BA (Hons) Geography with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L704
- Typical Offer
- ABB.
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
How do we respond effectively to climate change? How should we manage our dwindling resources? How might we deal with population growth in cities and the challenges of more sustainable lifestyles? Learn to tackle today’s biggest global challenges, including climate change, resource management, urban change, health, migration and poverty.
This degree is for you if you have ambitions to address the adverse effects of human challenges such as inequality, and environmental challenges such as climate change, by learning more about the interaction of society and environment. It’s also ideal if you’re excited about taking part in fieldwork, seminars and team projects with other students.
Our BA Geography with a Placement Year focuses on the human impact of a changing world. As the world develops – whether through changing technology, politics, culture or climate – our understanding of it must change too, as well as our ways of living within it. You’ll explore some of humanity’s most pressing problems, such as energy, food and water provision, the maintenance of biodiversity and the search for environmental sustainability. You’ll enhance your studies and employability by spending your third year on an industrial work placement, giving you hands-on experience whilst developing your skills and knowledge.
Throughout this course, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to understand and investigate these challenges, with an emphasis on the geographical dimensions of societal change through the study of communities, cultures and their environment. The degree spans human and physical geography, but with an emphasis very much on human geography. You’ll develop a broad understanding of geographical concepts and issues, as well as how to formulate research questions, collect and interpret data, present results, and develop practical transferable skills. You’ll also take part in fieldwork and have the chance to work on group projects. During your first year, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the challenges facing the natural environment and human society. As the course progresses, you will have the opportunity to develop valuable practical experience through fieldwork, and to acquire specialist theoretical knowledge in such areas as biodiversity conservation and human society, climate change or environmental politics. You’ll have the chance to study with world-leading academics in cutting-edge facilities, and to take your pick from a wide variety of modules thanks to the diverse expertise in our departments.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Your Placement Year will ensure you graduate with relevant work experience. Not only will you see first-hand how your chosen field operates, but you’ll boost your chances of progressing within that sector through valuable contacts and insight. Your studies will benefit too as theory is transformed into reality – under the real pressures of time and money. You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement. In the first two weeks of your second year, you’ll write a CV and apply to a range of organisations, which can include companies, government organisations or charities. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, but it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills required for after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance and support while you’re identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.
During this year, you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your industrial supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year. Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers.
If you are unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll have the option to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a Year in Industry.
Study and Modules
Structure
This four-year course covers a broad range of topics in geography, moving from a first year that provides you with an essential foundation, to a more flexible curriculum in later years. The course culminates with an independent research project. You’ll have regular opportunities to participate in field courses. Your first year is designed to give you a broad understanding of the challenges facing contemporary geographers. This is underpinned by an introduction to fundamental research techniques and the theories and methods human and physical geographers use to analyse and understand the world.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Teaching strategies remain consistent across the three years and the format depends on module choice. You’ll be taught by leading geographers and environmental scientists, and award-winning teachers who create engaging and creative learning environments. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses. Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning in group projects, to doing presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, debate important topics, learn to critique and defend theories in geography, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects. This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and an analytical thinker. You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work through evidence-based analysis. You’ll become well versed in time management and organisation through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you’ll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential, one of our staff will be assigned as your personal Advisor throughout your studies. Our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service, are also available to help in the following areas:
-
Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
-
Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
-
Academic writing (including how to reference)
-
Research skills (including how to use the library)
-
Critical thinking and understanding arguments
-
Creative thinking and presentation of knowledge
-
Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
At the end of each module, you’ll be assessed based on coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose across all years of the degree. For each module, you will have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assessment. That could be a coursework essay, project or an exam.
You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your teachers to help you put it into practice.
