Physical Geography BSc(Hons)

Why choose this course?

This course will give you a sound understanding of the evolution of physical landscapes, earth forming processes and the relationship between terrestrial, hydrological and atmospheric components of earth systems. An emphasis on field-based studies offers plenty of scope to travel, both in the UK and overseas. You will:

• study the antecedents of modern physical geography by investigating global landscapes past and present;
• gain an in-depth knowledge from a variety of challenging fieldwork, laboratory and lecture-based learning environments; and
• gain a sound understanding of the key challenges facing physical geography's sub disciplines and learn how to apply these to the interpretation of real world problems.

Key themes include the causes and implications of climate change and sustainability issues such as the preservation of biodiversity.

Watch a video to find out why you should study at Kingston University:

What will you study?

You will study the antecedents of modern physical geography by investigating global landscapes past and present.

Year 1 provides a foundation in physical geography. You will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of physical geography and discover the range and diversity of earth landscapes. We will introduce a broad range of learning techniques that will develop your observational and evaluative skills.

Year 2 will give you a more in-depth understanding of the key components of physical geography. It also offers you an opportunity to develop your own interests in specific discipline areas. You will further develop your field skills through overseas and UK field training.

Year 3 allows you to apply your acquired geographical knowledge to a range of contemporary management challenges. You select a variety of applied physical geography modules and undertake an independent research project in your chosen field to further your interests in physical geography.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Understanding the Environment
• Digital Earth

• Digital Earth

  Digital Earth introduces the underlying geographical skills of data collection, manipulation, analysis and presentation and the use of computers for dealing with digital spatial data. It focuses on the concepts and value of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in geosciences and the importance of digital spatial data in the modern geo-infrastructure.

  
   
• Natural Hazards
• The Dynamic Earth
• Earth Environments
• Hazards, Resources and Society
• Investigating the Earth and Environment 1
• Rock and Minerals

Year 2

• Collection and Analysis of Environmental Data
• Hazard Risk and Vulnerability
• Geology of Earth Resources

• Geology of Earth Resources

  This module focuses on the occurrence and distribution of the Earth's physical resources, including gemstones. It explores the geological controls of their evolution and the major theories for their genesis.

  
   
• Ecology: Principles and Practices
• Design and Management of Projects
• Geomorphology
• Hydrology
• Atmospheres and Oceans
• Environmental Pollution

Year 3

• Geography at Work
• Research Project

Option modules

• Water Resources Management
• Ecology and Conservation in Temperate Ecosystems
• Achieving a Sustainable Future
• Global Environments: Strategic Assessment
• Managing Environmental Change
• Land Degradation and Management
• Conservation in Aquatic Environments
• GIS and Hazards

• GIS and Hazards

  This module explores the patterns and processes of hazards, such as hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes and disease transmission, using GIS as an analytical tool.

  You cover hazard prediction, assessment, management and mitigation, including the role of GIS in coping with the aftermath.

  
   
• Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
• Economic Geology
• Applied Geoscience