Environmental Geography with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Overview

The Environmental Geography with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the natural and physical environment, as well as the science behind human impact on the planet. This four-year full-time degree program includes a year of study abroad at a partner institution in another country.

Subject Areas

• Earth and environmental sciences
• Geography (physical)

UCAS Code and Duration

• UCAS code: K32L
• Duration: 4 years
• Mode: Full time with year abroad

Why Study This Course

The program offers a unique opportunity to learn while traveling and experiencing different landscapes, education, and cultures. Students will develop strong fieldwork skills, industry connections, and access to high-quality facilities. The flexible course structure allows students to request a transfer to a program with a professional placement year or to the MSci at the end of the first year.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBC (with 1 science subject) or BBB-BCC (with 2 science subjects)
• Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Statistics
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects (with 1 HL science subject) or 31-29 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects (with 2 HL science subjects)
• BTEC: DDM-DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Science, Applied Science, Engineering, Health Science, ICT, or Sports and Exercise Science
• Other qualifications: Select your qualification and country for more information

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

• Fees for home status:
  • Year one: Ł9,535
  • Year two: Ł9,535
  • Year three (sandwich year): Ł1,430
  • Year four: Ł9,535
• Fees for overseas status:
  • Year one: Ł30,700
  • Year two: Ł30,700
  • Year three (sandwich year): Ł4,605
  • Year four: Ł30,700

Additional Costs

• Fieldwork costs are included, but students may need to contribute towards food
• Students will pay 15% of the usual Cardiff University fees during their year of study abroad
• Students will need to pay for their living costs while abroad, which may include health insurance costs
• Travel and visa application fees are additional costs

Course Structure

This is a four-year full-time degree. In the first year, students will study core modules and get a strong foundation in environmental geography. In years two and four, there are core and optional modules, allowing students to choose areas of interest. Year three is spent studying at a partner institution in another country.

Year One

• Core modules:
  • World of Dynamic Environments
  • Exploring Planet Earth
  • GIS, Maps and Analytical Skills
  • Geography Field Skills
  • Understanding the Living Planet
  • Fundamentals of Geographical Science

Year Two

• Core modules:
  • Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Science
  • Geographical Fieldwork and Perspectives
• Optional modules:
  • Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis
  • The Coastal System
  • Process Geomorphology & Hydrology
  • The Ocean-Atmosphere System

Year Three: Sandwich Year

• Core module: Year of Study Abroad

Year Four

• Core modules:
  • Environmental Geography Dissertation
  • Extreme Environments: biogeochemical perspectives
• Optional modules:
  • Advanced Geography Fieldwork II
  • Hazards, Risk and Resilience
  • Marine Environmental Systems
  • Global Climate Change

Learning and Assessment

The program uses a mix of theory and practical teaching approaches, including lectures, laboratory work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, and seminars. Students will be assessed through a combination of assignments, presentations, fieldwork, examinations, and a dissertation.

Careers and Placements

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in various industries, including conservation and environmental management, environmental consultancy, and geospatial analysis. Students will have the opportunity to undertake a study placement in year three at a partner institution in another country.

Fieldwork

The program includes several residential field trips, including an overseas trip, to train students in essential fieldwork skills, such as map-reading, landscape identification, and the use of a compass. Students will only be asked for a small contribution towards food and drink provided on trips.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

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Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.