Physical Geography & Geology BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: FF68

Our BSc (Hons) Physical Geography & Geology balances present-day physical geography with a strong geology dimension. This means that practical field and laboratory work will be integral to your studies.

Book an open day Apply through UCAS Contact us Download course leaflet

Overview

Course length:	3 years full-time 6 years part-time
Start dates:	September 2025 September 2026
Location:	Edge Hill University
Example offers:	BBC-BBB (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria
Subject(s):	Geography and Geology
Faculty:	Arts and Sciences
Department:	History, Geography and Social Sciences

A group of students work in the geology lab, using geological maps and rock specimens, and discuss their work.

Explore Earth’s history, from its origins to current physical and environmental issues, and responses to them. Our BSc (Hons) Physical Geography & Geology course places practical field and laboratory work at its core. You’ll learn the fundamental techniques of physical geography and geology, becoming familiar with Geographical Information Systems (GIS), digital cartography and graphical software packages.

Your learning is underpinned by the study of the geological features as they are now and as they were in the past. Our fieldwork destinations across the UK and Europe will provide an essential component to your degree. Previous destinations have included Cumbria, Edinburgh, Tenerife and the Scottish Highlands. You can also tailor your degree to your interests, with the opportunity to select subject-specific and complementary modules.

After three years of study, you’ll have honed many transferable skills useful for working in public and private sector organisations. You might consider roles in conservation, geological exploration, environmental management or environmental education. To help you plan for life after Edge Hill, our tailored careers and employability activities can help you identify and make your next move.

Course features

Fieldwork
International students can apply
Learn a language option available
Sandwich year option available
Studying abroad option available

What you'll study

You’ll build a foundation in physical geography and geology in Year 1. You’ll explore the evolution of the Earth and learn about environmental issues facing the world today. This includes training in techniques you’ll use in the laboratory. Residential fieldwork will provide training in key skills that you’ll be able to apply on your degree.

Compulsory modules:

Expand all

Earth History provides a solid knowledge base to allow students to appreciate the Geological Evolution of Earth from both a global perspective and in the context of the British Isles. It will examine the beginning of the solar system and the theories behind the origin of the Earth and the Moon. Following that, the early conditions of Earth's history will be examined by considering the early continental crust, and the origin of the atmosphere and hydrosphere. The rise of modern style plate tectonics, the origin of life and the rise of atmospheric oxygen will be introduced alongside changes in the oceans and evolution of the Earth's climate. Major episodes such as "Snowball and Greenhouse Earth" along with asteroid impacts, mass extinctions and super-massive volcanic eruptions will be explored. Following a sound global perspective of the evolution of the Earth, the geological history of the British Isles will be examined.

Module code: GEO1247

Credits: 20

Assessment

60% Exam

40% Coursework

One of:

Expand all

Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.

Module code: TLC1010

Credits: 20

Assessment

85% Coursework

15% Practical

You’ll cover a range of topics in Year 2, such as Digital Geography and Geoscience Techniques. Your Physical Geography modules cover Landscape Dynamics and Climate and Environmental Change. Lab work will help improve your research skills, in conjunction with a comprehensive fieldwork programme. You will also be encouraged to take on a work placement, with organisations like the British Geological Survey or engineering geology consultants.

Compulsory modules:

Expand all

Sedimentology investigates sedimentary processes and products, as well as the interaction of the biosphere with sediments and sedimentary rocks, across a range of environments past and present. A range of techniques for examining and describing sediments, sedimentary rocks and elements of the biosphere will be introduced. This includes hand specimen and microscope analysis and field data recording. You will explore the use of these techniques in interpreting modern and ancient sedimentary environments and environmental change.

Module code: GEO2259

Credits: 20

Assessment

60% Coursework

40% Exam

Two of:

Expand all

Landscape Dynamics develops your knowledge and understanding of geomorphology of the earth’s surface, examining a range of geomorphic processes and their resultant landforms. The module will focus in-depth on selected landscapes, such as those associated with fluvial, hillslope and periglacial environments, investigating in detail the geomorphic processes and landform characteristics of each. The dynamic nature of earth surface environments will be illustrated through lectures, practical classes and fieldwork.

Module code: GEO2255

Credits: 20

Assessment

50% Coursework

50% Exam

Language 2 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.

Module code: TLC2000

Credits: 20

Assessment

85% Coursework

15% Practical

For your dissertation, you’ll take advantage of the academic expertise offered by tutors to complete an independent research project on a geological or geographical topic of your choice. And you’ll study specialist modules on Environmental Change, and Engineering Geology. Optional modules cover Natural Hazards, Flood Hazard Management, Coastal Processes and Geoenviromental Management.

Compulsory modules:

Expand all

Geoenvironmental Engineering The module shows you how to apply earth science principles to the engineering geological characterization of soils and rock and their interaction with groundwater, including the impact of climate change on slope and foundation stability; exploration, extraction, management and testing of construction mineral resources (rock and unconsolidated sand and gravel) as well as providing an introduction to the principles and practice of engineering geology and ground engineering applied to construction and infrastructure. Experience of producing an industry style technical report on an aspect of geoenvironmental engineering is also provided.

