BSc (Hons) Geography
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F800
- Entry Requirements
- ABB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Why you should choose us
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
Explore our dynamic and ever-changing world – from volcanoes and landslides to climate change and biodiversity.
You’ll gain a solid understanding of the challenges facing our planet and develop valuable practical experience through various field courses. Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to learn specialist theory in areas such as hydrology, earth surface processes, meteorology, population ecology and environmental economics.
As your course progresses, you’ll continue to develop your skills as a geographer across a range of specialisms – from geographical information systems to environmental policymaking, biogeography, international development, climate change, energy transitions and natural hazards.
You’ll graduate with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to start a fascinating geographical career or progress to further study.
Our BSc Geography degree covers both physical and human geography, focusing on the interactions between the natural environment and human society. Situated in the School of Environmental Sciences, with modules available from the School of International Development and School of Biological Sciences, you’ll benefit from a range of fascinating optional modules allowing you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career aspirations.
During your first year, you’ll learn about key geographical concepts, discover the latest about global environmental challenges, study how our dynamic planet works, and get outside to develop your skills during practicals, on field trips as well as a six-day residential field course. You’ll also choose between a module on the interplay between biodiversity and sustainability, and one on understanding our atmospheres and oceans.
As you progress through the course, you’ll continue developing your skills as a geographer across a range of specialisms, including geographical information systems (GIS). You’ll be able to shape your degree around your interests by choosing optional modules covering topics such as earth surface processes, biogeography, environmental economics and policymaking, climate change and natural hazards.
In your final year independent research project, you’ll put into practice all the skills you have developed, exploring in detail a topic that fascinates you.
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.
The current accreditation is for a six-year period, from the 2016 student cohort intake to the 2022 student cohort intake. We expect to apply for renewal of accreditation at the end of this period.
Study and Modules
Structure
This three-year course covers a broad range of topics in geography. In your first year, you’ll build a foundation of essential knowledge and skills whilst being inspired to broaden your horizons about the world around you. You’ll then have more flexibility in your second and third years. The course culminates in an independent research project. There are opportunities to participate in field courses in all three years of your degree, from the Lake District and Devon to Scotland, Spain and East Africa.
Your first year is designed to give you a broad understanding of the challenges facing contemporary geographers and expand your understanding of what Geography is. This is underpinned by an introduction to fundamental research techniques, the methods geographers use to analyse and understand the world, and is consolidated with a residential field course.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(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
Teaching
You’ll be taught by leading geographers and environmental scientists, and award-winning teachers. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, practicals, seminars, workshops, field trips and residential field courses. Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning through oral presentations, and presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, conduct experiments, debate important topics, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Field learning is integral to this degree – in fact, the whole world is your laboratory. Through the wide range of field courses available, you’ll encounter a wide variety of geological settings, ecological habitats and human environments, and learn practical techniques using specialist equipment.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects.
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and an analytical thinker. Throughout your degree, you’ll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential, our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service, are on hand to help in the following areas:
-
Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
-
Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
-
Academic writing (including how to reference)
-
Research skills (including how to use the library)
-
Critical thinking and understanding arguments
-
Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
We’ll use varied assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs.
For each module, you’ll have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll gain valuable technical expertise by choosing a research skills module such as GIS Skills, and craft your degree to your interests by choosing physical and human geography modules from a range of options including topics such as earth surface processes, population ecology and management, climate change science and policy, people and place, and global tectonics with field course options within the UK.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 80)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 80)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
Teaching
You’ll be taught by leading geographers and environmental scientists, and award-winning teachers. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, practicals, seminars, workshops, field trips and residential field courses. Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning through oral presentations, and presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, conduct experiments, debate important topics, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Field learning is integral to this degree – in fact, the whole world is your laboratory. Through the wide range of field courses available, you’ll encounter a wide variety of geological settings, ecological habitats and human environments, and learn practical techniques using specialist equipment.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects.
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and an analytical thinker. Throughout your degree, you’ll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential, our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service, are on hand to help in the following areas:
-
Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
-
Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
-
Academic writing (including how to reference)
-
Research skills (including how to use the library)
-
Critical thinking and understanding arguments
-
Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
We’ll use varied assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs.
For each module, you’ll have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll spend a substantial amount of time on your Independent Project, which accounts for a third of your final year assessment. It’s your opportunity to put everything you’ve learnt throughout your degree into practice, and to specialise in a topic that really fascinates you, under the supervision of a world-class expert.
There are also further optional modules to study, including topics such as geophysical hazards, biodiversity, conservation and human society, the carbon cycle and climate change, urban futures, land and water resources, and natural resources and environmental economics. Field courses in your third year to places such as East Africa or Spain allow you to explore a landscape and environment in detail.
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)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
Teaching
You’ll be taught by leading geographers and environmental scientists, and award-winning teachers. You’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, practicals, seminars, workshops, field trips and residential field courses. Student-led learning comes in various forms too, from peer-to-peer learning through oral presentations, and presentations in class. You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, conduct experiments, debate important topics, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Field learning is integral to this degree – in fact, the whole world is your laboratory. Through the wide range of field courses available, you’ll encounter a wide variety of geological settings, ecological habitats and human environments, and learn practical techniques using specialist equipment.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects.
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and an analytical thinker. Throughout your degree, you’ll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential, our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service, are on hand to help in the following areas:
-
Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
-
Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
-
Academic writing (including how to reference)
-
Research skills (including how to use the library)
-
Critical thinking and understanding arguments
-
Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
We’ll use varied assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs.
For each module, you’ll have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Accepted subjects: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, or Science.
- BTEC
- DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- 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, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points including HL5 in either Geography, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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) for year 1 entry
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
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.
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:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
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.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your 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.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed 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:
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
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
Field courses are available in every year of your course. We fully subsidise the cost of one residential field course – the others are 50% subsidised and carry a cost of around £250-£900 depending on destination and duration. These costs cover accommodation, meals and transport.
You can find details for individual field courses in the module information.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
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:
Employability
After the Course
Our BSc Geography degree covers both physical and human geography, focusing on the interactions between the natural environment and human society. Situated in the School of Environmental Sciences, with modules available from the School of International Development and School of Biological Sciences, you’ll benefit from a range of fascinating optional modules allowing you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career aspirations.
During your first year, you’ll learn about key geographical concepts, discover the latest about global environmental challenges, study how our dynamic planet works, and get outside to develop your skills during practicals, on field trips as well as a six-day residential field course. You’ll also choose between a module on the interplay between biodiversity and sustainability, and one on understanding our atmospheres and oceans.
As you progress through the course, you’ll continue developing your skills as a geographer across a range of specialisms, including geographical information systems (GIS). You’ll be able to shape your degree around your interests by choosing optional modules covering topics such as earth surface processes, biogeography, environmental economics and policymaking, climate change and natural hazards.
In your final year independent research project, you’ll put into practice all the skills you have developed, exploring in detail a topic that fascinates you.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
-
Sustainability officer
-
Environmental consultant
-
Waste and recycling manager
-
GIS technician
-
Cartographer
-
Transport planner