Earth Sciences and Physical Geography Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Are you fascinated by how the Earth works, from its deep interior to the landscapes we live in?

Do you want to understand how physical processes, climate, and human activity have affected our past, so we can measure its present and predict its future?

If so, then this degree is for you.

Earth Science and Physical Geography offers you flexibility in your studies to pursue a wide range of interests across geography and the Earth sciences, giving you a holistic understanding of our planet.

On this degree, you will explore:

Earth sciences

Our planet and its evolution, from its formation and the evolution of life to present-day surface and environmental processes, encompassing rocks, minerals, fossils, oceans, the atmosphere, and weather.

Physical geography

The geographical processes of our planet, such as volcanoes and glaciers, flooding and climate change.

This degree helps you investigate how Earth systems interact, and how we can use this knowledge to tackle major global challenges, such as:

* climate change and sustainable resource use

* natural hazards and environmental management

* understanding the links between the Earth’s structure, surface and atmosphere

By combining the strengths of Earth sciences and geography, you will gain a broad scientific foundation and the flexibility to specialise in areas that interest you most.

You will also benefit from the wide range of research interests of our academics – many at the forefront of their field – making it easy for you to tailor your studies and research dissertation to suit your interests.

By the end of this degree, you will also gain sought-after analytical, field and computational skills that employers value, including science communication, programming and data science, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

These skills prepare you for careers in sustainability, environmental consultancy, Earth science research and beyond.

Our students on the importance of the Earth sciences

Our Earth Science and Physical Geography programme allows you to combine your understanding of both physical geography and Earth processes to address global challenges.

Free Earth Sciences taster course

Earth Sciences Subject Spotlight | Springpod

Explore Earth Sciences in action with our Springpod Subject Spotlight. Led by volcanologist Professor Eliza Calder, this is a free taster of what studying Earth Sciences could look like.

Travel to Guatemala and dive into natural hazards, volcanoes and disaster risk reduction. Learn how volcanic activity shapes communities, and how science can improve forecasting, resilience, and real-world decision-making.

Programme benefits

* Study a degree with real-world relevance that enhances your employability

* Flexible first and second years. Explore a range of courses before specialising in areas that inspire you most

* Gain networking and placement opportunities through our connections with industry, research, and government sectors

* Develop field and laboratory experience that prepares you to address global environmental and sustainability challenges

* Join one of the UK's largest groups of geographers and Earth and environmental scientists. Learn from world-leading researchers across fields such as volcanology, glaciology, geohazards and resources, palaeontology, climate change and sustainability