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Geography at UEA
Find out more about studying Geography at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) Geography with a Placement Year
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 2025
Course options
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
1st
In the UK for Research Quality in Geography and Environmental Sciences
The Times University Rankings 2025Course Overview
Delve into an exploration of the dynamic and ever-changing world we live in – from volcanoes and earthquakes to climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
Our BA Geography degree with a Placement Year focuses on the human impact of our changing world and offers you the exciting opportunity to gain real-world experience to give your career a head start. At UEA, you’ll study some of the most pressing problems facing the planet, including climate change, resource management, urban change, health, migration and poverty. Your studies will span both human and physical geography, but with an emphasis on human geography. You’ll learn from world-leading researchers, exploring the interaction of human society and the environment. You’ll also take part in exciting national and international fieldwork trips to places such as Devon, the Lake District and Spain.
With lots of flexibility in module choice, you’ll take part in group projects, developing specialist skills, and working with real-world organisations. You’ll develop highly valued transferable skills, from critical thinking, data analysis, fieldwork and spatial visualisation, to writing policy briefs and developing real-world applications of social theories of change.
Real-world learning is at the heart of our BA Geography degree. In classrooms, on field courses, and in meetings with external companies, you'll develop a broad understanding of geographical issues, theories and how to apply them. In year one, you'll learn about the most pressing geographical, environmental and sustainability problems, whilst in years two and four, you'll choose from a wide range of specialisms including environment, energy and society; political and economic geography; and cultural and historical geography. You’ll enhance your studies and employability by spending year three on an industrial work placement, giving you hands-on experience.
Most importantly, you’ll graduate with the skills to make a difference. The ability to work across the social, human and physical sciences is in demand in both private and public sector graduate jobs, where you'll be able to provide real-world solutions to today’s challenges. Check out Nikil’s story(opens in a new window), who is now working as a Policy Officer for DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs), having graduated with a BSc in Geography from UEA.
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Placement Year
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'll also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills required for after graduation. We'll, 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 feedback during the placement to ensure that it’s progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee you a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers.
If you’re 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.
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
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This course is accredited by
Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Environmental consultant
- Planning officer
- Environmental analyst
- Renewable energy adviser
- Graduate sustainability consultant
- Graduate carbon management consultant
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
BA Geography graduates go into a 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.
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Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB.
Contextual offer: BBC.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual offer: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual offer: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Science and Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/bsc-environmental-sciences-with-a-foundation-year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
A levels
ABB.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- INTO UEA
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.
- 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(opens in a new window) 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.
-
- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) 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’re 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: