BA (Hons) Geography with Global Development with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L97P
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
The world is more interconnected than ever, driving urgent global challenges such as food insecurity, conflict, social justice, and the environmental crisis. Now, more than ever, there’s a need for geographers with a truly global perspective. Our BA in Geography and Global Development with a Placement Year prepares you to think globally and work towards a just and sustainable future.
You’ll study critical contemporary issues from a geographical perspective – including poverty, race, gender, health, migration, the environment, artificial intelligence and cities – with a focus on the relationship between people, place, and transformative social justice. You’ll gain key practical skills, including the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), cross-cultural communication, policy analysis, problem-solving, and fieldwork skills. You can also develop your understanding of specific regions of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.
Local fieldwork is a vital part of all core modules, complemented by exciting residential field trips in Europe and the UK. On this version of the course, you’ll complete a year-long work placement, gaining valuable industry experience. In previous years, students have done placements in Costa Rica, Uganda, Cambodia, Kenya, Peru, and the UK.
UEA is the ideal place to study for a BA in Geography and Global Development. We’ve been rated 1st in the UK for research quality in both Development Studies (REF 2021) and Geography and Environmental Science (Complete University Guide 2025). By studying with us in the vibrant city of Norwich, you’ll join our welcoming and close-knit academic community. You’ll work alongside world-renowned geographers as well as experts in politics, anthropology, economics and the environment - all within the School of
Global Development. Our academics work across every region of the world, and you'll benefit from their connections and expertise in countries as diverse as Uganda, India, and Chile.
A degree in Geography and Global Development with a Placement Year will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in a range of sectors including tourism, urban and regional planning, environmental sustainability, law, government, NGOs, and more. According to the Royal Geographical Society, geography graduates have the joint highest employment rates amongst social scientists and command some of the highest salaries.
Placement Year
In your third year, you’ll spend 9-12 months in a full-time development placement, before returning to your studies in the final year. You’re expected to source your placement yourself, but support is available from the school staff and the Careers Service. Please note we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers. If you’ve not successfully secured a work placement by the end of your second year, you'll be transferred onto one of the school’s three-year programmes.
Study and Modules
Structure
The core modules of your first year will provide you with a strong foundation in the key principles of human geography and key earth processes, and you’ll learn to apply this knowledge to contemporary global development challenges. You’ll have the opportunity to extend your understanding of broader social, economic, political, environmental and cultural perspectives. You’ll also have the opportunity for a residential field course and short field trips in this year.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)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
You’ll join a close-knit community where you can share your passion for creating a fairer planet with staff and students from around the world. Our teaching staff are actively researching real-world issues and bring their experiences directly into the classroom. In your first year, teaching and learning takes place through a mixture of lectures, seminars and independent study. Lectures are led in a large group setting by academic experts, and seminars are conducted in smaller groups that will allow you to engage in in-depth discussion with academics and other students. Independent study is a key element of learning on all of our degrees, and you’ll be supported to learn how to do this effectively through your first year.
Assessment
In year one, you’ll be assessed through a mixture of essays, course tests and exams. Throughout your degree, you’ll also get valuable feedback on your work from staff and fellow students. This will help you to identify areas for improvement, ensuring you’re getting the most from your work.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll advance your knowledge of human geography and develop practical field and research skills for the study of global development. You’ll broaden your understanding of the subject through a wide range of optional environmental, regional, and cross-disciplinary modules. You’ll have the option to attend a week-long field trip that emphasises partnering with community organisations, and the real-world application of geographical skills.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional B 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
In year two, you’ll learn through the same core activities as year one, whilst also engaging in more applied learning and with more choices to align the course with your specific interests and aspirations. We offer a range of methods modules that will allow you to gain experience of conducting your own research projects. There are also a variety of field trips and courses on offer that will develop your practical skills in research and community-based problem-solving.
Assessment
In year two, you’ll be assessed through a mixture of essays, field project reports, presentations, and exams, as well as quantitative-analytical reports, and policy briefs.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll have the chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and get hands-on professional experience through a 9-12 month work placement before returning to UEA for your final year. This placement will allow you to gain valuable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. Support in getting your placement is available from academic staff and the Careers Service.
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
You’ll learn through practical experience with your placement organisation.
Assessment
During your placement year, you’ll not take any assessments at UEA.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll be able to choose freely from a range of more specialised modules, allowing you to deepen your understanding of critical global geographical issues. This year also places greater emphasis on employability and independent study. You can select an 8-10 week work placement and choose to write a dissertation, enabling you to engage in independent research around your own particular interests.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 80)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)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
In your final year, you’ll continue to learn through lectures, seminars and practical work, but with increasing support for more independent learning. You’ll have the option to research and write a dissertation, which is a large individual project that requires you to exercise the independent learning skills you’ll have developed over your previous years of study.
Assessment
In year four, you’ll be assessed by similar methods as years one and two. Throughout your degree, you’ll get feedback on your work from staff and peers. This will help you identify areas for improvement, ensuring you’re achieving your potential.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with knowledge and skills valued by a vast range of organisations related to geography and global development. Many of our graduates go on to work in related roles in policy and advocacy, these include government agencies, the United Nations, private sector companies, consultancy firms, and the many hundreds of large and small non-government organisations that focus on social and environmental issues and humanitarian work. Furthermore, geographers are renowned for being ‘systems-thinkers’, focusing on people and our relationships with the environment. Trained geographers contribute to advocating for livable climates, influencing social policy, and managing resources.
Alternatively, you could use the academic and transferable skills gained from our degrees for careers in business, the voluntary and public sector, education, and academia. Geography provides an ideal set of skills and understandings for approaching a myriad of career choices.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
• UK Government and planning
• Business
• Technology, including geospatial
• Charitable sector in the UK and globally
• Environmental management and the green economy
• Teaching
Discover more on our Careers webpages and in our Life after DEV brochure.
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 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.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
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
Contextual Offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass 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. All subjects are acceptable.
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 - BA Global Development 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- 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 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.
A levels
ABB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre 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
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, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
English language at UEA International Study Centre
-
- 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
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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: