BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Keele University
BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography with Foundation Year at Keele University. You'll develop hands-on experience alongside core theory, research methods and specialist options in geology and physical geography.
About this course
Understand the physical and natural world and develop hands-on experience on the Geology and Physical Geography BSc at Keele University. Learn more. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Keele University. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Geography, earth and environmental studies graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (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: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 81% (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.
1 7 modules
- Academic, Professional and Field SkillsCompulsory
Module details
This module will introduce you to the essential skills required of Geographers, Geologists and Environmental Scientists. To introduce these skills to you we will explore our 'living lab' campus and take you on a series of four, one-day field courses in Staffordshire. The module will help you develop your own academic and professional practice, providing you with the foundations for not only completing your degree successfully, but helping you think about future study or employment.
- Human and Physical Geographies for a Changing WorldCompulsory
Module details
This module explores the heart of Geography, connecting Human and Physical topics to help you achieve a detailed understanding of our increasingly complex world. Geography is an integrative subject, and we combine the study of landscape, climate change, and natural hazards with topics such as social exclusion, modernization, identity politics and (counter-) urbanisation. Putting this material in the context of big ideas like scientific uncertainty and Geography's colonial framing, the module pro
- The Earth SystemCompulsory
Module details
You will learn about the Earth's major systems, including the solid earth (geosphere), biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, and how they integrate in terms of physical, geochemical and environmental processes. You will also appreciate some of the anthropogenic causes of global environmental change in the context of the sustainable future of planet Earth. You will gain useful experience of a range of employability skills within a geoscience context.
- Earth and Life Through TimeCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you'll explore the basics of geological time and learn about the history of life and evolution, the changing climate, and shifting tectonic plates. You'll become familiar with the terminology, classification, and interpretation of major fossil groups, and understand how fossils help us date rocks and determine their formation environments. A residential field course will teach you how to collect and document geological information in the field, essential geoscience skill you'll d
- Minerals and RocksCompulsory
Module details
Rocks and minerals record the Earth's history. The detailed study of them allows us to not only reconstruct this history, but also interpret what may happen to our planet in the future. This module develops your understanding of description, classification and interpretation of solid Earth materials by examining these in hand specimen and up close using a petrological microscope. An emphasis is placed on the development of accurate description of minerals as well as igneous, sedimentary and meta
- Geoscience Data Interpretation, Analysis and VisualisationOptional
Module details
You will learn a variety of digital techniques for the acquisition, interpretation, analysis and visualisation of geological and geophysical data, including the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to integrate spatial geological data as well as digital techniques and specialist software applications for the acquisition and interpretation of field data. You will also learn how to use remote sensing techniques to enhance satellite images for geological interpretation. The module also int
- Roots and Futures: exploring sustainable placesOptional
Module details
In this module you will explore sustainability within the region, with a particular focus on Staffordshire (Keele's local area). Topics include environmental issues, renewable energy and community conservation efforts. You will examine regional case studies, engage with local sustainability initiatives and learn about how these activities build on the regions rich geology, geography and history. Through interactive learning on and off campus, you will develop your knowledge of sustainability pra
2 7 modules
- Geological Field SkillsCompulsory
Module details
This module combines field skills with structural geology, geophysics, GIS, surveying, and lab-based data analysis. You will learn to plan field projects, including logistics, health and safety, and data review, using tools like Google Earth and satellite data. Emphasising fieldwork, the module teaches core field skills and modern digital lab methods such as GIS and 3D modelling. This prepares students for independent research and meets the needs of employers and funders in geology.
- Geographic Information Science and Remote SensingCompulsory
Module details
Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing are essential tools and techniques for spatial data analysis and visualization. In this module you will learn to collect, manage, and interpret data from satellite imagery and aerial photography. The course covers GIS software applications, spatial analysis, and map creation, emphasizing practical skills through hands-on projects. By the end of the module, you will be proficient in using foundational GIS and remote sensing technologies to solve
- Igneous and Metamorphic PetrologyCompulsory
Module details
This module provides you the chance to apply geochemistry and experimental systems to understand igneous rock suites and their global formation processes. Learn isotopic techniques for identifying magma sources and age dating. Study metamorphic rocks in detail, focusing on how initial composition, fluid migration, and temperature and pressure variations influence their mineral assemblages.
- Reconstructing Past EnvironmentsCompulsory
Module details
How do we reconstruct ancient sedimentary environments using rocks and their modern equivalents? You'll learn sedimentological and stratigraphical methods, facies analysis, and techniques for studying sedimentology and stratigraphy. The module covers various sedimentary environments and their rock record relationships. Skills gained include sedimentary logging, rock succession interpretation, report writing, teamwork, problem-solving. The module includes local fieldwork.
- Earth's Changing LandscapesCompulsory
Module details
Glaciers, volcanoes, coastal erosion, floods... studying Earth's spectacular landscapes is increasingly significant in the context of climate change and its impacts on human and physical environments. Landscapes tell us about Earth's past, but also help us face the future as we battle natural hazards such as landslides and work to safeguard resources such as fresh water. This module explores Geomorphology, the science of landscapes, using a global range of examples supported by student-led analy
- Water in the EnvironmentOptional
Module details
In this module you will explore key concepts and processes relating to water within the context of different Earth systems. You will learn about the need for responsible and sustainable use of our global water resources, and how to manage water in the environment to this affect. You will develop skills in presenting, interpreting and analysing numerical data through working with real-time data from, for example, the global ARGO network and the Environment Agency.
- Palaeoclimatology and Quaternary StudiesOptional
Module details
The study of Quaternary deposits and how they can be interpreted allows you to understand the processes that caused their formation, as well as understanding them as indicators of palaeoenvironmental conditions. The module will also cover the occurrence, evidence for and possible causes of climate change over geological time.
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 develops your understanding of the physical and natural world alongside hands-on experience in geology and physical geography. You'll usually begin with foundations in Earth systems science, ecology and environmental data analysis. Year 2 typically progresses to climate change science, pollution management and residential fieldwork on real landscapes. In Year 3, you'll choose specialist options such as climate science, conservation, GIS and remote sensing, environmental policy, water and pollution, or fieldwork-focused study. You'll also undertake sustainability work with organisations and complete an independent research project. Throughout, the course moves from broad systems understanding to applied specialist knowledge and your own investigation.
Who it's for
You're drawn to understanding landscapes, rocks, climate and natural processes, how the Earth works. You're comfortable with quantitative reasoning and practical work: fieldwork appeals to you, as does laboratory analysis. You may not have studied geology or physical geography before, or your previous results are mixed; the Foundation Year removes that pressure. Expect to combine indoor study with outdoor investigation, and to develop independence as you progress toward your own research project.
Careers & job market
Across Environmental Science nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing their degree. Of those working, 65% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National earnings data shows that graduates starting out earn between £24,000 and £30,000, rising to £26,350–£37,200 after five years. Your skills in fieldwork, data analysis and earth systems knowledge are relevant to roles in environmental consultancy, government agencies, planning, resource management and research.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time Bachelor's degree (BSc Hons) taught in English at Keele University, a university founded in 1949. The degree is a recognised UK qualification. Keele has received Gold 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.
Contextual Offer Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
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 | 100% |
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 FF68). 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
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Keele 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 | £27,000 | £25,000 – £30,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £24,000 | £21,000 – £28,500 | 165 |
| 5 years after | £29,000 | £25,500 – £36,000 | 175 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
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: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. 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.
- Conservation and environment professionalsSOC 2020 215 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,520
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
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: 40; 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
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. 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 8.6 out of 10: NSS 87.1% · in work or study 90% · continued 81%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Keele 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 Keele University
88 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 Keele University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Keele University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 Keele 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 Keele University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Keele University
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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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