BSc (Hons) Geography
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F800
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
The ever-changing world we live in needs BSc Geography graduates to understand and provide solutions to climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and volcanic hazards.
At UEA you learn from world-leading researchers, take fieldtrips to Devon, the Lake District, Scotland, Greece, or Spain, develop specialist analysis skills, use purpose-built laboratories, master geographical information systems software and most importantly graduate with the skills to make a difference.
Your degree is highly flexible with choice across physical and human geography - specialisms include climate science, environmental policy, Earth resources, river catchment management, urban geography, biodiversity conservation, energy systems and environmental economics.
Graduate with highly valued transferable skills, from data analysis, fieldwork, spatial visualisation to science communication and social theories of change. Your ability to work across the physical and social sciences is in demand across private and public sector graduate jobs where you'll provide real world solutions to today’s challenges.
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.
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 Devon to the Lake District and Scotland to Spain.
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
(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
You’ll be taught by leading geographers and environmental scientists, and award-winning teachers. The degree is modular with a standard pattern of three modules per semester. Most modules include one or two lectures a week with a practical or seminar session where you deepen your understanding. In these, you'll work in small groups to solve problems, discuss and debate real world issues, use digital tools, collect data and conduct experiments in the laboratory and get out in the field. Beyond contact hours, you work independently to support your learning through reading and assessments.
Year 1 is mostly compulsory modules with lectures, practicals, seminars and field trips to develop your skills and knowledge ready for Year 2 and 3 module choices. You'll choose from one of two modules in the spring term. The first year includes a compulsory (funded) week-long residential field course to Devon in the Spring Break, so you can put your learning into practice and develop your Geography community.
Assessment
Throughout all three years, we 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 may include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We use ‘formative’ assessment in each module to provide feedback before submitting your ‘summative’ assessment.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year and Year 2 and 3 are weighted 40:60 to determine your final mark.
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, global health and development, 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: 60)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 2 you craft your degree to your interests, but these must include one skills module, one physical geography module and one human geography module to ensure you continue to develop your geographical research skills and experience different aspects of Geography. Optional UK-based field courses are offered over Easter.
Assessment
Throughout all three years, we 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 may include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We use ‘formative’ assessment in each module to provide feedback before submitting your ‘summative’ assessment.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year and Year 2 and 3 are weighted 40:60 to determine your final mark.
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 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
In Year three, one-third of your time is for your independent research project, where you work with a world-leading expert on a topic of your choice. You'll develop project management skills along with in-depth knowledge of your chosen topic. You choose four modules, tailored to your interests and career trajectory, involving a range of teaching styles. Field courses such as the trip to Spain, run in the summer before the academic year.
Assessment
Throughout all three years, we 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 may include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We use ‘formative’ assessment in each module to provide feedback before submitting your ‘summative’ assessment.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year and Year 2 and 3 are weighted 40:60 to determine your final mark.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. 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 are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside 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. Acceptable subjects are: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction or Science.
- BTEC
- DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management. Excludes Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. 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.
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.
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.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB including grade A in Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- 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.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, 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, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points including HL5 in either Geography, Mathematics, 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):
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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 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:
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. 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
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 every year of your course. We fully subsidise the cost of your first-year residential field course. Field courses in second and third year 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.
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:
Employability
After the Course
Employability is embedded in our modules, helping you develop your career and skills throughout your course. We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service to help you meet employers (including alumni), explore career options, speak to industry mentors, and apply for internships, volunteering, and graduate jobs.
As a Geography graduate, you could go on to a very wide range of careers as have previous graduates, with a high rate of employment. You could work for national and international agencies, private sector or governments, 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 MSc or PhD.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Sustainability officer
- Environmental consultant
- Waste and recycling manager
- GIS technician
- Cartographer
- Transport planner
Discover more on our Careers webpages.