Physical Geography BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Physical Geography BSc (Hons)
Summary
Understand the forces shaping our planet and its future. On this BSc Physical Geography degree, you will explore the processes that have created the natural world and examine the environmental challenges we face today, from climate change to biodiversity loss.
You will study how Earth systems operate and interact, combining scientific insight with practical skills to understand a changing environment. From landscapes to ecosystems, you will learn how to apply your knowledge to real-world problems.
At Southampton, your learning brings together field...
Summary
Understand the forces shaping our planet and its future. On this BSc Physical Geography degree, you will explore the processes that have created the natural world and examine the environmental challenges we face today, from climate change to biodiversity loss.
You will study how Earth systems operate and interact, combining scientific insight with practical skills to understand a changing environment. From landscapes to ecosystems, you will learn how to apply your knowledge to real-world problems.
At Southampton, your learning brings together fieldwork, laboratory study and research-led teaching, preparing you for a career in environmental science and beyond.
Key features of the course:
Take part in a compulsory residential field course, with locations such as Tenerife, included in your course fees, helping you develop as a researcher.
Expand your experience with optional overseas field courses across Europe, Southeast Asia and South Africa.
Develop specialist skills in Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing, using data and satellite imagery to analyse environmental change.
Use purpose-built facilities, including a dedicated GIS teaching lab and research-grade field equipment.
Explore major changes in Earth’s environmental systems and how societies respond to them.
Join a university where 100% of Geography graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation, with 90% in professional roles (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025).
Partnership Projects
Our Partnership Projects initiative gives you the opportunity to complete a Policy, Practice or Industry dissertation in collaboration with an external organisation.
You’ll work on a real brief set by the partner, applying your knowledge to a defined challenge.
Projects may include:
• ecological field studies
• social research into community sustainability initiatives
• identifying new locations for environmental or social charity work
Your research will focus on real-world issues and contribute to practical outcomes.
Student support
Your Personal Academic Tutor will support you throughout your degree, helping you choose modules, plan your career and providing guidance when you need it.
You will also have opportunities to build your experience through internships, study abroad, a year in employment or by taking a minor, helping you shape your future.
Further information
This course is open to UK and international applicants.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
F801
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.
Access to HE Diploma
D:30,M:15
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit in a preferred subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32
Pass with an overall minimum score of 32 points to include a minimum of 16 points at a higher level International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more inf
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2,H2,H3,H3,H3,H3
Typical Offers: H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 Plus English and Maths Ordinary Level O4 or higher.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3,M2,M2
Typical offers : D3 M2 M2 Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer , where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A.
Extended Project
A
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, your offer will be: BBB and Grade A in the EPQ
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
A level
A,B,B
ABB from 3 A-levels (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking)
T Level
D
An overall distinction with grade B in the core element in the Science T-level
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B
AA from two A levels and Grade B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £31,000 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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