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Geography at UEA
Find out more about studying Geography at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSci Human Geography with a Year Abroad
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Sciences
- UCAS Course Code
- G15A
- Typical Offer
- AAB
- Contextual Offer
- BBB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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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 MSci in Human Geography with a Year Abroad at UEA?
Earn an MSci Human Geography with a Year Abroad degree in one of Europe’s largest environmental sciences schools. Learn from leading researchers how to understand global challenges and create sustainable solutions for the future.
Why choose UEA?
- Learn from experts: Study with internationally recognised researchers. Our school is ranked first in the UK for research quality
- Flexible study options: choose from more than 40 optional modules offered across eight schools. Shape your degree around your interests
- Real-world experience: Take part in field courses and placement opportunities in various locations. Live and study abroad during your third year
What is Human Geography?
Human Geography studies how people live in and shape the places around them. It helps us understand big issues in the 21st century, such as climate change, inequality, growing urban areas, health and housing. You’ll explore how global problems affect people's life in different places and how communities respond to them.
Whether you’re interested in sustainable energy, cities and housing, democracy, or environmental change, this degree helps you understand how people and places are connected. You’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to help address today’s social and environmental challenges.
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Year Abroad
You’ll spend your third year living and studying abroad, with the opportunity to choose from a range of partner institutions with different specialisms.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section(opens in a new window) of our website.
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)(opens in a new window). 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 an MSci in Human Geography, you could start a career in areas such as:
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Environmental consultancy: Help organisations manage environmental impacts, plan energy transitions and create sustainability strategies
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Urban planning: Support the planning of cities, housing, and transport while helping communities grow in sustainable ways
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Renewable energy advice: Work with organisations and governments to support the shift to renewable energy and sustainable development
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Sustainability consultancy: Help businesses and organisations make their work and processes greener and more sustainable
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Carbon management: Advise organisations on ways to reduce carbon emissions and move toward low-carbon practices
Career Support
Career development is built into the course to help you grow your skills and explore your future options. We work closely with UEA’s careers service, and you can track your progress through the UEA Award. You’ll also have chances to meet employers, speak with industry mentors, and apply for internships, volunteer roles and graduate jobs.
Discover more on our Careers webpages(opens in a new window).
After the Course
When you graduate, you’ll have strong knowledge and practical skills in human geography. This prepares you for roles in the public and private sectors, where you can help address today’s social and environmental challenges.
Study and Modules
Structure
During your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in geography as you study compulsory modules. You’ll learn about the key challenges facing people and the planet. You'll be introduced to basic research methods and the main ideas used in human and physical geography. You’ll also take part in fieldwork to explore these topics in real-world settings.
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 begin shaping your degree by choosing from a range of optional modules alongside core courses. Topics may include 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
(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
You’ll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our many partner universities in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe. You’ll be able to select the institution based on the specialisms it offers and agree on an individual programme of study with your academic adviser. Your marks will be transferred back to UEA to contribute to your final degree results.
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 carry out an advanced research thesis, working closely with a supervisor to explore a topic in depth. You’ll also choose further specialist modules on topics such as sustainability, net zero, hazards and society, and other current issues in human geography.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)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
In year one, you'll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and field courses.
In the School of Environmental Sciences at UEA, you'll learn from experts rather than textbooks. You’ll have opportunities to bring social theory to life through the performing arts; curate your own Museum of the Anthropocene; write policy briefs to directly tackle some of the most pressing contemporary social and environmental issues; and work directly with local and national companies to solve on-the-ground challenges.
We’ll teach you how to formulate research questions, collect and interpret data, present results, write programming scripts, and develop practical transferable skills in a variety of settings.
You'll also work with your peers on group projects and develop your communication skills by giving presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve real-world problems and debate important topics.
You’ll learn how to question and evaluate ideas in human geography and explain your own views clearly. You’ll also use what you learn to think about practical solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study is an important part of your degree. You’ll spend time researching in UEA’s modern library, writing essays, and working on projects or practical tasks that help you explore your ideas in more depth.
Our teaching is modular with a standard pattern of three modules per semester of each 20 credits. Typically, a module will include two 50-minute lectures per week plus a two to five hour practical or seminar class where you'll deepen your understanding of the material.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Alongside exams, coursework assessment methods include essays, class tests, field reports, audio assignments, policy briefs, presentations, posters and blogs.
We also use ‘formative’ assessment methods throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing your final or ‘summative’ work. All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year.
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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
Contextual offer: BBB
BTEC
DDD
Contextual offer: DDM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 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 Distinction.
Accepted subjects: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, or 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 Science with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC
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 page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
International Baccalaureate
33 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).
- 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
Field courses are available throughout your course. We fully subsidise the cost of one residential field course. The others are 50% subsidised and cost between £250–£1,000, depending on destination and duration. These costs cover your accommodation, meals and transport.
Details for individual field courses are given on the information page for the relevant module.
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
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: