Physical Geography
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | On-Campus | Full-time | 3 - 4 years | September | £9535 per year | £22100 per year |
About Physical Geography, BSc (Hons) - at Swansea University
Explore the geographical processes that shape the Earth, and gain skills in technical and scientific subjects such as geology, climate science, glaciology, volcanology and satellite monitoring of environmental change.
Our Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) accredited BA Physical Geography programme explores topics that overlap with subjects such as geophysics, climatology, meteorology and earth science.
Our Physical Geography degree programmes focus on the analysis of different physical environments both here in the UK and on our international field courses, including coastal, volcanic, island and tectonic environments. A core theme is understanding how human actions are impacting the environment and the challenges of building sustainable futures.
You’ll have access to specialist labs and field equipment to carry out project work, as well as our field kit ‘library’ where you can borrow waterproofs, boots and outdoor gear.
This degree programme is suitable for students who want to take geography but do not want to study Human Geography topics in detail. Students who want to include Human Geography are encouraged to consider the BSc Geography programme as well.
Why Physical Geography at Swansea?
Physical Geography at Swansea offers:
- A flexible degree path you can customise by choosing from a mixture of human and physical geography modules.
- The opportunity to study abroad for a year, or work in industry.
- A strong emphasis on fieldwork. We take advantage of the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Nature Beauty (now the Gower National Landscape) on our doorstep, and Wales’ nearby national parks for day field trips.
- International field courses in the second and third years of our programmes give you the chance to carry out fieldwork in Europe and North America, as well as specialised field modules in Asia.
- A world-renowned department with a strong record of employability; Ranked Top 250 in the World for Environmental Sciences (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2025).
- Top 100 in the World for Geography (Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024).
Your Physical Geography Experience
- You can study modules that deliver skills and knowledge to tackle global challenges, which may include: Monitoring Global Change from Space, Past Environments and Climate Change, Coastal Environments and Sustainable Land Management.
- Our Science Communication and Dissertation Report modules give students critical transferable skills like project management and independent researcher abilities.
- Welsh speaking students can choose to study part of this degree programmes in the medium of Welsh.
Physical Geography Employment Opportunities
Our graduates have become Catchment Scientists, Ecologists, Geographical Data Processors, Surveyors, Housing Officers, Meteorologists, Journalists, Government Advisors and Lecturers.
Entry requirements
Contact Swansea University to find course entry requirements.
Why study at Swansea University
There are many reasons to choose Swansea University for your studies; from the stunning beachfront locations of our Singleton Park and Bay campuses, to our global reputation for research and academic excellence, we offer a safe, supportive and fun environment to live and study, and our vast range of courses and subject areas mean you are sure to find the future career for you.
- Top 30 UK research-led university (Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021)
- Ranked within the Top 300 of universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Voted 6th safest city in England and Wales (Complete University Guide 2024)
- UK Top 10 of the People and Planet University League (Times Good University Guide 2025)
Whether you join us for your undergraduate degree, postgraduate studies or research, you’ll receive a modern approach to learning, backed by cutting-edge facilities and an excellent research and teaching faculty.
Join Swansea and start your journey, studying in a picturesque, student-friendly city by the sea with so much to offer.