BSc (Hons) Geology With Physical Geography Bachelor's degree at Edge Hill University
BSc (Hons) Geology With Physical Geography at Edge Hill University was founded in 2006 and is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body, with qualifications that hold national standing.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Geology With Physical Geography is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Edge Hill University, based in Ormskirk. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Geography, earth and environmental studies graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Environmental Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 70% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Contemporary Geographical SkillsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Designed to develop your skills in collecting, handling, analysing and presenting geographical data and information. Focus on acquiring information and data from library sources and in the field, introducing range of field data collection techniques. Subsequently, focus on data analysis using spreadsheets and statistical testing and on data presentation in graphical format. Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for analysis and presentation of spatial data.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Dynamic EarthCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Provides a broad introduction to the science of geology. Describes the Earth as a dynamic system and explains how that system has operated throughout our planet's history. Introduces formation of the Earth, concept of geological time, and major processes operating on Earth, from plate tectonics to ocean circulation, evolution, and geochemical cycles.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Exam
- Earth HistoryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Provides solid knowledge base to allow students to appreciate the Geological Evolution of Earth from both global perspective and in context of British Isles. Examines beginning of solar system and theories behind origin of Earth and Moon. Early conditions of Earth's history examined considering early continental crust, and origin of atmosphere and hydrosphere. Rise of modern style plate tectonics, origin of life and rise of atmospheric oxygen. Changes in oceans and evolution of Earth's climate.
Assessment: 60% Exam 40% Coursework
- Earth MaterialsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Introduces range of field and laboratory geological techniques covering knowledge and skills required by geologist in training to study and practise geology at more advanced levels. Presents composition and formation of main minerals and rocks groups, main marine and terrestrial fossils enabling identification in hand specimens and under petrographic microscope. Introduces rudiments of geological mapping in field.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Earth, Climate and EnvironmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Provides overview of physical geography examining basic concepts and their development. Discovers physical framework of earth's surface and investigates materials and processes operating there. Covers climatic and environmental processes including aspects of biogeography, meteorology, hydrology and geomorphology.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Exam
- Environmental IssuesOptional20 credits
Module details
Provides awareness and understanding of nature of environmental issues facing world today. Explores important impact that people have on environment and influence that environment exerts on people. Focus on both natural hazards and modification of environmental systems by human activity and problems this may pose. Opportunity to consider issues such as climatic change, water quality, flooding, biodiversity loss and human vulnerability to natural hazards. Case studies explain physical processes u
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Language 1Optional20 credits
Module details
Ideal if you want to learn new language, or further develop current language skills, as integrated part of degree. Taught in interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in target language. Emphasis on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Active role in classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. Encouraged to reflect on own learning needs. Accommodates varying language levels and divided into group
Assessment: 85% Coursework 15% Practical
Year 2 8 modules
- Digital GeographyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Develops knowledge and skills in remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) widely used in variety of fields including planning, health studies, environmental investigations and resource management. Focuses on remote sensing analysis and interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery, which has transformed manner in which geographers and geoscientists view Earth. Explores how remote sensing and GIS have greatly improved understanding of atmospheric, oceanic and landform processes,
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Geological Research MethodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
About application of knowledge in Geology. Introduces independent fieldwork and develops geological field mapping skills in complex terranes. Fieldwork understanding assisted by use of digital geological techniques, in particular use of vector graphic drawing packages and ArcGIS.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Igneous and Metamorphic PetrologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Advances knowledge and understanding of igneous and metamorphic petrology. Understanding of igneous and metamorphic geology crucial to earth sciences because of interactive nature of earth's systems. Understanding and recognition of igneous and metamorphic rocks and related processes paramount requirement of practising geoscientist.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Exam
- SedimentologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Investigates sedimentary processes and products, as well as interaction of biosphere with sediments and sedimentary rocks, across range of environments past and present. Range of techniques for examining and describing sediments, sedimentary rocks and elements of biosphere introduced. Includes hand specimen and microscope analysis and field data recording. Explores use of techniques in interpreting modern and ancient sedimentary environments to see how environment has changed.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Exam
- Structural Geology and StratigraphyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Introduces nature of small and large-scale geological structures and physical principles of stress and strain. By considering case studies and real topographic and geological maps, basic understanding of geological maps as representations of geometry and stratigraphy realised.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Exam
- Climate and Environmental ChangeOptional20 credits
Module details
