University of Plymouth
Physical Geography and Geology
Plymouth, England, United Kingdom · UCAS FF86
Level
Bachelor
Duration
3 years
Campus
Main Site
Intl. Tuition
£19,800 (2027-28)
Home Tuition
£10,050 (2027-28)
Intake
September 2027
UCAS code
FF86
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Course Overview
Physical Geography and Geology at University of Plymouth in Plymouth, England, United Kingdom is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Geography graduates pursue careers in urban planning, environmental management, GIS analysis, development consultancy, the civil service and environmental sectors. Chartered Geographer (CGeog) status and RTPI planning accreditation are common progressions.
Student life (indicative)
Plymouth combines solid student nightlife with easy coastal and countryside access. The city has a good range of independent cafés, pubs and cultural venues, with beaches or scenic coastline within easy reach.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
17,945
Staff Ratio
18.0:1
International
12.0%
Career Prospects
Employment Rate
75.0%
of graduates employed
Avg Starting Salary
£26,860
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Physical Geography and Geology
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Physical Geography and Geology topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Physical Geography and Geology
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
- Geography
- Physical geography
- Geology
Source: UCAS course listing, 2027 entry (retrieved September 2026). Always confirm the current requirements with the university.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
17,945
Total students
Staff Ratio
18:1
Students per staff
International Students
12%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
7.5/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Plymouth combines solid student nightlife with easy coastal and countryside access. The city has a good range of independent cafés, pubs and cultural venues, with beaches or scenic coastline within easy reach.
- Plymouth combines solid student nightlife with easy coastal and countryside access.
- The city has a good range of independent cafés, pubs and cultural venues, with beaches or scenic coastline within easy reach.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Active pub & club scene
- Historic city & heritage
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Graduate Employment
75%
Employed after graduation
Avg Starting Salary
£26,860
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Geography graduates pursue careers in urban planning, environmental management, GIS analysis, development consultancy, the civil service and environmental sectors. Chartered Geographer (CGeog) status and RTPI planning accreditation are common progressions.
- Geography graduates pursue careers in urban planning, environmental management, GIS analysis, development consultancy, the civil service and environmental sectors.
- Chartered Geographer (CGeog) status and RTPI planning accreditation are common progressions.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Marine Science
- Business
- Healthcare
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
£59,400
For full 3 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
MEDIUM
This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of the UK's more affordable student cities — a $1,345/month budget (housing $780, food $295, transport $80) covers everything comfortably. A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
- One of the UK's more affordable student cities — a $1,345/month budget (housing $780, food $295, transport $80) covers everything comfortably.
- A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
Contains HESA data (Discover Uni), licensed under CC BY 4.0.