BSc Geography (Physical) with Professional Experience
-
UCAS code
F839 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years Other: including a placement year
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years Other: including a placement year
Examine the processes and patterns that shape the natural world around us with our BSc Geography (Physical) with Professional Experience degree.
This four-year course will deepen your understanding of how our physical environment works, responds, and adapts to change. It also offers you the chance to help address issues critical to our shared global future, including:
- climate change
- natural disasters
- weather systems.
You'll explore our physical world's diverse landscapes and environments through the study of:
- hydrology
- climatology
- hazards
- soils
- biogeography.
You'll also have the flexibility to decide where to focus your attention as your degree progresses, so you can adapt the degree to suit your interests as they evolve.
BSc Geography (Physical) with Professional Experience placement year
A key component of this degree is a year-long professional placement, which occurs between your second and final year. Placements can help enhance your employability and build your network.
Other opportunities include summer placements and the chance to work with partner organisations on research projects, with some of our recent students working with organisations such as:
- Thames Water
- Environment Agency
- Reading Borough Council
- Earth Trust
- Reading Buses
- West Berkshire Wildlife Trust.
Visit the Geography and Environmental Science placements page for more information.
Your learning environment
The University of Reading is the 8th highest ranking UK university for Physical Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 by Subject).
At Reading, you'll learn from internationally recognised academics in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. Our experts are researching matters of global importance, including:
- sustainability
- hydrology, landscapes and ecology
- paleoecology
- glaciology.
This research feeds directly into the topics you study, placing you at the cutting-edge of developments in the field.
- Professor Frank Mayle is working to reconstruct the history of the Amazon rainforests, removing long cores of sediment from the earth for microscopic analysis of their content to learn about the long-term dynamics of rainforest ecosystems.
Develop technical laboratory skills to help apply your knowledge in areas such as modelling, surveying and measurement, and technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information System) and remote sensing. You'll gain experience in the field, ensuring you have a balance of practical and theoretical skills.
We'll support you to make a difference as you apply your lessons to what you're passionate about. For example, recent students campaigned successfully for the University's students' union to stop using plastic straws.
- Read about Jack Abrey, a recent graduate who travelled to Madagascar with WaterAid and the Scouts to help improve access to clean water and safe toilets across the country.
You'll have opportunities to work on research projects within the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science and other departments across the University.
You can also join GeogSoc, a student-run society for geography and environmental science undergraduates. As one of the University's largest student societies, GeogSoc is a great way to meet people, build your network, and participate in events like club nights, quizzes, and the annual summer and winter formals.
Field classes
One of the most popular components of our BSc Geography (Physical) with Professional Experience are its field classes.
You’ll have the opportunity to travel throughout the UK and abroad, putting theory into practice and gaining valuable research and practical experience.
Recent field class destinations have included:
- Naples, Italy, where you can climb Mount Vesuvius and learn about the historical impacts and future evacuation plans for volcanic eruptions.
- Crete, Greece, where you can research and model flood activity.
- Iceland, where you can study the geomorphology of the area, the history of the landscape, and aspects of the archaeological and cultural history of human activity on the island.
- Almeria, Spain, where you can investigate the geology, hydrology, and soils.
We are also developing additional field classes to Africa and Latin America.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year abroad at one of our partner universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, or across Europe. For example, recent destinations have included Melbourne, Australia and Ottawa, Canada.
In the autumn of your final year, you'll also have the chance to study abroad for a term – either in the Netherlands (Groningen), Denmark (Aarhus), or Norway (Bergen or Svalbard). All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs.
Visit our Study Abroad website for further information.
Overview
Examine the processes and patterns that shape the natural world around us with our BSc Geography (Physical) with Professional Experience degree.
This four-year course will deepen your understanding of how our physical environment works, responds, and adapts to change. It also offers you the chance to help address issues critical to our shared global future, including:
- climate change
- natural disasters
- weather systems.
You'll explore our physical world's diverse landscapes and environments through the study of:
- hydrology
- climatology
- hazards
- soils
- biogeography.
You'll also have the flexibility to decide where to focus your attention as your degree progresses, so you can adapt the degree to suit your interests as they evolve.
BSc Geography (Physical) with Professional Experience placement year
A key component of this degree is a year-long professional placement, which occurs between your second and final year. Placements can help enhance your employability and build your network.
Other opportunities include summer placements and the chance to work with partner organisations on research projects, with some of our recent students working with organisations such as:
- Thames Water
- Environment Agency
- Reading Borough Council
- Earth Trust
- Reading Buses
- West Berkshire Wildlife Trust.
Visit the Geography and Environmental Science placements page for more information.
Learning
Your learning environment
The University of Reading is the 8th highest ranking UK university for Physical Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 by Subject).
At Reading, you'll learn from internationally recognised academics in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. Our experts are researching matters of global importance, including:
- sustainability
- hydrology, landscapes and ecology
- paleoecology
- glaciology.
This research feeds directly into the topics you study, placing you at the cutting-edge of developments in the field.
- Professor Frank Mayle is working to reconstruct the history of the Amazon rainforests, removing long cores of sediment from the earth for microscopic analysis of their content to learn about the long-term dynamics of rainforest ecosystems.
Develop technical laboratory skills to help apply your knowledge in areas such as modelling, surveying and measurement, and technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information System) and remote sensing. You'll gain experience in the field, ensuring you have a balance of practical and theoretical skills.
We'll support you to make a difference as you apply your lessons to what you're passionate about. For example, recent students campaigned successfully for the University's students' union to stop using plastic straws.
- Read about Jack Abrey, a recent graduate who travelled to Madagascar with WaterAid and the Scouts to help improve access to clean water and safe toilets across the country.
You'll have opportunities to work on research projects within the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science and other departments across the University.
You can also join GeogSoc, a student-run society for geography and environmental science undergraduates. As one of the University's largest student societies, GeogSoc is a great way to meet people, build your network, and participate in events like club nights, quizzes, and the annual summer and winter formals.
Field classes
One of the most popular components of our BSc Geography (Physical) with Professional Experience are its field classes.
You’ll have the opportunity to travel throughout the UK and abroad, putting theory into practice and gaining valuable research and practical experience.
Recent field class destinations have included:
- Naples, Italy, where you can climb Mount Vesuvius and learn about the historical impacts and future evacuation plans for volcanic eruptions.
- Crete, Greece, where you can research and model flood activity.
- Iceland, where you can study the geomorphology of the area, the history of the landscape, and aspects of the archaeological and cultural history of human activity on the island.
- Almeria, Spain, where you can investigate the geology, hydrology, and soils.
We are also developing additional field classes to Africa and Latin America.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year abroad at one of our partner universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, or across Europe. For example, recent destinations have included Melbourne, Australia and Ottawa, Canada.
In the autumn of your final year, you'll also have the chance to study abroad for a term – either in the Netherlands (Groningen), Denmark (Aarhus), or Norway (Bergen or Svalbard). All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs.
Visit our Study Abroad website for further information.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
GV1C | Climatology | PROF Maria Shahgedanova |
GV1GS | Geomorphology | DR Alison Macleod |
GV1TGE | Techniques in Geography and Environmental Science | DR Rob Fry |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
GV1B1 | Introduction to Environmental Science | DR Hazel McGoff |
GV1BGE | Biogeography and Ecology | PROF Frank Mayle |
GV1CIG | Contemporary Issues in Human Geography | PROF Avril Maddrell |
GV1D | Hydrology | DR Jess Neumann |
GV1DE | Our Dynamic Earth | DR Hazel McGoff |
GV1DEN | Data Environment | PROF Andrew Wade |
GV1E1 | Soils in the Environment | DR Steve Robinson |
GV1EI | Environmental Issues | PROF Alan Howard |
GV1EL | Earth Lab | DR Tom Sizmur |
GV1HGI | Introducing Human Geography | DR Sophie Blackburn |
GV1QS | Introduction to Quaternary Science | PROF Nicholas Branch |
GV1SOC | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology | DR Alanna Cant |
AP1A34 | Towards Sustainability: Positive action for a better world | PROF Julian Park |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1ID2 | International Development: Global and Local Issues | DR Garth Holloway |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
AR1REV | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present | PROF Steve Mithen |
AR1REV10 | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present [10 credits] | PROF Steve Mithen |
BI1EC2 | Ecology | DR Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | PROF Amy Smith |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Simone Knox |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
TY1WTF | What the font? Making and using typefaces | DR Rob Banham |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
GV2FCN | Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 3 | DR Mike Simmonds |
GV2RTS | Research Training for Geography and Environmental Science | DR Mike Simmonds |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
GV2ATA | Analysing Social Data: Techniques and Applications | PROF Steve Musson |
GV2CSR | Corporate Social Responsibility Consultancy | MR Jim Ormond |
GV2DIP | Geographies of Development, Identity and Place | DR Yaw Adjei-Amoako |
GV2ECH | Environmental Chemistry | DR Udeme Dickson |
GV2ER | Energy Resources | PROF Alan Howard |
GV2F4 | Soil Ecology and Functions | PROF Elizabeth Shaw |
GV2GIS | Geographical Information Systems | DR Jess Neumann |
GV2GRE | Geological Resources | DR Hazel McGoff |
GV2HAZ | Natural Hazards | DR Alison Macleod |
GV2HY | Hydrological Processes | PROF Andrew Wade |
GV2MES | Monitoring the Earth from Space | DR Jonathan Dale |
GV2MPL | Summer Micro-Placement | DR Aleks Pluskowski |
GV2NS | Nature, Society and Imaginaries of Degrowth | PROF Hilary Geoghegan |
GV2PLA | Summer Placement | DR Aleks Pluskowski |
GV2QCEC | Quaternary Climate and Environmental Change | PROF Nicholas Branch |
AP2A59 | Nature Conservation | DR Laura Girling |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
AR2M8 | Medieval Europe: power, religion and death | DR Gabor Thomas |
AR2SCF2 | Changing the Face of the Earth: Past, Present and Future Sustainability | DR Wendy Matthews |
CL2AE | Ancient Epic | DR Christa Gray |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | DR Emma Aston |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF Barbara Goff |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | PROF Annalisa Marzano |
ED2TS1 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 1 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
ED2TS2 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 2 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
FT2WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
IL2GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MRS Daniela Standen |
IL2GMB | Modern Britain Society, History and Politics | MRS Daniela Standen |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
ML2GF | Science, perversion, and dream in global fantastic literature | DR Alice Christensen |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Veronica Heath |
MM2101 | Founder Dilemmas | DR Norbert Morawetz |
MT2CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO2AMG | American Government and Politics | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
PO2GPH | Global Politics and History | DR Kerry Goettlich |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Christoph Arndt |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | DR Shalini Sinha |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Severin Schroeder |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | DR Charlotte Newey |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
GV2PPY | Professional Placement Year | DR Aleks Pluskowski |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
GV2MPL | Summer Micro-Placement | DR Aleks Pluskowski |
GV2PLA | Summer Placement | DR Aleks Pluskowski |
GV317 | Carbon and Global Change | PROF Anne Verhoef |
GV344 | Culture and Development in Africa | DR Yaw Adjei-Amoako |
GV362 | Water Resources | PROF Alan Howard |
GV3AP | Air Pollution: Effects and Control | DR Hong Yang |
GV3CC | Climate Change | PROF Maria Shahgedanova |
GV3CPS | Consumption, Politics and Space | PROF Mike Goodman |
GV3DDT | Deathscapes and Dark Tourism | PROF Avril Maddrell |
GV3DPE | Dissertation (Year of Professional Expereince Students) | DR Shovonlal Roy |
GV3DSA | Dissertation (Study Abroad Students) | PROF Avril Maddrell |
GV3ER1 | ERASMUS Exchange Programme | DR Aleks Pluskowski |
GV3ER3 | ERASMUS Exchange Programme | DR Aleks Pluskowski |
GV3ESM | Ecosystems Modelling | DR Shovonlal Roy |
GV3HCP | The Anthropology of Heritage and Cultural Property | DR Alanna Cant |
GV3IFC | Iceland Expeditionary Fieldclass | DR Stuart Black |
GV3JLD | Global Justice, Labour and Development | DR Sally Lloyd-Evans |
GV3NUI | China Environmental Analysis Fieldclass | DR Steve Robinson |
GV3PFF | Preparing For Floods | PROF Hannah Cloke |
GV3POL | Environmental Pollution | DR Tom Sizmur |
GV3TRC | Tropical Rainforests, Climate & Lost Civilisations | PROF Frank Mayle |
GV3VOL | Volcanic Hazards and Risk Management | DR Stuart Black |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | PROF Amy Smith |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
ED3TS4 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 4 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
FB3LNPA | Lifestyle, Nutrigenetics and Personalised Nutrition | DR Vimal Karani |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LW3CRY | Criminology | PROFESSOR Jo Phoenix |
ML3IC | Identity and Conflict in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML3LP | Language and Power | MR Federico Faloppa |
MM302 | Entrepreneurial Project | MR Keith Heron |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Sarah Goff |
PO3GAP | Gender and Politics | DR Rose De Geus |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £24,500
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Placement year fees
If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
Geography arms you with the ability to see the big picture. The intellectual, technical and team-working skills and knowledge you develop during your degree are sought by employers– and 95% of graduates from Geography and Environmental Science are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes first degree Geography and Environmental Science responders).
Add your voice to the development of renewable energy, protect ecological diversity by joining a wildlife conservation organisation, or provide support and planning to mitigate natural disasters through flood relief. You could lend your skills to a career in national government or NGOs, channel a passion for science into teaching, or join one of the many sectors where a geography degree is highly regarded, such as construction and engineering.
Recent BSc Geography (Physical) with Professional Experience graduates have gone on to work for organisations including:
- Department of Education, Food and Rural Affairs
- Dynasafe BACTEC
- Infrastructure Design Studio
- WSP Global
- North Somerset District Council.
Read about Charlie Mariner, a recent graduate, who uses the technical skills acquired during his degree in his career as a Catastrophe Risk Analyst.