Course summary

From exploring landscapes and how they are shaped, to interpreting satellite Earth observation and GIS data, to monitoring environmental changes from Space, the study of geography is more relevant than ever. Why Swansea? If your interest lies more in physical geography and science, our BSc is an excellent choice; if it lies in human geography and the arts, you may prefer our BA scheme. Both will equip you with highly desirable practical, numerical and computational skills for a wide range of careers. These include regional planning, environmental management, local authority work, financial planning, computing or business and retail management. We are ideally placed to offer exceptional fieldwork opportunities. Just a short drive from the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower Peninsula, you will have easy access to the Brecon Beacons, rural west Wales and the urban and industrial landscapes of South Wales. You’ll also have an opportunity to carry out fieldwork overseas in Austria, Berlin, Malaysian Borneo, Mallorca, New York or Vancouver. Through this degree, you will explore topical issues such as glacial environments and processes, climate change, meteorology and plate tectonics. You’ll also get the chance to experience different cultures and may even learn some valuable language skills through your year abroad. You will be taught in our £4.2m state-of-the-art Science laboratories, in a vibrant and friendly department. You’ll have access to our high-performance computer lab for processing and interpreting satellite earth observation and GIS data, a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer, a climatic test chamber, mineral magnetic characterisation equipment and an automatic organic carbon analyser. You will learn from internationally renowned academics including Professor Tavi Murray, the first woman to be awarded Polar Medal by HM Queen, Professor Adrian Luckman, who has achieved global media coverage for his climate change research, Professor Peter North, who received international coverage of his work with NASA, and Professor Siwan Davies, whose work focuses on the dramatic changes to our climate. You can change between our BA and BSc schemes up until the end of Year 2. This degree is also offered as a four-year course with a year in industry (F273). “I really enjoyed the variety of different subjects the geography degree offered. The care and passion that lecturers had was noticeable. The field trip to Sikkim was amazing and I learnt so many skills on the trip that have helped me a great deal going forward.”

• Louie Vaughan, BSc Geography