Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Geography with Foundation Year
Don't have the traditional entry requirements to start a degree? Get a solid grounding in the disciplines underpinning geography through an additional foundation year.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
Places available for a 2026 start
0 Call Admissions 0333 241 6929
Follow your passions
Our degrees are flexible, allowing you to move between BA and BSc degrees through your choice of human and physical geography modules.
Gain skills for diverse careers
Hands-on learning gives you specialist skills sought by a wide range of graduate employers.
Out in the field
From local fieldtrips in the stunning South West to exciting international destinations; learning in different environments takes place throughout your degree.
About
From working in the UK's first National Marine Park, contributing to the management of Dartmoor and understanding the forces shaping our coastal communities our students don't just work in unique places, they influence them too.
Dr Simon Dickinson
Lecturer in Geohazards and Risk
What is a foundation year?
A foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
Further information on
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» courses with foundation years .
A full list of potential progressions routes is listed under course details
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
- To build your confidence to study at university level.
- To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
- Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
- You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
- You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
- You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
This course is for you if...
you're passionate to learn about and tackle pressing global challenges
you want the flexibility to choose from a range of exciting human and physical modules
you're interested in gaining hands-on fieldwork experience
you want to develop high-demand specialist geographical and transferable skills
Details
Foundation Year 0
In your foundation year you will learn the skills necessary to be successful at University and immerse yourself in a broad range of applications for your chosen subject. This will include learning about the fundamentals of the physical environment and build towards an end of year project to showcase your skills for sustainable development. Fieldwork and laboratory work will form a key part of the training.
Core modules
FYM001
Becoming a Successful Global Scientist
30 credits
This module will introduce learners to some of the major global environmental challenges facing society today and how science has a role in tackling them. It will help enable learners to adapt to the Higher Education Learning Environment by the development of a more independent, reflective and self-managed approach to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
FYM002
Essentials for Physical and Environmental Sciences
30 credits
This module introduces learners to the study of physical and environmental science. It covers the very small scale from atoms to large scale global systems. This module teaches the fundamental concepts and analysis methods for chemical, environmental and earth system sciences. No prior knowledge is assumed. Emphasis is placed on building understanding of core principles and confidence in essential practical techniques.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
FYM004
Our Changing Planet - Chemical and Geo-environmental Processes
30 credits
This module builds on the core ideas introduced in its partner module in the first semester (FYM002), introducing a range of additional physical, earth and environmental concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in earth, environmental and chemical sciences.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
FYM006
Sustainable Development Project
30 credits
This module will introduce the learners to group work. As part of a group, they will investigate one of the global environmental challenges facing society today. Each global environmental challenge will be investigated through its impact(s) in and around SW England. The learners will be guided in their investigation and present their findings at an end of year conference. This will be followed by an individual reflection upon the group work process.
50% Practicals
50% Tests
Progression routes
Upon successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress onto Year 1 of one of the following undergraduate degrees.
The differences between BA and BSc Geography
Geography explores the relationships between people, places and the environment, focusing on contemporary global challenges such as sustainability and climate change.
Our BA (Hons) Geography focuses on human geography and the impacts of people on societies, mobilities and environmental governance. The BSc (Hons) Geography degree uses predominantly scientific techniques to explore the natural world.
Our degrees are flexible, allowing you to move between BA and BSc pathways through our choice of human and physical geography modules.
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This BSc (Hons) Geography degree has been independently evaluated for its quality and the skills provided to graduates.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Fieldwork to exciting destinations
We believe you learn best from direct experience of the world's natural and cultural environments, and that's why we offer a fieldwork programme that enables you to gain experience of hands-on research, investigating critical contemporary social and environmental issues in a wide variety of environments.
From local study trips in and around Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», Dartmoor and the Tamar Valley to fascinating destinations around the world – previous trips have included Australia, Iceland and the Pacific Northwest of the USA – fieldtrips help you to develop skills, confidence and expertise in geographical research methods.
Frontiers in fieldwork
In your final year you have the opportunity to embark on a novel international field trip to explore real-world challenges working with professional scientists and local communities.
For the academic year 2026/2027, fieldwork will be based in Namibia, South West Africa, working with scientists from the Gobabeb Research Institute and local communities. The fieldtrip, focused on issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals, will take place in the spring of 2027.
Field trips have been really important to my degree. It’s good to get that hands-on experience, from looking at soil erosion in Southam to working with turtle conservation volunteers in Sri Lanka.
Darcy
Current student
Current student
There were many highlights. Travelling away for the first year was the first time I'd felt challenged as a geographer. The legendary trip to Iceland. And the camaraderie that developed with the academic staff and technical team.
Simon, BSc (Hons) Geography graduate
Facilities to support your learning
As a Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» geographer, you will have access to a range of
cutting-edge resources and facilities to support your learning in the field and in the laboratory.
You might find yourself identifying microfossils, pollen and other materials, such as microplastics in our 5G interactive microscope laboratory; analysing a wide range of digital data, using a variety of specialist software programmes; or developing skills in remote sensing and Geographical Information Science (GIS).
Our exchange programme gives you the opportunity to study in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA and other locations abroad.
"The independence and confidence gained from the exchange was very beneficial. Not many 19-year-olds travel 4,500 miles independently and live in a foreign country for four months."
Alice Tustain took part in an international exchange with Montana State University, USA.
Learn from experts
You will learn from expert, accessible, and supportive staff who are skilled researchers in their field
Our research is focused on environment-society interactions, environmental processes and change, and their governance through regulation, management policies and stakeholder involvement.
Professor Anne Mather
Professor in Geomorphology
Professor Ian Bailey
Professor of Environmental Politics
Professor Will Blake
Professor of Catchment Science
Enrich your studies – join the Geography Society
As one of the University's biggest non-sport societies, GeogSoc is open to everyone no matter what you are studying. By joining GeogSoc and attending our socials you will make friends and memories.
For our members studying geography, this is also a great way to get to know your course mates outside the classroom as well as being the first to know about the geography related opportunities that we get offered.
Life in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»'s maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Geography is such a diverse subject; it allows you to develop a variety of skills, whether it's out in the field or on a computer.
Amy Khan
BSc (Hons) Geography graduate, working as an environmental consultant specialising in land contamination and brownfield regeneration.
BSc (Hons) Geography graduate, working as an environmental consultant specialising in land contamination and brownfield regeneration.
Studying at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» significantly shaped my career aspirations. Before attending university, I was unsure of my career path and where Geography might take me.
Sophie Tucker
BA (Hons) Geography with International Relations graduate, working for Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» City Council as a Senior Support and Research Assistant
BA (Hons) Geography with International Relations graduate, working for Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» City Council as a Senior Support and Research Assistant
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I’m always impressed with the professionalism of the University and how it seeks to ensure its work is relevant and impactful. It helps connect you to the real world beyond the science.
Tom Dauben
BSc (Hons) Geography graduate, working as a Flood & Coastal Risk Management Senior Advisor.
BSc (Hons) Geography graduate, working as a Flood & Coastal Risk Management Senior Advisor.
What can I do with a geography degree?
Find out what you need to consider when choosing a career or considering further study after studying a geography degree.
Discover your career options
Discover your career options
Geographers’ wide range of skills in science and social science means they have a broad variety of career paths open to them. Studying geography develops your analytical and communication skills and your ability to evaluate data, all strengths that are in high demand in the graduate jobs market.
Many of our graduates work in areas such as environmental consultancy, flood risk, environmental planning, geospatial science, education, commerce, transport and the public sectors. Geography students tend to be open-minded and interested in the world around them, qualities which are attractive to employers and an advantage if working for an international organisation. You'll also have many transferable skills, attracting employers from the business, law and finance sectors.
Approximately 70% of graduate employers do not specify that you must have studied a particular subject to work for them but value highly skills such as strategic planning, resilience under pressure, creative problem-solving and commercial awareness, just some of the key skills you can develop during your course. You could use your degree to access work in a multitude of sectors or industries.
Where will your work placement take you...?
Whether embarking on our final year work-based learning option or taking advantage of a full placement year, working with an employer will provide you with the chance to develop skills and refine your career ambitions. Placements take place all over the UK and indeed the world and employers have included:
Environment Agency
Dartmoor Zoo
Royal Geographical Society
UK Hydrographic Office
Fugro
Amey
Dartmoor Zoo
Royal Geographical Society
UK Hydrographic Office
Fugro
Amey
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys from the latest available data covering the three years of 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time UK students starting in
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
£9,790 per year
Part-time study
To be confirmed per credits
To be confirmed per credits
Tuition fees for new full-time UK students starting in
Full-time study
£10,050 per year
£10,050 per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
To be confirmed per credits
To be confirmed per credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying .
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
£19,200 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,955
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,465
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in
Full-time study
£19,800 per year
£19,800 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£2,010
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,507
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying .
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to field-based activities or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», there may be funding options available to you, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Places available for a 2026 start
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
32 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above.
A levels
32 32 points from a minimum of 2 A levels, including at least one pass in a science subject (Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Computer Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology).
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM. We welcome this qualification however please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, stating explicitly the full list of modules within your qualification.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
Pass Access course (preferably from a science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing subject) including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above, or equivalent. For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further advice.
T level
Pass. Any pathways related to Science/Engineering/Health.
International Baccalaureate
24 overall to include grade 3 in one Higher Level science subject – English and mathematics must be included.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
F803
F803
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
32 UCAS points
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
F803
F803
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Other routes to this course
If you do not have the required qualifications for this course, you may be able to gain them through the
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» International College (UPIC) .
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³».
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.