Overview

The Physical Geography programme at Carleton University provides students with a deep understanding of the complex interactions that shape our natural world. By integrating principles from physics, chemistry, and mathematics, the curriculum explores the delicate balance between human activity and the planet's various environmental systems. Students engage with diverse subjects ranging from soil science and hydrology to glaciology and biogeography.

Why Physical Geography at Carleton University?

Carleton University offers an exceptional environment for geographic research, featuring the MacOdrum Library which houses over 166,000 digital and paper maps. Students benefit from state-of-the-art computing laboratories dedicated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis and environmental computation. The university's location in Ottawa provides a unique "Capital Advantage," offering direct proximity to national resources such as Library and Archives Canada and the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 36992 per year
National fee: CAD 8860 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical techniques in fieldwork and laboratory analysis. Modules may include:

Global Environmental Systems
Global Biogeochemical Cycles
Climate Change
Water Resource Analysis
Natural Resource Management
Ecosystem Science
Geographic Information Systems
Remote Sensing
Environmental Models

Careers with Physical Geography

Graduates are equipped with a versatile scientific background suitable for various roles in the public and private sectors. The programme prepares students for professional paths in environmental consulting, resource management, and urban planning. Many alumni find success in specialised technical fields or continue into education and research. Potential career roles include:

Geoscientist
Cartographer
Environmental Technician
Natural Hazards Analyst
Water Resources Specialist
Surveyor
Geographic Information Analyst
Environmental Sustainability Consultant

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Global Environmental Systems

People, Places and Environments

Maps, Satellites and the Geospatial Revolution

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Weather and Water

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

86

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

20 alternative credits

General Degree: 15 Credits.

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Geography Climate Studies & Meteorology Environmental Sciences View 81 other Bachelors in Geography in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

86

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You will need a secondary school or high school graduation certificate. Education should normally consist of a minimum of 12 years of study.

You will need to present transcripts from your senior high school along with your graduation diploma or certificate, and any graduation exam results.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Carleton University and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

36992 CAD / year

≈ 36992 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8860 CAD / year

≈ 8860 CAD / year

Additional Details

Ontario Tuition Fee: 7,431 CAD per year

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Physical Geography.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Ottawa

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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