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Geography at UEA
Find out more about studying Geography at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Geography with a Placement Year
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F801
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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1st
In the UK for Research Quality in Geography and Environmental Sciences
The Times University Rankings 2025Course Overview
Why BSc Geography with a Placement Year at UEA?
Study geography in a pioneering environmental sciences school where understanding places, landscapes and change drives world‑leading research. You’ll learn to analyse landscapes and societies, interpret evidence and help shape fair, informed, and sustainable responses to global challenges.
Why choose UEA
- Your own geographical pathway: Study landscapes, environments and societies together, then choose from wide-ranging modules to develop your specialist interests
- Modern geographical skills: Develop analytical and digital mapping skills that help you understand change, support real‑world decisions and strengthen your employability
- Research-led geography: Learn from active researchers whose work shapes global understanding and gain professional experience on a supported placement
What is BSc Geography with a Placement Year?
BSc Geography at UEA investigates how places and landscapes evolve and how people shape and respond to change. You’ll learn in a pioneering school where research directly informs your teaching.
You’ll tackle questions about environmental change, social justice, hazards, sustainability and the future of communities. Physical and human approaches help you understand patterns shaping everyday and global challenges.
You’ll develop practical analytical and spatial skills supported by modern geographical tools. These skills equip you to interpret evidence and solve real‑world problems with confidence.
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School of Environmental Science
We're proud to be one of the most developed schools of our kind in Europe. But what does it mean to be an excellent institution for environm...
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Climate change raised the odds of unprecedented wildfires in 2023-24
Unprecedented wildfires in Canada and parts of Amazonia last year were at least three times more likely due to climate change and contribute...
Placement Year
Your third year will be spent on a nine to 12‑month professional placement, giving you first‑hand experience of how geographical work happens in practice. Placements can be with a wide range of employers, including environmental organisations, government bodies, research institutes, consultancies and businesses in the UK or overseas, and are normally paid, though amounts vary. We’ll support you throughout the process, from preparing applications to mentoring and placement visits. Many students gain valuable contacts, workplace confidence and clearer career direction, and some choose to base their final‑year Independent Project on their placement experience.
Accreditations
This programme has been 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.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a degree in geography, you could launch a career in:
- Environmental consultancy: Apply geographical insights to assess environmental impacts, support sustainable planning, and advise organisations on environmental performance
- Sustainability and environmental policy: Contribute to policies that address climate change, land use, conservation or resource management across government and industry
- GIS and spatial analysis: Use spatial data to map patterns, model change and support decision-making in sectors such as transport, planning and environmental monitoring
- Public engagement and communication: Help communities and organisations understand environmental challenges through outreach, communication and evidence-led engagement
- Behavioural or organisational change: Support organisations and local authorities to develop practices that improve environmental performance and promote sustainable behaviours
Career Support
Career development is embedded throughout the geography degree. You'll strengthen your ability to interpret information, communicate findings, and work collaboratively, all essential skills valued by employers. Dedicated support from UEA’s Careers Service helps you explore career routes, meet potential employers, gain experience, and develop your professional profile. A placement year can further enhance your professional skills, networks and confidence before you return for your final‑year studies.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
As environmental and sustainability challenges grow, graduates with strong geographical understanding are in high demand. You'll be well‑prepared for roles across environmental management, consultancy, planning, policy, development and research. Many students progress to further study, including specialist Master’s degrees or PhD research.
Your placement year can strengthen your career direction and enhance your applications for graduate roles or further study.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year provides a solid grounding in the core themes of geography, introducing you to the natural processes shaping the physical environment alongside the social, political and economic forces influencing human activity. You'll explore key global challenges (from climate change and landscape dynamics to sustainability and development) and begin to understand how physical and human geographies interconnect.