Provides detailed understanding of climate and environment systems. Covers range of climatic atmospheric processes including development of weather systems, with specific focus on mid-latitude weather. Climatic variability of planet Earth investigated using palaeoenvironmental techniques to examine past climate/environment change, and modelled climatic projections to explore future scenarios. Develops skills in analysis and interpretation of meteorological data, and field and laboratory methods
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Landscape DynamicsOptional20 credits
Module details
Develops knowledge and understanding of geomorphology of earth's surface, examining range of geomorphic processes and resultant landforms. Focuses in-depth on selected landscapes, such as those associated with fluvial, hillslope and periglacial environments, investigating in detail geomorphic processes and landform characteristics of each. Dynamic nature of earth surface environments illustrated through lectures, practical classes and fieldwork.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Exam
- Work-based learning and EmployabilityOptional20 credits
Module details
Designed to bridge world of higher education with world of work. Develops critical understanding of changing context of work and of social, economic and political factors shaping labour market and contemporary patterns of employment. Opportunity to apply theory and disciplinary specialist knowledge to practical experience within work-based setting with students undertaking 60 hour placement. Enhances and develops range of transferable skills to enhance employability.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Year 3 3 modules
- Geoenvironmental EngineeringCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Shows how to apply earth science principles to engineering geological characterization of soils and rock and their interaction with groundwater, including impact of climate change on slope and foundation stability. Exploration, extraction, management and testing of construction mineral resources (rock and unconsolidated sand and gravel). Introduction to principles and practice of engineering geology and ground engineering applied to construction and infrastructure. Experience of producing indust
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Exam
- Geoenvironmental ManagementCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Focuses on real-world environmental problems faced by environmental specialists relating to mineral planning issues, reduction or management of construction waste, waste disposal facilities, clean-up of contaminated sites, UK geohazards, superficial and man-made ground and conservation of geodiversity.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Exam
- Dissertation in GeologyOptional
Module details
Enables development and application of range of research and transferable skills in planning, execution, and reporting of individual research project on relevant topic in geology of your choice. Provides opportunity to demonstrate ability to work independently and effectively, meeting deadlines and producing professional product, in consultation
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course combines geology and physical geography to explore how the Earth's systems work and interact. You'll usually begin with foundational study of atmosphere, oceans and land systems, alongside ecological principles and environmental data analysis and GIS. In your second year, a course like this typically moves into climate science and policy, pollution monitoring and environmental management, plus residential fieldwork. By year three, you'll choose specialisations such as conservation, water and pollution, GIS and remote sensing, environmental policy, or climate science. You'll also undertake independent research through a dissertation or field-based project, and work on sustainability challenges in practice.
Who it's for
Most accepted students arrive with A-levels or equivalent qualifications (90% of entrants over recent years). The typical UCAS tariff among accepted students falls between 96 and 111 points.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) is studied full-time over 3 years at Edge Hill University, a public university in Ormskirk. Taught in English, it is a recognised UK degree-awarding body and holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code 8T16). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Edge Hill University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Environmental Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £26,500 | £23,000 – £29,500 | 25 |
| 3 years after | £24,000 | £19,500 – £27,000 | 100 |
| 5 years after | £28,000 | £22,500 – £32,000 | 115 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in environmental science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Environmental Science nationally
National figures for Environmental Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Environmental Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 560 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Conservation and environment professionalsSOC 2020 215 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,520
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 70%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Environmental Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Environmental Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Environmental consultancies
- Environment Agency
- Energy & utilities
- NGOs & local authorities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Environmental Science graduates.
Environmental Science Graduate Leadership Scheme, HybridEnvironment AgencyRemote Environmental Science Evaluator – AI Output QAObsidianRemote Environmental Science Evaluator (Contract)MercorAssistant Professor: Ecology & Environmental Science and AISONICOMStrategic Leader, Environmental ScienceUK Research and Innovation (UKRI)Assistant Professor: Ecology, Evolution & Environmental ScienceImperial College LondonIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.3 out of 10: NSS 85.4% · in work or study 70% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Edge Hill University
Geography, earth and environmental studies (social sciences) across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Ormskirk
220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Environmental Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Edge Hill University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £14,500 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Edge Hill University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Edge Hill University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Edge Hill University
Environmental Science at other universities
BA (Hons) English Studies and Climate ChangeAberystwyth UniversityBSc (Hons) Environmental Earth Science (with integrated year in industry)Aberystwyth UniversityBSc (Hons) Environmental Earth Science (with integrated year studying abroad)Aberystwyth UniversityBSc (Hons) Environmental Earth ScienceAberystwyth UniversityCommon questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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