Geography (physical)
Explore the landscapes, climate and the dynamic physical processes that shape the Earth's surface, with a focus on the global challenges facing our oceans or the effect humans are having on our planet.
Why study with us
Exciting fieldwork
Wales is an exciting location for geographers to explore with impressive mountains in the north and a biodiverse tidal estuary in the south.
Skills society needs
Climate change, pollution, land degradation and natural hazards are at the forefront of many global challenges, creating an ever-increasing demand for geographical skills.
Strong connections
Our excellent links to local organisations, such as Natural Resources Wales and the Severn Estuary Partnership, help our students to find projects and placement opportunities.
Field trips teach you new techniques you will use throughout your degree and give you an overview of the course. They are also a great opportunity to meet new people. When you are dropped off on one of your first trips, you can’t help but make friends. Whilst all my flatmates were sat in lectures day after day, I was out exploring Cardiff and the surrounding area.
Courses
Entry year
Facilities and location
Our School
Located in Main BuildingThe School of Earth and Environmental Sciences is located inside the University's iconic Main Building.
Large lecture theatre
Located in Main BuildingThe Shandon Lecture Theatre is one of our large lecture theatres where you may have some of your first-year lectures.
Small lecture theatre
Located in Main BuildingThe Wallace Lecture Theatre is one of our smaller lecture theatres where you may have some of your second and third-year lectures.
Science Library
Located in Main BuildingThe library contains collections on biosciences, chemistry, Earth and environmental sciences, as well as facilities to support you with your studies.
Laboratory
Located in Main BuildingThis is a typical laboratory where geography students might complete activities such as mapping sessions.
Centre for Student Life
Our School is opposite the new home for our Students' Union, student support services and a large selection of shops, restaurants and study spaces.
RV Guiding Light
Our coastal research vessel enables some of our geography students to understand marine issues better, from sea level rise through to coastal erosion and management.
Our talks
I work as a Coastal Process Scientist monitoring the coast as part of the Southeast Strategic Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme. We undertake topographic beach surveys and nearshore hydrographic surveys. The data are processed and used by a wide variety of stakeholders. I am responsible for planning, undertaking and analysing beach surveys within the East Solent area. The wide variety of modules I covered at Cardiff, as well as the use of different software and the practical fieldwork aspect, helped me to secure a job I love.
A taste of studying with us
Watch our taster lecture or sign up for our free online short course to get a taste of our approach to teaching, as well as some of the exciting topics you might study.
Explore Cardiff University
Next steps
View our physical geography courses
Explore our courses.
Download brochure
Learn more about our School in our subject brochure.
Contact us
Ask a question and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
How to apply
Everything you need to know about our application process.
Other subjects you may be interested in
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
Copyright: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2022. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.
