Geology and Physical Geography

Discover the rapidly evolving science at the heart of global environmental change on our Geology and Physical Geography BSc. You'll explore innovative approaches to understanding the physical and natural world and develop hands-on experience through fieldwork, laboratory activities and industry work placements. Geology professionals are highly sought after and our programme equips you with the skills to excel in careers including climatologist, exploration geologist, and nature conservation officer.

Why choose this course?

• No. 1 in England for Geography (Guardian University Guide, 2026)

• Geology ranked Top 10 in England (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)*

• Geography and Environmental Sciences No.1 in the West Midlands for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide, 2026)

• This programme is accredited by the Geological Society of London

• Top 5 in the UK for Geography (Daily Mail University Guide, 2026)

Are you curious about the world around you and eager to explore different approaches to studying our planet? As we consume more of Earth’s resources, society needs individuals with geology and physical geography skills to achieve a decarbonised future and more sustainable resource extraction. Our Geology and Physical Geography BSc offers a balanced programme that incorporates elements from geophysics, meteorology, geomorphology, and environmental science.

Never studied Geology or Physical Geography before? We've designed this programme to provide you with a solid grounding in both subjects in year one, laying the foundation for advanced study in years two and three.

When you study geology you will explore Earth’s origins, the evolution of life, and the management of natural resources. This interdisciplinary field combines environmental science, chemistry, biology, and physics, enabling you to understand the structures of Earth and other planets and identify the physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring deep beneath our feet.

Physical geography is vital for understanding pressing issues like population growth, climate change and economic inequality. You’ll study the processes that shape Earth’s surface, their impact on human lives, and the interactions between climate and landscape.

We place a strong emphasis on developing practical skills, equipping you with the methods and techniques needed for future employment. You will gain hands-on experience using equipment, samples, and digital resources in our state-of-the-art Central Science Labs while gathering, analysing, and interpreting your own research data through residential and one-day field courses. There are study abroad and work placement options, and Keele’s campus serves as a ‘living laboratory’ with 600 acres of natural environment for fieldwork.

*We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges).

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.