BA (Hons) Geography with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L704
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Delve into an exploration of the dynamic and ever-changing world we live in – from volcanoes and earthquakes to climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
Our BA Geography degree with a Placement Year focuses on the human impact of our changing world and offers you the exciting opportunity to gain real-world experience to give your career a head start. At UEA, you’ll study some of the most pressing problems facing the planet, including climate change, resource management, urban change, health, migration and poverty. Your studies will span both human and physical geography, but with an emphasis on human geography. You’ll learn from world-leading researchers, exploring the interaction of human society and the environment. You’ll also take part in exciting national and international fieldwork trips to places such as Devon, the Lake District and Spain.
With lots of flexibility in module choice, you’ll take part in group projects, developing specialist skills, and working with real-world organisations. You’ll develop highly valued transferable skills, from critical thinking, data analysis, fieldwork and spatial visualisation, to writing policy briefs and developing real-world applications of social theories of change.
Real-world learning is at the heart of our BA Geography degree. In classrooms, on field courses, and in meetings with external companies, you'll develop a broad understanding of geographical issues, theories and how to apply them. In year one, you'll learn about the most pressing geographical, environmental and sustainability problems, whilst in years two and four, you'll choose from a wide range of specialisms including environment, energy and society; political and economic geography; and cultural and historical geography. You’ll enhance your studies and employability by spending year three on an industrial work placement, giving you hands-on experience.
Most importantly, you’ll graduate with the skills to make a difference. The ability to work across the social, human and physical sciences is in demand in both private and public sector graduate jobs, where you'll be able to provide real-world solutions to today’s challenges. Check out Nikil’s story, who is now working as a Policy Officer for DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs), having graduated with a BSc in Geography from UEA.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Your Placement Year will ensure you graduate with relevant work experience. Not only will you see first-hand how your chosen field operates, but you’ll boost your chances of progressing within that sector through valuable contacts and insight.
Your studies will benefit too as theory is transformed into reality – under the real pressures of time and money.
You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement. In the first two weeks of your second year, you’ll write a CV and apply to a range of organisations, which can include companies, government organisations or charities. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, but it'll also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills required for after graduation. We'll, of course, offer our guidance and support while you’re identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.
During this year, you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your industrial supervisor will feedback during the placement to ensure that it’s progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee you a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers.
If you’re unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll have the option to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a Year in Industry.
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.
Study and Modules
Structure
This four-year course covers a broad range of topics in geography, moving from a first year that provides you with an essential foundation, to a more flexible curriculum in later years. The course culminates with an independent research project, and you’ll have regular opportunities to participate in field courses.
Your first year is designed to give you a broad understanding of the challenges facing contemporary geographers. This is underpinned by an introduction to fundamental research techniques, as well as the theories and methods that human, and physical geographers use to analyse and understand the world.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A 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
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.
In year one, you'll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and field courses. 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 to critique and defend theories in geography, and develop your ideas to create new solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study is a big part of your degree, and you’ll be encouraged to spend time researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays, or carrying out practical work or projects.
Assessment
At the end of each module, you’ll be assessed based on coursework, or for some modules, project and exam results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose across all three years of your degree.
For each module, you’ll have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assessment, which could be a coursework essay, project or an exam.
You'll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you improve your work before your final, or ‘summative’ assessment. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your tutors and academic advisor. You'll be assessed in a variety of ways which help develop your transferable skills, with an emphasis on coursework and personal development, rather than examinations.
Structure
In the second year, you’ll be able to choose from several optional modules to study alongside the compulsory modules. These optional modules cover subject areas such as 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)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 continue to learn through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops and field courses. You’ll continue to develop your key skills such as formulating research questions, collecting and interpreting data, presenting results, writing programming scripts, and developing practical transferrable skills. Group work will continue, and independent study will remain a key foundation of your learning.
Assessment
As for year one, modules will be assessed on coursework, or by a mix of coursework, project and exam results, depending on the modules you choose. Throughout the assessment process, you’ll be given feedback to help you develop. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your tutors and academic advisor.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on an industrial work placement lasting from 9 to 14 months, gaining relevant experience and developing your skills and knowledge. We have established links throughout the UK and beyond, and we’ll help you in identifying and competing for appropriate positions.
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
Your placement year is not formally taught but offers a wealth of learning opportunities. You’ll reflect on what you’ve gained over the course of the year with support from an academic mentor. Typically, you’ll spend 9 to 12 months working for an employer, gaining real-life experience of a field within or allied to environmental sciences. Example employers include environmental consultancies, local or national government departments and agencies, research institutions, charities and commercial organisations. We have well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond and will support you through the highly competitive application processes to secure you the best possible placement. Positions are usually paid, but the amounts vary.
Assessment
Your placement year is assessed on a pass-fail basis by reflecting on a project portfolio of the skills and knowledge that you’ve developed.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll spend a substantial amount of time on your Independent Project, which accounts for a third of your final year assessment. This is your opportunity to put everything you’ve learnt throughout your degree into practice, as well as a chance 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, covering topics such as human geography, urban futures, biodiversity, conservation, energy, environmental literature, migration, humanitarian crises, environmental consultancy, natural resources and environmental economics. Your options could also include a field course – in previous years students have gone to Spain and Kenya.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 80)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 four, teaching and learning methods will continue in a similar format. You’ll receive an academically rigorous, socially aware and well-rounded degree programme that enables you to make a difference in the world. You’ll benefit from our world-leading research with international impact (4th for Earth & Environmental Science, REF 2021 with a higher point total than any Geography department in the UK). Research-led teaching emphasises climate change, sustainability, future cities, biodiversity and agriculture, energy systems, social policy making and cultural geography.
Assessment
In year four, the focus on assessment will continue, supported by feedback which we encourage you to discuss with your tutors or academic advisor.
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.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual offer: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual offer: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.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
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Science and Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction.
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 - https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/bsc-environmental-sciences-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.
- 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
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.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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 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, INTO UEA 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.
- 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
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 throughout your course. We fully subsidise the cost of one residential field course. The others are 50% subsidised and cost £250–£1,000, depending on destination and duration. These costs cover accommodation, meals and transport.
Details for individual field courses are given on the information page for the relevant module.
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your Placement Year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees webpages.
There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year in industry, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs
How to Apply
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
BA Geography graduates go into a wide range of careers and have a high rate of employment. You could work for national and international agencies, in the private or public sector, in the areas of environmental and resource management, climate change, economic and social development, planning, or policy making.
Right now, there’s demand for graduates to work in climate change, energy systems, and land or water resource management. Or you might choose to pursue a higher degree, such as an MA/MSc or PhD. During your studies, you’ll meet potential employers during internships and our annual Careers Fair, which attracts a wide range of employers interested in graduates with geographical skills.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Environmental consultant
- Planning officer
- Environmental analyst
- Renewable energy adviser
- Graduate sustainability consultant
- Graduate carbon management consultant
Discover more on our Careers webpages.