Module code: GEO3260

Credits: 20

Assessment

60% Coursework

40% Exam

Two of:

Expand all

Flood Hazard and Management examines the processes involved in flood generation and their controls in the context of the catchment hydrological cycle. It considers the difficulties involved in accurately measuring hydrological variables, such as precipitation, and develops your skills in analysing and interpreting hydrological data. You will study flood hazard assessment techniques before considering approaches to flood management and assessing the effectiveness of the measures incorporated in flood management schemes.

Module code: GEO3252

Credits: 20

Assessment

50% Coursework

50% Exam

Language 3 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from the previous language module. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.

Module code: TLC3000

Credits: 20

Assessment

85% Coursework

15% Practical

Rivers: Past, Present and Future focuses on the dynamic nature of river systems. The current form and behaviour of a river channel and its floodplain is dependent on its past and, in particular, its response to past environmental changes including climate and land use change. Historical and recent management interventions within river channels have also had substantial effects on river form and behaviour. You will develop your understanding of the ways in which river systems have responded to environmental changes during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene and the impacts of river management measures on rivers and their floodplains. The module will also examine the implications of these impacts for the future of river systems in the context of changing climate and land use.

Module code: GEO3254

Credits: 20

Assessment

50% Coursework

50% Exam

Visualising Science is a field, laboratory and studio-based module that includes a series of workshops where you will learn to communicate and simplify complex scientific concepts using both traditional and modern techniques. Communication of complex concepts and evidence by scientists to non-specialist audiences is a fundamental need for society. Science communication is a fast-growing industry whose role is to take difficult scientific concepts and present them in a form that can be easily interpreted by non-experts. Jobs in this sector are commonly made up from those with scientific or media training. This module develops skills in the art and science of communicating science through visualisation. Covering three core areas of illustrations, microscope image modification, and film, you will gain skills in image manipulation such as colour tinting, image stacking and 3d modelling. You will also learn drawing techniques, how to use a camera, and gain experience of film editing and presentation. The module will culminate in eight practical sessions in documentary making techniques.

Module code: SCI3356

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

How you'll study

Teaching is through fieldwork, laboratory and practical activities, lectures, tutorials, dissertation supervision and directed independent learning. We place an emphasis on strengthening the employability potential of our graduates through the acquisition of a range of subject-specific, key and transferable skills, as well as the development of knowledge and understanding.

The course is underpinned by an exploration of Earth’s geological features, both as they are now and as they were in the geological past. In combination, these investigations will provide a unique perspective on our planet and how it changes.

Fieldwork in the UK and abroad is one of the most beneficial and enjoyable aspects of this degree. Current fieldwork locations include Cumbria, Edinburgh, Tenerife and the Scottish Highlands. You’ll also enjoy day trips to local destinations.

How you'll be assessed

Methods of assessment display your knowledge and understanding and develop and demonstrate your competence in subject-specific and key skills. All modules are assessed by either coursework only or a mixture of coursework and examination. Coursework typically includes practical portfolios, essays, project reports, field-related materials (such as maps and notebooks), individual and group oral presentations, and poster presentations.

Who will be teaching you

We have experienced and knowledgeable staff who take pride in the quality of their teaching. All staff are research active which means that they are very familiar with the latest developments in their areas of interest and pass this knowledge on.

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements (2025 / 2026)

Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, including Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or a related subject. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or Adult Numeracy at Level 2 or above, or equivalent, is also required.

Example offers

Qualification	Requirement
A Level	BBC-BBB.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)	Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level	Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply.
Access to Higher Education Diploma	45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

English language requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements

UK EU International

If you don't meet the entry criteria, you might be interested in...

Fastrack STEM Foundation Year

How to apply

Apply online through UCAS

Read our guide to applying through UCAS to find out more about the application process.

Apply as an international student

Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.

Part-time applications require a direct application to Edge Hill. Please select the year of entry that you wish to apply for.

Apply for September 2025 part-time.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Facilities

The Department of History, Geography and Social Sciences is based in the Geosciences building. The contemporary facilities combine with a friendly and supportive learning environment to ensure that your studies are a rich and rewarding experience.

The GeoSciences building features a large lecture theatre, small group teaching rooms, IT facilities and smaller tutorial spaces. There is also a large social area which encourages a more informal and interactive style of learning.

Where you'll study

Finance

Tuition fees

£9,535

a year

£79 per credit

for 360 credits

£17,000

a year

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Financial support

Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.

Money Matters

Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.

Money Matters

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Your future career

Completing this BSc Geography & Geology degree will give you subject-specific and transferable skills. These will make you resourceful across the public and private sectors. Our graduates hold positions like engineering geologist, geotechnical engineer, environmental consultant and GIS technician, working for companies such as:

WSP
Jacobs
AECOM
Balfour Beatty
Wardell Armstrong LLP

Wondering where you could work? Organisations like United Utilities, the Environment Agency, DEFRA and OXFAM regularly recruit graduates with a geoscience degree.

You can also look into postgraduate study, which offers an excellent opportunity for you to study an aspect of geology and geography you enjoy. Students on our geography and geology course have followed up their studies with postgraduate training in engineering geology, GIS, or teaching.

Course changes

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Download our course leaflet

Contact us

Search for a course

View all our courses