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BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year)

Unravel how Earth's features and natural processes influence our surroundings.

Year of entry: 2026/27
Show year of entry: 2025/26

UCAS code
F801
Institution code
Y50
Start date
September 2026
View semester dates
Length
4 years full-time
Typical offer
UK (home) fees
£9,535
International and EU fees
£31,100

Apply for this course

It's important to understand the physical environment and its effects on humans.

This understanding will help us to address the world's environmental challenges. During the course you'll explore physical geography. This includes glaciers, rivers, and coastal environments as well as environmental hazards. You'll explore other aspects of geography such as climate change, ecology and sustainability.

Throughout your studies, you'll delve into the relationships between environment and humans. You'll develop academic knowledge and practical skills to tackle real-world sustainability challenges presented in our physical environment.

Accreditation

Our courses are currently accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences.

among the Russell Group universities included in the National Student Survey 2024 for Physical Geographical Sciences.
The University has been ranked 12th in the UK and 34th globally in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025. These rankings assess 1,744 universities worldwide on their impact in addressing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) challenges, in which York achieved the number one global position for governance. See the full QS World Sustainability Rankings.
Strong links
Our Department has strong links to global policy makers including UNEP and the World Health Organization.
The modules from semester one provided a great bridge between A-levels and uni. Some of the information overlapped with my Environmental science A-level which made it easier to process and piece together.
Bella, Environment, Economics and Ecology. Read Bella's blog post.

Course content

Understand the physical processes at work in our environment. See how they respond to our changing environments. You'll develop the tools to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems. 

For example, you will learn about the impact of humans on the environment. You will learn how climate change is altering landscapes. You will also consider the changes needed to solve complex sustainability problems.

Year 1

The first year modules give you an introduction to the basics of the course, providing you with a foundation for advanced material in the future.

Core modules

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

This module covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.

This module will:

  • define academic integrity and academic misconduct
  • explain why and when you should reference source material and other people's work
  • provide interactive exercises to help you to assess whether you've understood the concepts
  • provide answers to FAQs and links to useful resources.

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.

Learning outcomes

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Learning outcomes for this course
  • Debate, interpret and explain the causes, scales and impacts of issues such as climate change, glacial retreat and natural hazards using appropriate methods and norms, and engage critically with theory, knowledge and emerging issues in physical and environmental geography [Knowledgeable and aware]
  • Obtain, synthesise and critically evaluate complex information on environmental and physical geography, and related areas from a wide range of reliable sources [Independent learner]
  • Cut across disciplinary boundaries to link knowledge and experience from physical geography, biology, chemistry, biogeography and the social sciences to understand the physical environment and its relationship with society [Interdisciplinary thinker]
  • Plan, design and execute research in environmental geography individually or within a team using critically-selected qualitative and quantitative methods in the field, laboratory or other settings, including the application of IT, statistics and modelling [Creator of new Knowledge]
  • Critically analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate tools to draw meaningful conclusions from research aimed at understanding the functioning of the physical environment, and its links with the human environment [Analytical]
  • Effectively communicate knowledge, complex ideas and persuasive arguments to professional and non-specialist audiences using verbal, written, visual and digital media [Effective communicator]
  • Recommend sustainable solutions to environmental problems that consider the broader social and political contexts, and the ethical implications of their application by applying knowledge, theories and approaches from physical geography and related disciplines [Problem solver]
  • Work responsibly as part of a team or as a team-leader to set challenging yet attainable goals and make an important contribution to addressing the challenges facing the world through the integration of physical and environmental geography [Team player]
Our superb state-of-the-art building contains purpose-built labs, lecture theatres and seminar rooms and features a spectacular living wall.
Committed to equality
We are proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver award in recognition of the work we do to support gender equality.
Accreditation
Our BSc and MEnv courses are currently accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences, in recognition of the quality of our teaching.
Joint 2nd in the UK
for our departmental research impact, according to the Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF results (2021).

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

UK (home) International and EU
£9,535 £31,100

These fees are for students starting in the 2025/26 academic year. Undergraduate fees for 2026/27 will be confirmed later in the year.

