Course contact details
Applicant Services
Email:bc.applicantservices@northumbria.ac.uk
Phone:0191 406 0901
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Northumberland Building
Northumberland Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8ST
Physical Geography (Extended Degree)
- 3 Study options
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
- Awarded by:
- Northumbria University Newcastle
Course summary
Explore the processes and phenomena that impact our world and our future.
Dealing with diverse topics ranging from the top of the earth’s atmosphere to the ocean floor, our BSc (Hons) Physical Geography degree is a specialised course that focuses solely on the physical sciences and how they apply to our surroundings.
Through teaching delivered by our internationally recognised academics, you will not only be learning about research but actively taking part as a researcher. Throughout this course you will learn how to map, monitor and understand the physical world by undertaking regular day and residential field trips within the UK and Europe. You will also have the option to complete a semester-based or year-long work placement, allowing you to put all of your recently acquired skills into practise.
Accreditation
Our Geography courses have a strong track record of accreditation by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), reflecting their academic quality and relevance to the discipline.
This course is being updated with the same high standards in mind and is part of our ongoing engagement with the RGS, seeking reaccreditation before these courses begin in 2026.
Extended Degree
This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year where you will explore a wide range of topics relating to environmental issues facing urban and rural environments and populations.
What will I learn in my Foundation Year?
In the foundation year, you will gain an understanding of complex environmental challenges and contemporary environmental issues. You will also explore sustainability and sustainable development concepts while gaining practical experience through fieldwork, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. This year will allow you to connect the physical and human aspects of the environment, offering opportunities to link theory, practice, and application.
The foundation year of the course delivered at level 3 which develops your ability to study in Higher Education is not accredited. Subsequent levels and years are accredited and deliver the knowledge, competencies, and skills required to meet the specific course accreditation requirements that relate to the approved accredited award title.
Modules
Course Modules
For a full list of the modules on your course, please access the course pages at www.northumbria.ac.uk
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Placement (mandatory) • 5 Years
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Time abroad (mandatory) • 5 Years
Start dates
Application codes
- Institution code:
- N77
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Northumbria University, Newcastle has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Application codes
- Institution code:
- N77
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.
Course optionsEntry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff56-72
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 56 to 72 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 56 to 72 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Northumbria University is committed to supporting and welcoming high-quality students to study with us, from all backgrounds. We want Northumbria to be an inclusive, accessible option and aim to support applicants to achieve their goals and ambitions. We use a range of flexible admissions options to support students to access study at Northumbria, such as contextual offers, where applicants may receive a lower offer than our standard entry requirements if they meet certain criteria.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.
Course optionsHistorical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland, EU & International | TBC |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Undergraduate fees are set by Government and are subject to annual review. Once these have been approved we will update fees/funding information for UK students.
International fees for the 2027/28 academic year will be confirmed in due course.
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