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Build your career and boost your job prospects with a degree in Geography or Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University
The Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University is one of the largest and oldest departments of its kind in the UK. We’ve been offering Geography and Earth Sciences for over a century, and more recently added Sociology to our portfolio, born out of over 100 years of social science research. Our courses are available as three or four-year schemes, with an optional Foundation Year, Integrated Year in Industry or Integrated Year Studying Abroad. Our Geography courses are also accredited by the Royal Geographical Society.
Our students are taught by world-renowned and award-winning academics during each year of their studies. They are given opportunities to explore key themes such as quaternary environmental change, glaciology, river catchment processes, geomorphology, remote sensing and GIS, sustainability, globalisation, urbanisation, rural change, cultural and historical geography, and political studies.
We offer a variety of field trips in stunning locations in our local environment and further afield to contextualise content taught in the classroom. Laboratory classes, computer practicals and seminars are also at the heart of our teaching, providing our students with a range of opportunities to develop their core skills.
Aberystwyth consistently performs well in university league tables, most recently being placed Top in Wales for Student Satisfaction by the National Student Survey. The Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2024 also placed Aberystwyth as Welsh University of the Year and Top 3 in the UK for Teaching Quality and Student Experience.
Research with excellence
The Department of Geography and Earth Sciences has world-leading researchers in their respective fields that contribute to innovative and impactful research. Ninety-eight per cent of Aberystwyth University’s research is of an internationally recognised standard or higher, and 95 per cent of research in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is (considered) world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Our students benefit from research-led teaching, where case studies, articles and books utilised in the classroom have often been developed by our own academic staff.
Your future
Ninety-two per cent of Aberystwyth graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (HESA 2023). This is testament to the way we ensure that each student develops a range of highly sought-after skills that prepares them for further university education and life in the workplace. In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and can draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand. Our graduates have found employment in environmental consultancies, planning, the civil service, research, journalism and education.
‘I had a fantastic time studying Physical Geography at Aberystwyth University. A variety of interesting topics were taught throughout the course. In particular, many
lectures reflected the lecturers’ research. I was lucky enough to graduate with a range of transferrable skills, which have now helped me in the workplace. There was lots of variety in terms of teaching style on the course, including lectures, practical laboratory sessions and fieldwork. The highlight of the course for me was going on fieldwork to New Zealand, not only to see and work on new skills in such beautiful landscapes,
but to be able to travel after the fieldtrip with my friends from the course – memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life!
‘After University, I wanted to work in a research role because I enjoyed researching so much during my studies. I have been very lucky to find employment in the University of South Wales as a technical demonstrator in the earth sciences department. The role has taken me on fieldwork across the world to places like South Africa, Spain, Iceland, Finland and across the UK. It has also allowed me to specialise in using a scanning electron microscope to undertake research on pollen, which I hope to publish very soon. I am very lucky to be able to say that I love my job, and much of that is a result of studying at Aberystwyth University.’
Eiry Bateman, Physical Geography graduate
Student life at Aberystwyth
Student life at Aberystwyth is second to none. The main University buildings are located on Penglais campus which is within easy walking distance of the University’s accommodation and the town centre. The campus also boasts the largest arts centre in Wales, the University’s Sports Centre, the Students’ Union and many food and drink outlets. Aberystwyth Students’ Union is also home to over 100 clubs and societies, where students can discover new passions and continue lifelong interests.
All first-year undergraduate students are guaranteed accommodation in University-owned Halls which includes free gym membership and access to our Sports Centre facilities. Our Sports Centre recently opened a new sports dome which is home to state-of-the-art gym equipment.
Aberystwyth itself is a small, welcoming and friendly student town located on the west coast of Wales. Situated between the mountains and the sea, the surrounding area offers opportunities to explore the great outdoors while the town itself is an inclusive and vibrant environment in which to relax and socialise.
Join us at an Open Day to experience Aberystwyth for yourself, and to learn more about our courses and student life.
Contact
Geography & Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Llandinam Building, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DB
• Tel: +44(0) 1970 622 606
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: AU Geography & Earth Sciences
• Twitter: @AU_DGES
• Instagram: @AU_DGES