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Additional costs

Field work is integral to your course and includes both residential and day trips. In year 1 and 2 there are core residential and day field trips. The travel and accommodation costs of these core trips are included in your student fees. Optional field trips are not paid for, and you will be asked to contribute to the cost of these. The destinations of our residential field trips do change to meet the requirements of our students, acknowledge the pressing environmental challenges we face and meet our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.

Academic and industry speakers are invited to talk about key and policy-relevant areas of environmental research
Get a taste of university-level study on one of York's free short courses, including our subject course, 'Tackling environmental challenges for a sustainable future'.

York, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial

Just four UK universities are rated Gold for teaching and top ten for research* in the latest national assessment exercises.

* Awarded joint 10th in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

Teaching includes field-based learning, research-led teaching and a more traditional combination of lectures, tutorials, and seminars.

Practical work is a key feature, both in individual projects and in groups.

Field work is integral to your course and includes both residential and day trips. In year 1 and 2 there are core residential and day field trips. In year 3 there is also optional field module.

For the Placement Year, a dedicated member of staff will guide you through the process of finding a placement. You will be assigned a supervisor for your placement and be expected to contribute academic work based on your experience. Placements can be local, national or international.

Timetabled activities

In your first year, you can expect:

Lectures 4-6 hours per week
Seminars 1-2 hours per week
Workshops 2-4 hours per week
Practicals 2-4 hours per week
Field trips 1 week

These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.

Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Facilities

 

Our bespoke building contains purpose-built labs, lecture theatres and seminar rooms.

Teaching location

You will be based in the Department of Environment and Geography, which is based on Campus West.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

Each module will be assessed either by coursework, closed examination or a combination of both. Coursework can include:

  • grant application
  • policy briefings
  • practical and field work write-ups
  • reports
  • reflective exercises
  • oral presentations
  • essays

Careers and skills

Your degree in physical geography and environment will help you become a numerate graduate with practical, applied skills. You'll also learn to communicate clearly in written reports and during oral presentations. Find out more about careers and employability.

Career opportunities

  • Environmental conservationist
  • Graduate policy analyst
  • Flood risk officer
  • Graduate environmental consultant
  • Environmental engineer
  • Oil and gas analyst

Example employers

  • Network Rail
  • Environment Agency
  • Anglian Water
  • Atkins
  • Department for International Development
  • WSP│Parsons Brinckerhoff Consultancy
  • Defra

Transferable skills

  • Project management 
  • Feasibility studies
  • Data analysis 
  • Research skills 
  • Time management

Entry requirements

Qualification Typical offer
A levels

AAB including Geography or Geology plus a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences)

Access to Higher Education Diploma 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher including Geography and Science-related units.
BTEC National Extended Diploma DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A level Geography or Geology. If you are studying for the BTEC National Extended Diploma or a different combination of A levels and BTEC qualifications please contact us at ug-admissions@york.ac.uk for advice.
European Baccalaureate 80% overall including Geography or Geology plus a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences)
International Baccalaureate 35 points including Geography or Geology plus a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences) at Higher level
T levels We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless an additional A Level (or equivalent qualification) in Geography has been taken.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Advanced Highers - BB in Geography or Geology plus one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology plus Scottish Highers - BB

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
International foundation programme Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Additional requirements

You should also have GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent.

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities. More about widening participation.
Contextual offer BBB including Geography or Geology plus a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences).
EPQ If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.
Core Maths If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Qualification Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
IB English A score of 4 in English A or 5 in English B (Higher Level or Standard Level)
Cambridge CEFR 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
Oxford ELLT 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
Oxford Test of English Advanced 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component
Duolingo Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
Kaplan Test of English Language 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component
Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
PTE Academic 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
TOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
Trinity ISE III Merit in all components
Other English language qualifications We also accept other English Language qualifications, including various school-leaving certificates.

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Discover York

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.
Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.
Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.
Find out more about York. Chat to staff and students and take the tour, on campus or online.