UNIVERSITY OF YORK · UNITED KINGDOM
BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year)
Bachelor's · Taught in en · UCAS F801
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€38k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 5th in the Russell Groupfor 'Learning resources' in Physical Geographical Sciences (NSS 2025)
- 15th in the UKfor Sustainability (QS Sustainability Rankings 2026)
- Accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences
- Strong links with global policy makers (UNEP, WHO)
- Includes a paid placement year
This BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Environment course focuses on understanding the physical processes shaping our planet and how they interact with human activities. You will explore topics such as glaciers, rivers, coastal environments, and natural hazards, alongside crucial aspects of climate change, ecology, and sustainability. The program aims to equip you with academic knowledge and practical skills to address real-world environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions. Throughout your studies, you will investigate the complex relationships between the environment and society. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in physical geography, progressively delving into more advanced concepts and research methodologies. The inclusion of a placement year offers invaluable hands-on experience in a professional setting, preparing you for a career in environmental fields.
Curriculum
The course is structured over four years, including a mandatory placement year. You will build foundational knowledge in the first year, develop expertise through core and optional modules in the second year, undertake a professional placement in the third year, and complete a research project and advanced modules in the final year.
- Year 1
- Core Skills in Physical GeographyENV00024C
- Environment, Development and SocietyENV00035C
- Ecological PrinciplesENV00002C
- Introduction to Global ChallengesENV00033C
- Introduction to Research SkillsENV00032C
- Earth: Past, Present and FutureENV00001C
- Academic Integrity
- Year 2
- Water EnvironmentsENV00042I
- Glaciers, Ice Sheets and Climate ChangeENV00039I
- Engendering ChangeENV00044I
- Research Skills and Project DesignENV00048I
- Megacities and UrbanisationENV00021I
- Ecosystem Management and ConservationENV00050I
- Food, Space, Culture and SocietyENV00023I
- Climate Change: Mitigation and AdaptationENV00047I
- Geographical Information SystemsENV00043I
- Solving Environmental Problems with CodeENV00046I
- Year 3 (Placement)
- Placement Year
- Year 4
- Research ProjectENV00011H
- Natural Hazards and MitigationENV00050H
- Sustainability ClinicENV00054H
- Energy Transitions and Low Carbon FuturesENV00052H
- Atmosphere and Ocean ScienceENV00034H
- Biodiversity and SocietyENV00036H
- Pollution Monitoring Assessment and ControlENV00051H
- Land Use Change and Management: A Global PerspectiveENV00040H
- Tackling Britain’s Environmental Challenges (field course)
Careers
This degree provides a strong foundation for a variety of careers focused on environmental management, policy, and sustainability. The placement year offers practical experience that is highly valued by employers.
- Environmental Consultant
- Conservation Officer
- Sustainability Manager
- Policy Advisor
- Climate Change Analyst
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Specialist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students for this programme?
- The international tuition fee for this programme is £32,350 per year. University fees are significantly reduced for the placement year.
- How long does the BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Environment programme take to complete?
- The course is structured over four years, including a mandatory placement year.
- What are the academic entry requirements for this programme?
- For A-Levels, the academic entry requirement is AAB. The university accepts a wide range of international qualifications.
- How do I apply for this programme as an international student?
- Applications are made through UCAS. You will need to check specific entry requirements, apply via UCAS using the course code F801 and institution code Y50, and submit supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of English proficiency.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing this degree?
- This degree provides a foundation for careers such as Environmental Consultant, Conservation Officer, Sustainability Manager, Policy Advisor, Climate Change Analyst, or GIS Specialist. The placement year offers valuable practical experience highly valued by employers.
- Does the programme include a placement year, and are there any associated costs?
- Yes, the programme includes a mandatory placement year, which typically takes place in the third year of study. University fees are significantly reduced for the placement year.
Entry requirements
A-LevelsAAB
The University accepts a wide range of international qualifications. International applicants who are non-native English speakers will need to provide evidence of their English language ability. Pathway courses are available for those who do not meet the direct entry requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)£32,350 per year
Tuition (home)£9,790 per year
LivingNot specified.
University fees are significantly reduced for the placement year.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language requirements for the BSc Physical Geography and Environment course. International qualifications are accepted, and guidance is available on the university website. Consider if a pathway course is needed.
2. Apply via UCASSubmit your application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). The UCAS code for this course is F801, and the institution code for the University of York is Y50.
3. Personal StatementPrepare a compelling personal statement highlighting your interest in physical geography, environmental science, and your suitability for the course.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsProvide necessary documents such as academic transcripts, certificates, and proof of English language proficiency.
5. Receive and Respond to OffersIf successful, you will receive an offer. Respond to your offers through UCAS by the specified deadlines.
6. Prepare for Visa ApplicationOnce you have accepted an unconditional offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to support your student visa application.
Accreditation
The course is currently accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students for this programme?
+
The international tuition fee for this programme is £32,350 per year. University fees are significantly reduced for the placement year.
How long does the BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Environment programme take to complete?
+
The course is structured over four years, including a mandatory placement year.
What are the academic entry requirements for this programme?
+
For A-Levels, the academic entry requirement is AAB. The university accepts a wide range of international qualifications.
How do I apply for this programme as an international student?
+
Applications are made through UCAS. You will need to check specific entry requirements, apply via UCAS using the course code F801 and institution code Y50, and submit supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of English proficiency.
What career paths can I pursue after completing this degree?
+
This degree provides a foundation for careers such as Environmental Consultant, Conservation Officer, Sustainability Manager, Policy Advisor, Climate Change Analyst, or GIS Specialist. The placement year offers valuable practical experience highly valued by employers.
Does the programme include a placement year, and are there any associated costs?
+
Yes, the programme includes a mandatory placement year, which typically takes place in the third year of study. University fees are significantly reduced for the placement year.