You'll also develop essential research and analytical skills through structured training in using geographical information systems, interpreting patterns and relationships, and understanding how evidence is gathered and analysed. These skills are applied during a residential field course in Devon, where you practise collecting and interpreting data in a real‑world setting, supported by research‑active staff. This combination of foundational knowledge and practical experience prepares you for the more specialised choices ahead.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of both human and physical geography and begin shaping your degree through a choice of more specialised modules. You can explore contemporary geographical challenges such as environmental change, global health and development, urban futures, ecological processes and landscape dynamics. Alongside this thematic development, you’ll extend your research capabilities through advanced training in data interpretation, spatial analysis and evaluating different forms of evidence.
A key part of year two is research skills in practice, which includes a six‑day residential field course in the Lake District. Here, you’ll apply your growing expertise to a focused geographical investigation, selecting pathways led by research‑active academics. Optional international field experience in Europe may also be available, depending on your module choices.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Important Information
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.
Structure
Your third year is spent on a nine to 12‑month professional placement with an employer in the UK or overseas. Placements can be with environmental organisations, government bodies, consultancies, research institutes, charities or businesses, and are normally paid, though amounts vary. You’ll receive support with applications, preparation and mentoring throughout the year. This experience helps you gain workplace confidence, develop professional skills and make valuable contacts before returning to UEA for your final year.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll consolidate your expertise and specialise further. A major component is your Independent Project, which carries significant credit weighting. Working closely with an academic supervisor, you’ll investigate a topic that reflects your interests and career ambitions, applying the analytical and research skills developed throughout your degree.
You’ll also choose from a wide range of advanced optional modules across human and physical geography. These cover areas such as environmental change, hazards, conservation, resource management, global development and geospatial analysis, allowing you to shape a distinctive pathway and graduate with a strong, personalised academic profile.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 80)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
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.
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Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You'll learn from research‑active geographers and environmental scientists whose work shapes understanding of places, landscapes and environmental change. Lectures introduce essential ideas, while seminars and practical sessions help you apply concepts to real‑world geographical challenges. Throughout your studies, you'll develop analytical, spatial and interpretive skills using a range of contemporary geographical approaches. Teaching draws on real examples, case studies and data to help you understand change across different scales.
In your first year, you’ll develop foundational geographical knowledge and analytical skills through practical sessions and a supported residential field experience.
You’ll enhance your spatial and analytical skills in your second year through specialised modules, including training in GIS and digital geographical techniques.
You’ll gain professional experience on a nine to 12‑month placement, supported through mentoring and regular contact with UEA.
In your final year, you’ll advance your expertise through optional modules and receive one‑to‑one academic supervision for your Independent Project.
Assessment
Modules use varied assessment methods to test specific learning outcomes. Coursework may include essays, projects, practical reports and presentations. Many modules contain multiple assessments to develop and evidence different skills. Formative activities provide feedback before you submit summative work.
In your first year, you’ll complete introductory assessments that help you build confidence in analysing information and communicating geographical findings. In your second year, you’ll move on to applied assessments that develop your skills in research design, evaluating evidence and presenting your work effectively. During your placement year, your taught study pauses, and the year is not formally assessed for degree classification. In your final year, you’ll complete advanced coursework and undertake a weighted independent project that demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research and engage critically with geographical issues.
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 including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Contextual offer: BBC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Countryside Management or Animal Management.
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Countryside Management or Animal Management.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
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 including 12 credits in either Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Contextual: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics at Merit.
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit. We accept: Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction and Science.
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 BSc Environmental Sciences with a Foundation Year.(opens in a new window)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in either Geography, Environmental Systems and Societies, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Highers
AAABB including grade A Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
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.
- 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
A levels
ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in either Geography, Environmental Systems and Societies, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
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).
- 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(opens in a new window) 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):
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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, 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:
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- 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.
- 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 for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £29,300
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(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
The optional residential field courses in the second and third years require a student contribution. You can find details for individual field courses in the module information.
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your placement year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees pages. There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your placement year, 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: