MSci Human Geography with a Year Abroad
Course options
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 2025
Course Overview
Our world is always changing – now more than ever. On our dynamic MSci in Human Geography with a Year Abroad degree, you’ll focus on the human impact of these changes.
Here at UEA, you’ll learn from world-leading researchers, and take part in exciting field trips to places like Devon, the Lake District and Spain. On this course, you’ll also spend 9 to 12 months studying abroad at one of our hand-picked partner institutions in North America, Australasia, or Europe. You’ll develop specialist analysis skills and master geographical information systems software. You’ll work with real-world experts and organisations and most importantly, you’ll graduate with the skills to make a difference.
With lots of flexibility in module choice, you can tailor your degree to suit your interests, exploring some of humanity’s most pressing problems, from climate change to biodiversity loss; from urbanisation to influencing public policy. You can choose your own degree focus, with specialisms including the environment, energy and society; political and economic geography; and cultural and historical geography.
You’ll develop highly valued transferable skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, fieldwork and spatial visualisation. You’ll also become skilled in writing policy briefs and the real-world application of social theories of change. Real-world learning is at the heart of our MSci in Human Geography degree. In classrooms, on field courses, and in meetings with professional companies, you'll develop a broad understanding of geographical issues, theories and ways to apply them. You’ll learn about the most pressing geographical, environmental and sustainability problems of our time.
After graduation, your ability to work across the social, human and physical sciences will be in high demand across private and public sector graduate jobs where you'll be able to provide real world solutions to today’s challenges. Check out Jessica’s story, who is now working as a Planner, having graduated with a BSc in Geography from UEA.
Placement Year and Study 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 of our website
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. You’ll also have regular opportunities to participate in field courses.
Your first year is designed to give you a broad understanding of the challenges. You’ll be introduced to fundamental research techniques. You’ll also study 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, curating your own Museum of the Anthropocene. You’ll also learn to write policy briefs to directly tackle some of the most pressing contemporary social and environmental issues. You’ll have opportunities to 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
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for each year. For the MSci course Levels 5, 6 and 7 are weighted 20:30:50 to determine the final degree mark.
At the end of each module, you’ll be assessed based on coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose across all four 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 your second year, you’ll be able to choose from several optional modules to study alongside compulsory modules. 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 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 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 an individual programme of study with your academic adviser. Your marks will be transferred back to UEA to contribute to your final degree result.
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 third year is spent studying abroad, therefore teaching and learning will vary between our partner institutions. You'll retain access to UEA’s online learning and support resources via the library and other means.
Assessment
In your third year, assessment types will vary according to your chosen partner institution.
Structure
Your final year provides an opportunity to challenge yourself even further through developing your specialist and general interests in human geography in an independent research project. Working closely with your supervisor, you’ll develop a research thesis. This is your opportunity to put everything you’ve learnt into practice, as well as a chance to specialise in a topic that really fascinates you, under the supervision of a world-class expert.
You’ll also have the choice of further optional modules to study where you’ll learn about cutting edge topics, including science, society and sustainability, urban futures and global hazards from leading experts.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(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 your fourth year, you’ll focus on developing as a subject specialist. Your learning will centre on a research dissertation on a topic of your choosing, developed with the support of your supervisor. You’ll also take taught modules which will challenge you to achieve your best through self-guided study, group discussions, and applied critical thinking.
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
AAB
Contextual offer: BBB
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
Contextual offer: DDM
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 AB at A level
Contextual offer: D plus BB 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. 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.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable 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
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.
- 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
AAB
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
- 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.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDD.
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A-Level.
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.
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 Physical Sciences and Engineering
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
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 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 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
Our MSci Human Geography graduates go into a wide range of rewarding 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 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 MA/MSc, or PhD. During your studies, you’ll meet potential employers during internships and at 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.