. You will develop skills in mapping and research and get experience of using industry-standard equipment and software. We make the most of our location and take regular day trips along the coast and to the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. There will also be opportunities to do overseas trips, in the past our geography students have been to Switzerland and Tenerife. Our Masters degrees involve a fourth year of study where you work on an independent research project with a world-leading scientist from the School and their research staff. You will develop the advanced research skills needed for a career in academic research and consultancy. Distinctive Features of the Programme

  • Student satisfaction - belong to a small and friendly community voted top among all Russell Group Universities in the main category of Overall Satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2018. In 2019 our Geography degrees were jointly ranked 1st out of 63 Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences undergraduate courses.
  • Flexible degree schemes - all of the School’s degrees have a common first semester that introduce you to geosciences and geography. You can then decide whether to stay with your chosen degree or switch to another in the same School.
  • Placement opportunity - in year three you can choose to do an industry placement and gain invaluable skills and experience.
  • Hands-on fieldwork in the UK and overseas - you will get plenty of opportunity to develop your fieldwork skills with regular day trips and residential trips in Wales and overseas. Wales is like a playground for geographers. From impressive mountains in the north to a biodiverse tidal estuary in the south, we have a huge range of natural environments to explore.
  • World leading experts and facilities – you will be taught by world-leading scientists and have access to: the latest technologies in surveying and mapping equipment, chemical laboratories and laboratories with GIS (Geographic Information System).
  • Industry connections - we have excellent links with external partners including employers, consultancies and local organisations like Natural Resources Wales. These connections help students to find relevant and highly topical research projects and will often offer practical help, advice and placement opportunities.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
F844
Institution code:
C15
Campus name:
Main Site - Cardiff
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects. We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.


English language requirements

All applicants are expected to have demonstrable English language skills. Most courses ask for GCSE English grade C/4 or equivalent, but some courses ask for GCSE English grade B/6 or equivalent.

To find out more, please go to:

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/undergraduate


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
55%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £29450 Year 1
International £29450 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students from the UK and Islands: Fees stated are for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme. Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete to the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel. Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland: If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2025/26 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. You can check whether you are eligible for UK (Home) fee status on the UKCISA website: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Fees-and-Money/Wales-fee-status#layer-6099 Students from the rest of the world (international): Fees stated are for 2025/26 entry and are fixed for the duration of the programme, excluding Medicine and Dentistry programmes. Please note that during the pre-clinical element of Medicine and Dentistry programmes the fee rate will be fixed, after which the clinical fee rate will be charged. Further details are available on the university website at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/funding-and-fees Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme. Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.

Sponsorship information

Cardiff University has many scholarships on offer to our prospective students. Please see our website at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/funding/scholarships for further information.

Physical Geography at Cardiff University - UCAS