Newcastle University

Physical Geography BSc Honours
UCAS Code: FH82 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

By bringing together the expertise of Newcastle University’s Geography and Geomatics groups, we have created this unique degree.

It aims to produce scientifically-trained graduates, who are skilled in the use of environmental-monitoring techniques to collect data about the world around us.

We use practical surveying classes, complemented by laboratory work, computer-based scientific analysis, and development of models and theories, to deliver a ‘hands-on’ approach to geography. 

You explore some of the key environmental issues facing our world today, as well as learning Earth science concepts and techniques, with an emphasis on how landscapes evolve. You gain hands-on experience of using Geographic Information System (GIS) as well as skills in processing and interpreting satellite and aerial images.

At each Stage of the degree you choose modules from an 'Earth Surface Environments' or 'Earth Surface Observation' pathway, exploring increasingly sophisticated information and techniques at each Stage.

Quality and ranking

Geography at Newcastle ranks in the top 30 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Teaching and assessment

We use practical surveying classes, complemented by laboratory work, computer-based scientific analysis, and development of models and theories, to deliver a ‘hands-on’ approach to geography. All of our geography courses enjoy a high level of staff and student interaction, including tutorials, lectures, laboratory work and seminars. 

You will be assessed by a combination of examinations and course work, which may include reports, essays, presentations and data analysis. All modules also require a considerable amount of independent study, culminating in a dissertation under expert supervision in Stage 3. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module; more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is important throughout this degree. The North East provides an ideal environment in which to study physical geography. From coasts to mountains, rivers to moorland, and landscapes displaying a rich record of their evolution over lengthy timescales, the North East offers a superb outdoor laboratory for students of physical geography. We are also only an hour from the Lake District, the Scottish Borders region and the North York Moors, expanding the superb landscapes we engage with as part of your degree.

As well as day excursions, you will take part in an eight-day residential trip to put your technical skills into practice at the end of Stage 1.

There is a second field trip in Stage 2, examining landscapes in Ireland or the American Southwest.

In Stage 3, you have the opportunity to undertake a residential field course in the UK.

Study abroad

There are study abroad opportunities for UK and EU students which allow you to take part in a five-month exchange at one of our partner institutions in Europe, some of which teach in English. 

Facilities

This degree draws on our internationally-recognised expertise in geomatics, delivered by the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences. Newcastle is one of the best places in the UK to study geomatics and this is reflected in the quality of the industry-standard equipment we have to support your studies including: 

• field instrumentation
• GPS positioning equipment
• a wide range of photogrammetric and image-handling software and hardware
• extensive computing facilities

You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories within the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology including: 

• Geomorphology Laboratory
• Cosmogenic Isotope Laboratory
• Spatial Analysis Laboratory
• Chemistry Laboratory

Physical Geography at Newcastle

This degree is taught jointly by the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology and the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences so you will spend time in both Schools.