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Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Geology and Physical Geography

University of Birmingham

(4.2)
375 reviews

Entry requirements

Here's what you will need to get a place on the Geology and Physical Geography course at University of Birmingham.

Select a qualification to see required grades

A level

A,B,B

ABB Including 1 Required Science: Biology/ Chemistry/Computing/Electronics/Environmental Studies/Further Maths/Geography/Geology/Human Biology/ Maths/ Physics/ Psychology/Statistics/ PE Specified subjects excluded for entry: General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Most popular A-levels studied

The Geology and Physical Geography course at University of Birmingham features content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below to find out about the students taking courses in each of those subject areas at this uni.

Geography (non-specific)
Earth sciences
SubjectGrade
GeographyA
BiologyB
EconomicsB
MathematicsB
PsychologyB
SubjectGrade
GeographyB
BiologyB
GeologyA
ChemistryB
MathematicsA
Source: HESA

Course summary

What this course is about

UCAS code: FF68

Here's what University of Birmingham says about its Geology and Physical Geography course.

Prepare for a sustainable future. Combining fieldwork with key aspects of Earth sciences, you will gain a deep understanding of how the planet works, from natural processes to environmental challenges, This programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to tackle global challenges, opening doors to exciting careers such as environmental protection, engineering and research.

Why Study Geology and Physical Geography at Birmingham?

Fieldwork – Fieldwork is essential in our degree programmes, renowned for high-quality training. You will get the chance to take part in one week residential's in year one and two to Northern Island and SW Wales. The University covers travel and accommodation costs for all compulsory field courses. As well as providing basic field supplies.

Research-led teaching – Our world-leading research informs our programmes, taught by expert academics. REF ranks University of Birmingham 3rd in the UK for Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences.

Flexibility - The varied module portfolio allows you to specialise in areas of interest, from natural hazards to climate change and hydrogeology

Source: University of Birmingham

Course details

Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Department

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location

Main Site | Birmingham

Duration

3 Years

Study mode

Full-time

Subjects

• Geology

• Geography

Start date

28 September 2026

Application deadline

14 January 2026

Tuition fees

LocationFees
England£9,790 per year
Scotland£9,790 per year
Wales£9,790 per year
Northern Ireland£9,790 per year
Channel Islands£9,790 per year
Republic of Ireland£9,790 per year

University of Birmingham student reviews

(4.2)
Based on 375 reviews from University of Birmingham's students and alumni
5 star
44%
4 star
35%
3 star
17%
2 star
4%
1 star
1%
All reviews

Showing 344 reviews

Graduate

Statistics

4 days ago

I was very satisfied with the Student Union. They regularly sent emails to collect students’ opinions and suggestions, which made me feel that students’ voices were truly valued. The Student Union also organised a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, and the bars and facilities were well mana...

(5)
Student Union

Graduate

Statistics

4 days ago

University life is a mix of busy days and lively evenings. During the day, students attend lectures, study in libraries, and spend time on campus with friends, joining clubs or relaxing between classes. In the evening, campus becomes more social, with students hanging out in cafés, gyms, or events, ...

(5)
University life

Graduate

Statistics

4 days ago

I was generally satisfied with the financial aspect of my studies. The scholarship provided some financial support and helped reduce part of the cost. Overall, the cost of living in Birmingham is relatively manageable, and the pricing of food on campus is reasonable, which makes daily expenses more ...

(5)
Finance

Graduate

Statistics

4 days ago

I was very satisfied with the academic and welfare support provided by the university. Each student was assigned a personal tutor, which was extremely helpful throughout my studies. I was able to approach lecturers and tutors at any time to ask questions or seek academic guidance, and they were alwa...

(5)
Support

Graduate

Statistics

4 days ago

I did not live in student accommodation, so I cannot comment on that aspect. However, the university’s library facilities are excellent. There are designated silent study areas, a wide range of books available for borrowing, and printers on every floor, which makes studying very convenient. The libr...

(5)
Facilities

Graduate

Statistics

4 days ago

The course was well structured and intensive, which is suitable for a one-year postgraduate program. The content was relevant and practical, and the teaching staff were supportive and knowledgeable. Overall, the course helped me develop both academic knowledge and practical skills.

(5)
Course

National Student Survey (NSS) scores at University of Birmingham

The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.

The Geology and Physical Geography course at University of Birmingham features content from more than one subject area. Using the options below, you can see ratings from students who took courses in each of these subject areas at this uni

Geography (non-specific)
Earth sciences

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

86%

med

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

98%

med

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

84%

med

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

91%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

90%

med

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

81%

low

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

80%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

91%

med

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

68%

low

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

78%

med

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

80%

med

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

69%

med

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

86%

med

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

78%

med

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

95%

med

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

92%

med

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

83%

med

How well organised is your course?

85%

med

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

83%

med

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

98%

high

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

88%

med

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

57%

med

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

89%

med

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

78%

low

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

67%

med

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

85%

low

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

90%

high

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

88%

med

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

100%

high

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

86%

med

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

91%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

86%

med

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

88%

med

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

89%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

79%

low

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

89%

high

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

82%

med

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

91%

med

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

80%

med

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

86%

med

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

91%

high

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

95%

high

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

93%

med

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

90%

high

How well organised is your course?

89%

high

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

85%

med

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

93%

med

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

95%

med

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

64%

med

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

84%

low

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

70%

low

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

61%

med

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

88%

low

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

84%

med

Student information

The Geology and Physical Geography course at University of Birmingham features content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below to find out about the students taking courses in each of those subject areas at this uni.

Geography (non-specific)
Earth sciences
Mode of study
Full-time100%
Gender ratio
Female65%Male35%
Where students come from
International1%UK99%
Student performance
2:1 or above96%
Number of students435
Mode of study
Full-time100%
Gender ratio
Female45%Male54%Other1%
Where students come from
International12%UK88%
Student performance
2:1 or above89%
Number of students180
Source: HESA

Graduate prospects

What graduates do next

The Geology and Physical Geography course includes content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below for information about University of Birmingham graduates across each of those subject areas.

Geography, earth and environmental studies
Earth sciences

Graduate statistics

83%

In a job where degree was essential or beneficial

77%

Say it fits with future plans

57%

Are utilising studies

Top job areas

19%

Business and public service associate professionals

16%

Conservation and environment professionals

11%

Architecture and construction professionals

6%

Business, Research and Administrative Professionals

Graduate statistics

85%

In a job where degree was essential or beneficial

80%

Say it fits with future plans

70%

Are utilising studies

Top job areas

25%

Conservation and environment professionals

10%

Architecture and construction professionals

10%

Natural and social science professionals

5%

Administrative occupations

Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates

Earnings after graduation

Earnings from University of Birmingham graduates who took Geology and Physical Geography - or another course in the same subject area.

Geography, earth and environmental studies

Earnings

£24.8k

First year after graduation

£30.7k

Third year after graduation

£36.5k

Fifth year after graduation

Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Geology and Physical Geography.

Source: LEO

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree

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