Structure
In the second year, you’ll be able to choose from several optional modules to study alongside the compulsory modules. These optional modules cover subject areas such as global health, economic development, environmental politics, climate change, energy transitions, and geographical information systems.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 80)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Teaching strategies remain consistent across the three years and the format depends on module choice. You’ll be taught by leading geographers and environmental scientists, and award-winning teachers who create engaging and creative learning environments. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses. Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning in group projects, to doing presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, debate important topics, learn to critique and defend theories in geography, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects. This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and an analytical thinker. You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work through evidence-based analysis. You’ll become well versed in time management and organisation through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you’ll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential, one of our staff will be assigned as your personal Advisor throughout your studies. Our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service, are also available to help in the following areas:
-
Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
-
Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
-
Academic writing (including how to reference)
-
Research skills (including how to use the library)
-
Critical thinking and understanding arguments
-
Creative thinking and presentation of knowledge
-
Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
At the end of each module, you’ll be assessed based on coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose across all years of the degree. For each module, you will have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assessment. That could be a coursework essay, project or an exam. You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your teachers to help you put it into practice.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on an industrial work placement lasting from 9 to 14 months, gaining relevant experience and developing your skills and knowledge. We have established links throughout the UK and beyond, and we will help you in identifying and competing for appropriate positions.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll be taught by leading geographers and environmental scientists, and award-winning teachers who create engaging and creative learning environments. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses.
Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning in group projects, to doing presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, debate important topics, learn to critique and defend theories in geography, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects.
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and an analytical thinker. You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work through evidence-based analysis. And you’ll become well versed in time management and organisation through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you’ll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential, one of our staff will be assigned as your personal Advisor throughout your studies. Our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service, are also available to help in the following areas:
-
Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
-
Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
-
Academic writing (including how to reference)
-
Research skills (including how to use the library)
-
Critical thinking and understanding arguments
-
Creative thinking and presentation of knowledge
-
Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
At the end of each year, you’ll be assessed on the basis of coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
For each module, you will have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assessment. That could be a coursework essay, project or an exam.
You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your teachers to help you put it into practice.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll spend a substantial amount of time on your Independent Project, which accounts for a third of the final year assessment. It’s your opportunity to put everything you’ve learnt throughout your degree into practice, as well as a chance to specialise in a topic that really fascinates you with the supervision of a world-class expert. There are also further optional modules to study, covering topics such as human geography in the Anthropocene, urban futures, biodiversity, conservation and human society, energy and people, environmental literature, migration, wars and humanitarian crises, environmental consultancy, natural resources and environmental economics. Your options could also include a field course – in previous years students have gone to Spain and Kenya.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 80)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Teaching strategies remain consistent across the three years and the format depends on module choice. You’ll be taught by leading geographers and environmental scientists, and award-winning teachers who create engaging and creative learning environments. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses. Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning in group projects, to doing presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, debate important topics, learn to critique and defend theories in geography, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects. This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and an analytical thinker. You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work through evidence-based analysis. You’ll become well versed in time management and organisation through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you’ll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential, one of our staff will be assigned as your personal Advisor throughout your studies. Our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service, are also available to help in the following areas:
-
Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
-
Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
-
Academic writing (including how to reference)
-
Research skills (including how to use the library)
-
Critical thinking and understanding arguments
-
Creative thinking and presentation of knowledge
-
Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
At the end of each module, you’ll be assessed based on coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose across all years of the degree. For each module, you will have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assessment. That could be a coursework essay, project or an exam. You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your teachers to help you put it into practice.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction or Science.
- BTEC
- DDM. Excludes Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM.
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-Level.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BA Geography and International Development with a Foundation Year.
We welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds. If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three-year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering
International Foundation in Business Economics Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Field courses are available throughout your course. We fully subsidise the cost of one residential field course. The others are 50% subsidised and cost £250–£1,000 depending on destination and duration. These costs cover accommodation, meals and transport. Details for individual field courses are given on the information page for the relevant module.
You are eligible for reduced fees during your Placement Year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees webpages.
There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year in industry, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
Geography graduates go on to a very wide range of careers and have a high rate of employment. You could work for national and international agencies, in the private or public sector, in the areas of environmental and resource management, climate change, economic and social development, planning, or policy making. Right now, there’s demand for graduates to work in climate change, energy systems, and land or water resource management. Or you might choose to pursue a higher degree, such as an MA/MSc or PhD.
During your studies, you’ll meet potential employers during internships and our annual Careers Fair, which attracts a wide range of employers interested in graduates with geographical skills.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
-
Environmental consultant
-
Conservation officer
-
Environmental analyst
-
Renewable energy adviser
-
Graduate sustainability consultant
-
Graduate carbon management consultant
Discover more on our careers webpages and check out some of our recent graduate destinations.