Studying geography degree guide

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With issues like climate change and sustainability becoming more and more important, the study of geography has never been more relevant – which is why it’s one of the most popular undergraduate degrees to study at uni. If you’re interested in understanding more about the landscapes and environments of the world and how the human race fits into it all, geography might be a great choice for you.

Find geography courses.

What do you need to get on a geography degree?

Average entry requirements for geography are:

UCAS points: 144–96
A-levels: AAA – CCC
BTEC Nationals: DDD – MMM
International Baccalaureate: 39–25

Please be aware that these are average entry requirements and may change depending on the course and institution you select. Always confirm this for the particular university/course you're interested in.

Most unis will ask for an A-level (or equivalent) in geography but you might find some options that don’t require this.

Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.

Learn how to write a winning personal statement.

What geography degrees can you study?

Degrees in geography include:

BSc Geography (natural sciences)
BA Geography (social sciences)
BA Physical Geography
BA Human and Social Geography

Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses.

What topics does a geography degree cover?

Common modules for geography include:

Ideas and practice in geography
Cities and regions
Research methods
Earth surface science
Population and societies
Geography, technology and society
Environmental hazards
Volcanoes
Climate change
Human geography
Ecology and conservation

What do you learn studying a geography degree?

Studying a geography degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

Technical research methods
Collection and analysis of environmental data
Fieldwork
Use of industry equipment and software
Industry terminology and knowledge

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

Critical thinking
Innovation
Project management
Team working
Communication
Research
Attention-to-detail
Working in groups
Data management and analysis 
Report-writing 
Analysing trends
Independent working
Presentation
Data handling
Observation and analysis

“A degree in geography provides students with many transferable skills in demand by employers: communication skills (presentation, writing, debating), teamwork, problem- solving and IT skills.” – Richie Simon, geography lecturer

What professional accreditations can you get with a geography degree?

Most geography courses will be accredited by a professional body like the Institution of Environmental Sciences or the Royal Geographical Society.

What can you do with a geography degree?

Geography graduates usually have strong employment prospects. Here are some jobs that can be applied for:

Cartographer
Surveyor
Town planner and developer
Teacher/lecturer
Travel writer
Conservationist
Market researcher
Geopolitical analyst
Urban planner
Environmental scientist

Check out our careers guides here.

Where to study geography?

Check the latest ranking of unis offering geography & environmental science courses by the Complete University Guide.

How long is a geography degree?

A geography degree usually takes three years to study. However, many unis will give the option of a sandwich year (a placement in industry), which will increase the course to four years.