Few Geography, Geology and Natural History degrees offer you the opportunity to get out in the field so quickly and as regularly as ours. We concentrate on the practical application of theory through fieldwork, bringing to life what you learn in the classroom.
The University’s location for fieldwork is second to none. Cardiff, Wales’s capital city, the Brecon Beacons National Park, and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast are all nearby and provide a natural laboratory for study. We offer a diverse international portfolio of fieldwork too. You could study volcanic activity and environmental hazards in Sicily, or transect New York’s Central Park.
Our Geography degrees are among the first in the UK to gain accreditation from the royal Geographical Society (with iBG) and our Geology degree is accredited by The Geological Society of London. We have also been ranked top in Wales for Geography and Environmental Studies by the Guardian League Table 2021.
On this Geography course, you'll explore how the environment affects society, its economy and culture, and in turn, how we adapt and transform that environment.
Geology is the study of the world beneath your feet - it's the course to choose if you want to really understand how the planet, the landscape and life have changed over billions of years.
BSc (Hons) Geology (Including foundation year)
BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography
BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography (Including Foundation Year)
Natural history is the study of organisms and the environments in which they live. This is a diverse and exciting subject that covers the study of animals, plants and their environments, along with earth and environmental sciences.
BSc (Hons) Natural History (Including foundation year)
BSc (Hons) Natural History and Media
BSc (Hons) Natural History and Media (Including Foundation Year)
On USW's unique International Wildlife Biology degree you will study and interpret the biological processes and interactions that determine species diversity and distribution and apply current scientific thinking and practices to wildlife biology research and management in globally changing landscapes.
BSc (Hons) International Wildlife Biology
BSc (Hons) International Wildlife Biology (Including Foundation Year)
This MRes Applied Sciences degree is a unique, fifteen month, student-oriented programme, designed to introduce you to high level science research.
This is a vocational MSc course that will give you with the knowledge, skills, competence and confidence to work in a wide range of practical geoscience careers, from engineering geology and mining to quarrying, petroleum geoscience and research.
MSc Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology course will develop the cutting-edge multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills to enable you to develop a rewarding career in this fast-moving growth industry.
With safety, health and environmental issues becoming increasingly important, there is a growing demand for professionals with the right skills.
The world’s environments have long been threatened by human impact. As pressures on the natural environment intensify, there is a growing need for professionals skilled in conservation and environmental management.
We offer a number of postgraduate research programmes including Masters by Research and PhD, which allow you to make an in-depth study of a topic that interests you. You can study full-time or part-time, on-campus or by distance (subject permitting).
We have research strengths in a number of individual disciplines and interdisciplinary areas including Wildlife Ecology; Geoscience; Geographical Sciences and Drone Research and Environmental GIS;
In the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2019/20, USW ranked 9th overall for student satisfaction.
Attending an open day, whether online or on-campus, is the ideal way to learn more about our Geology, Geography and Natural History courses and get a feel of what it's like to study at the University of South Wales.
Speak to the lecturers and expert staff who teach the courses, take tours of our campuses and facilities, view accommodation, speak to our advice team about placement and career opportunities and discuss finances. Plus, speak to current students and hear about their experiences first hand.
Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons National Park, and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast are all nearby and provide a natural laboratory for study. We offer an impressive international portfolio of fieldwork too. Our students have gained field experience in Portugal, Iceland, Greece, Thailand, the Caribbean, Botswana, Spain and Uganda.
Our students enjoy purpose-built labs as well as industry-standard research and specialist software that currently includes ArcGIS, ERDAS, RockWorks and MOVE. Students have access to two dedicated laboratories, facilities for geochemical analysis and a dedicated Mac lab for photography and video editing.
We have accreditations from the Royal Geographical Society, the Geological Society and the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management which reflect the quality of our courses. We also consistently rate highly in the National Student Survey, showing our commitment to our students on these courses.
The Glyntaff campus is surrounded by green open spaces and beautiful views. Inside, a multi-million-pound investment means you’ll be learning in a purpose-built environment. Outside, nearby locations such as Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons provide fantastic fieldwork and student experience opportunities.
Many of our lecturers are at the forefront of their field, producing world-leading research and contributing to advances within their area of expertise. We ensure that our teaching teams are still also strongly connected to their individual industries, ensuring they bring their knowledge of these to their work on our courses.
We have a range of opportunities outside the classroom for our students to get involved with. You could join our fantastic fieldwork courses in the UK and overseas or you could join any of the subject specific societies our courses have in the Students’ Union.
Dedicated onsite and online support, advice and mentoring will ensure you're heard and supported. Our support services are at the forefront of addressing the challenges that modern-life brings.
Employability is at the heart of everything. So much so that a lot of our teaching is informed by what happens in the real world and the skills you’ll need for your chosen career.
Many of our courses have accreditation from professional, statutory or regulatory bodies. This allows you to gain a qualification recognised in your profession.
