How is physical geography used in a geography degree?
Physical geography provides the scientific study of Earth’s natural processes and environments within a geography degree. You may examine topics such as climate, rivers, coasts, soils, ecosystems, hazards and landscape formation, using fieldwork, laboratory work, maps, GIS and data analysis. It can support understanding of environmental change and how physical systems interact with human activity.
Key points
- Modules may combine theory with practical investigation, field measurements, spatial analysis and interpretation of environmental data.
- Physical geography can be studied alongside human geography or developed through optional modules, a dissertation or a specialist pathway.
- It can provide context for issues such as flooding, climate change, biodiversity loss, erosion and natural-resource management.
Things to check
- The balance between physical geography, human geography, fieldwork and technical methods depends on the university, degree title and course structure, so check the official module information.