)
)
)
Geography at UEA
Find out more about studying Geography at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Geography
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F800
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Other Start Dates
Scroll For More
1st
In the UK for Research Quality in Geography and Environmental Sciences
The Times University Rankings 2025Course Overview
Why BSc Geography 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, bringing cutting‑edge data, approaches and field insights directly into your modules
What is BSc Geography at UEA?
BSc Geography at UEA investigates how places and landscapes evolve and how people shape and respond to change. You learn in a pioneering school where research directly informs your teaching.
You 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 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.
)
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...
)
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...
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. This holistic approach ensures you graduate with confidence and capabilities to succeed in a wide range of roles.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
As environmental and sustainability challenges become increasingly complex, 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 graduates also progress to further study, including specialist Master’s degrees or PhD research.
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 develop essential research and analytical skills through structured training in working with geographical information systems, interpreting patterns and relationships, and understanding how evidence is gathered and used to study the world around us. These skills are applied during a residential field course in Devon, where you'll practise collecting and analysing data in a real‑world setting, supported by research‑active teaching 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 deepen your understanding of both human and physical geography and begin tailoring your learning 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 extend your research capabilities through more advanced training in data interpretation, spatial analysis and the evaluation 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 apply your growing expertise to a focused geographical investigation, selecting from pathways or topic areas led by research‑active academics who take their expertise into the field throughout the year. This experience helps you build confidence in designing and carrying out research, excellent preparation for your final‑year project. 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)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.
Structure
Your final year allows you to specialise further and consolidate your expertise. A major component is your independent project, which accounts for a significant proportion of your final‑year study. Working closely with an academic supervisor, you investigate a topic that reflects your interests and career ambitions, applying the research and analytical skills developed throughout your degree.
You’ll also choose from a varied selection 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. This flexibility enables 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.
)
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.
In your second year, you’ll enhance your spatial and analytical skills through specialised modules, including training in GIS and digital geographical techniques.
In your final year, you’ll advance your expertise through optional modules and receive one‑to‑one academic supervision for your independent project.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods across your modules, with tasks contributing in different proportions to each module’s overall mark. Alongside examinations, coursework may include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, practical or laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations etc. Many modules include more than one assessment, allowing you to demonstrate a broad range of geographical skills. Throughout each module, you'll also complete practice or ‘formative’ assessment activities designed to give you feedback on your skills and understanding before submitting your final or ‘summative’ work.
From your second year onwards, your marks contribute to your final degree classification. In your final year, you'll also complete your independent project (dissertation), a substantial piece of research that carries a larger credit value and forms a significant part of your final‑year assessment.
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
- 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.
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):
-
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:
-
- 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.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
-
UK Students: £10,050
-
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.
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: