Geography with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

If you do not meet the requirements to enter our three-year degree programmes, then our four-year BSc Geography with a Foundation Year may be for you.

Our foundation programme gives you the chance to develop the skills essential to completing your degree. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you can progress to either the BSc Geography or BA Geography programmes.

Our Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) accredited BA Geography programme explores environmental change, globalisation, creative and urban geography and migration on the human geography side.

Whereas, the BSc Geography covers themes which include glaciology, climate and weather science, earth observation, using satellite data to study environmental change, volcanology and earth sciences.

Why Geography with a Foundation Year at Swansea?

Geography with a Foundation Year at Swansea Offers:

  • A flexible degree path you can customise by choosing from a mixture of human and physical geography modules.
  • The opportunity to study abroad for a year, or work in industry.
  • A strong emphasis on fieldwork. We take advantage of the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Nature Beauty (now the Gower National Landscape) on our doorstep, and Wales’ nearby national parks for day field trips.
  • International field courses in the second and third years of our programmes that give you the chance to carry out fieldwork in Europe and North America, as well as specialised field modules in Asia.
  • A world-renowned department with a strong record of employability; Ranked Top 250 in the World for Environmental Sciences (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2025).
  • Top 100 in the World for Geography (Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024).

Your Geography with a Foundation Year Experience

  • You can study modules that deliver skills and knowledge to tackle global challenges, which can include: Monitoring Global Change from Space, Past Environments and Climate Change, Coastal Environments and Sustainable Land Management.
  • Students can opt for modules, and project topics, that inform their career plans and allow them to gain specialisms in social and economic topics, which can include: Cultural and Political Geography, Tourism, Heritage and Leisure, World Cities and Rural and Migration Geography.
  • Our Science Communication and Dissertation Report modules give students critical transferable skills like project management and independent researcher abilities.
  • Welsh speaking students can choose to study part of this degree programmes in the medium of Welsh.

Geography with a Foundation Year Employment Opportunities

Our graduates have become Catchment Scientists, Ecologists, Geographical Data Processors, Surveyors, Housing Officers, Meteorologists, Journalists, Government Advisors and Lecturers.

Our students talk about field trips, friendships and more

Our students talk about their experiences and career prospects

Modules

Following early compulsory modules including the earth’s changing face, global environmental change and global shifts, you will be able to craft your own personalised path throughout the degree.

You will select from a wide range of optional modules, with the chance to mix human and physical geography modules, leading to a dissertation in your final year.

International/EU Students: Your Foundation Year will be taught by The College and your modules will be different to those below. You can find more information on the Undergraduate Pathways here.

Geography with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)