MSci Geography
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Sciences
- UCAS Course Code
- F802
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specifc subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Course Overview
In our ever-changing world, we need skilled MSci Geography graduates who can understand and provide solutions to critical global issues like climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and volcanic hazards.
At UEA, you’ll learn from world-leading researchers and develop specialist analysis skills on this exciting and dynamic course. You’ll take part in field trips to diverse locations such as Devon, the Lake District, Scotland, and Greece. You’ll study in our purpose-built laboratories, master geographical information systems (GIS) software, and most importantly, graduate with the skills to make a meaningful impact.
This degree is highly flexible, offering you a broad choice of topics 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.
You’ll graduate with highly valued transferable skills, ranging from data analysis and fieldwork to spatial visualisation, science communication, and social theories of change. Your ability to work across both the physical and social sciences is highly sought after in private and public sector jobs, where you'll be able to provide real-world solutions to today's challenges. If you wish to continue your studies with the possibility of pursuing a PhD, this advanced four-year integrated Master's degree is also ideal.
Check out Jessica’s story, who is now working as a Planner, having graduated with a BSc in Geography from UEA.
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 four-year degree programme 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 also have opportunities to participate in field courses in all four 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. This is underpinned by an introduction to fundamental research techniques, the methods geographers use to analyse and understand the world, and the year is consolidated with a residential field course.
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
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’ll 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’ll work independently to support your learning through reading and assessments.
Your first year consists of compulsory modules with lectures, practicals, seminars and field trips to develop your skills and knowledge. You’ll also take part in 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 four years, we use varied assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall 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 your mark for the year.
Structure
In your second, third and fourth years, you’ll have lots of flexibility to tailor your module choices to your interests and career aspirations. In your second year, you’ll gain valuable technical expertise by studying research skills. You can 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 development, and global tectonics. You can also take part in field courses 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 two, you’ll develop your research practice skills and your understanding of core geographical perspectives in compulsory modules. You’ll then be able to craft your degree to your interests by choosing optional modules that align with your career aspirations. Optional UK-based field courses are offered over Easter.
Assessment
As for year one, modules in your second year 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. Years two, three and four are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final mark.
Structure
In your third year you’ll conduct an independent project, taking up the equivalent of a module per semester. As a student-led project, this allows you to develop highly desirable skills in project management, acquire in-depth knowledge and, where relevant, field and lab skills, all with support from your academic supervisor.
Alongside this, you’ll choose optional modules form a range of topics such as biodiversity, conservation, the carbon cycle, energy systems, climate and weather prediction, urban futures, land and water resources and human geographies of the Anthropocene. Field courses in your third year to places such as Spain will 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’ll 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’ll also choose further optional modules, tailored to your interests and career trajectory. Field courses such as the trip to Spain, run in the summer before the academic year.
Assessment
In year three, the focus on assessment will continue, supported by feedback which we encourage you to discuss with your tutors or academic advisor. Years two, three and four are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final mark.
Structure
In your fourth year, you’ll undertake an individual research project investigating a specialist area in professional depth with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor. This is your opportunity to put everything you’ve learnt throughout your degree into practice, and specialise in a topic that really fascinates you, under the supervision of a world-class expert.
Alongside this, you’ll choose optional modules from a range of topics such as environmental assessment, pathways to net zero, climate change, geophysical hazards, science, society and sustainability, natural resources, and environmental economics.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)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, half of your time is for your independent research working on a topic of your choice together with a member of faculty. Alongside this, you’ll choose your final optional modules that suit your interests and career next steps.
Assessment
In your final year, the focus on assessment will continue, supported by feedback which we encourage you to discuss with your tutors or academic advisor. Years two, three and four are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final mark.
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
AAB including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Contextual offer: BBB including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management.
Contextual offer: DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management.
Diploma: DD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus B at A-Level, or DD plus B at A-Level in Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Extended Certificate: D in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus AB at A-Level, or D plus AB at A-Level in Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
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. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
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, including 12 credits in Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Accepted subjects: Design, Surveying and 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 Science with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL5 in Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Highers
AAAAA including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. 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.
- 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
AAB including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL5 in Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
- 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.
- Contextual Offer
BBB, including 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.
DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level in either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics OR DD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management plus B at A-Level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A-Level to include either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as -
Environmental Science with a Foundation Year
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, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
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 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:
International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International foundation in Mathematics and Acturaial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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 your 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
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
Employability is embedded in all our modules, helping you develop your career aspirations 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 rewarding graduate jobs.
As a Geography graduate, you could go on to a very wide range of careers, as have our previous graduates, who enjoy 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 high 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.