Environmental Geography (MSci)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

This is a four-year full-time course and you study for your Bachelors and Masters degree at the same time. The first three years are structured in the same way as the BSc course and then in year four you will complete your Masters qualification.     

 

In your first year you will study core modules and get a strong foundation in environmental geography. In year two to four there are core and optional modules so you have some flexibility to choose to study the areas that you’re interested in. Both year three and four include a research dissertation.

 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

 

Year one
In your first year, you will study core modules designed to give you a strong foundation in Earth sciences and geography.  Topics include oceans, climate, earth processes and global environments. You will develop essential geographical skills like map and chart work, GIS and basic geographical data analysis.

 

We will go on a residential field course to a coastal national park within Wales (either Pembrokeshire or Snowdonia) where you will learn key field skills including mapping and surveying techniques.

 

All of the degrees in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences study the same first semester. After semester one you can decide whether you want to continue with your original choice or switch to one of the other degrees (e.g. Marine or Physical Geography).

 

You earn 120 credits for the year with each core module worth 20 credits.

 

Year two
In your second year, you will build on the knowledge from year one and start exploring more advanced concepts like biogeochemistry, marine ecology and the ocean-atmosphere system. You will gain skills and experience in sampling, data collection and analysis ready for your research dissertation in year three.

 

We will go on an overseas residential field course to a coastal location in Europe where you will develop your skills in environmental monitoring and surveying. In the past, we’ve been to the Netherlands and Switzerland.

 

In the summer between year two and three, you will do five weeks of independent research to prepare for your dissertation in year three. In the past students have looked at issues relating to soil and water quality and trends in climate.

 

You earn 120 credits for the year. This is made up of 40 and 20 credit core modules and a choice of 20 credit optional modules.

 

Year three
In your third year, you will have more freedom to shape your degree and choose modules that fit with your career ambitions. You will also develop essential professional skills and knowledge that all employers are looking for.

 

You earn 120 credits for the year. The core modules include your dissertation and investigating extreme environments from a biochemical perspective. For your optional modules, you can choose to do a further residential field course and study a range of specialist subjects like Marine Environmental Systems or Global Climate Change.

 

Year four
Year four is when you study for your Masters. Your core modules include your dissertation (60 credits) and a fieldwork module. For your optional modules, you can choose from topics like business and consultancy and scanning the research horizon.

 

You can choose to do your Masters dissertation on any topic related to Environmental Geography that we can supervise in the School. You can either choose from a list of potential projects circulated by the School or you can work with a supervisor to design a project in an area you’re particularly interested in.

 

You will work one-to-one with a research supervisor throughout the year and possibly with a wider group of research students and industry professionals. Some of our best Masters research projects have been published in the scientific literature.

A level
ABB-BBB. If you have grade B in the relevant language A-level you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

 

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

 

International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. If you have grade 6 in the relevant language at HL you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

 

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

 

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

 

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

 

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

 

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

 

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

With the planet under increasing pressure from climate change, over-exploitation and pollution, the knowledge and skills of an environmental geographer are in demand. An environmental geographer will play an important role in a greener, low carbon future, using their understanding of the Earth to find sustainable solutions to the challenges we face in the future.

 

This course will open up possibilities in a variety of different industries and roles, including conservation and environmental management. You will also have essential employable skills that sectors like insurance, finance, education and planning are looking for. The advanced research skills, innovation and initiative you'll gain from your Master's degree will be valuable to employers in academia, government and industry. Many senior positions in Environmental Geography related careers ask for a minimum of a Master's degree.