Year 1

Your first year provides foundational knowledge for the Earth Sciences and Physical Geography, considering the origin, structure and composition of Earth, the operation of plate tectonics and the processes controlling our weather and climate. We also introduce you to a wide range of teaching approaches (practicals, computer labs, tutorials, workshops, lectures) and develop key practical skills (e.g. Geological Maps and Structures). The residential fieldtrip to Arran brings your learning into practice in the field.

Modules

• The Rock Cycle – Our Dynamic Earth
• Palaeobiology and the Stratigraphic Record
• Skills for Professional Geographers
• The Digital World
• The Contemporary Earth System
• Geological Maps and Structures
• Introductory Field Course

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year 2

The second year develops key research and analytical skills, while further developing subject-specific knowledge. You will study the operation of contemporary Earth surface processes as well the sedimentary rock record and the fossil record. This core content is designed to provide a sufficient breadth of material to allow specialisation as you move into your final year. The residential trip to Almeria, Spain, provides field experience of contemporary landscape processes and the region’s geological record, as well as building important skills in project design and teamwork.

Core modules

• Climate Change: Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation
• Catchment Systems
• Magmatic and Metamorphic Processes
• Major Events in the History of Life
• Research Design (Overseas Field Course)* (double module)
• Introduction to Geochemistry

* Qualifying mark of 40% in dissertation proposal is required for progression into year 3.

Option modules

Choose one option module from:

• Depositional Processes and Environments
• Geographical Information Science
• An Introduction to Past Global Climate Changes

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year Abroad or in Industry (optional)

If you want to, you can spend the third year of the BSc studying abroad at one of our partner institutions or working in an industrial placement. Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.

Year Abroad

We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 of your degree.

Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.

For more information, including a list of destinations, please visit our Study Abroad website.

Please note

• A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
• You may be eligible for a travel grant from Student Finance England.
• Places are offered on a competitive basis, and eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2.
• Language courses, at beginners or advanced level, are available through our Languages at Leicester scheme.

Year in Industry

A Year in Industry gives you the opportunity to stand out from the crowd when it comes to applying for graduate jobs with work experience incorporated into your programme of study. If this is for you, in Year 2 you will take a module in which we prepare you for that year in work and support you with your search for a placement in an industry or organisation relevant to your career aspirations. After your Year in Industry you will return to University for your final year of study.

A year in industry still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Final Year

Your final year incorporates a blend of teaching and independent research. You will select a topic to research in your dissertation and choose from a wide range of optional modules.

Core modules

• Dissertation

Option modules

Choose two option modules from:

• Environmental Geoscience
• Crustal Dynamics
• Understanding Ecosystems and Environments of the Distant Past
• Water Quality Processes and Management

Choose four option modules from:

• Earth Science in Education
• Planetary Science
• The Forensic, Archaeological and Geological Application of Microfossils
• Physical Volcanology
• Remote Sensing of the Environment
• Research Communication
• Stable Isotopes in the Environment
• Drylands: Landscapes, Ecosystems and People
• River Dynamics

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is integral to any Geography degree. In the field you'll develop new skills and apply learning from the classroom to real-world problems. At Leicester, we go into the field a lot - your field trips will be some of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences of your time here.

Our field trips run during each year of study. In Year 1, you’ll get an introduction to residential fieldwork in a UK setting, connecting knowledge gained in classes with the study of a variety of landscapes.

In your second year your field training will focus on the development of skills that prepare you for independent research and your final year dissertation project. Recent locations have included Vancouver and Almeria.

Our Year 3 optional field courses represent an opportunity to develop advanced field skills. They are a chance to experience some of the world’s most remarkable environments such as the Amazon Rain Forest and Death Valley in California.

And you’ll be pleased to know our staff are involved in field-based research worldwide, ensuring that our teaching draws on active field experience.

• Find out more about fieldwork opportunities.

Fieldwork locations may vary and are subject to availability.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.