Geography Degree Guide

Geography is the study of the earth in terms of its physical make-up, its structure and the people that populate it.

It's a really fascinating subject to study at degree level and has a lot of overlap with other disciplines. For example, physical geography overlaps with other areas of science (such as meteorology and ecology), while human geography intersects with politics and sociology, as you’ll not just be studying the trends in human movement, but also why these trends are taking place.

With the world focused so much on climate change and sustainability, there has never been a more interesting time to study Geography. So, it's no wonder that it's one of the most popular courses searched for on our site.

What A-Levels Do You Need?

If you’re not doing geography at A-Level, you don’t need to panic. Many unis don’t actually ask for an A-Level in Geography, so you’ll still have plenty of options.

The entry requirements for Geography degrees tend to reflect the nature of individual courses, so you might find a degree that focuses on Physical Geography requires a science subject or two at A-Level, while human-based geography courses will look favourably on the social sciences.

Of course, some universities will require you to have done Geography at A-Level), so it’s important to do some thorough research before you start applying.

Where Can I Study Geography at University?

Many universities offer Geography degrees. Here's just a selection:

University of East Anglia
Bangor University
University of Brighton
University of Winchester
University of Chester

To search and compare the full list of Geography courses here.

What Are Your Study Options?

Geography is huge subject that covers a number of different areas, meaning you’ll have plenty of different module options to choose from at uni. Chances are you’ll cover both human geography and physical geography in your first year (just so you get a broad overview of the subject as a whole), and you’ll then have the chance to specialise in the topics you find most interesting in your second and final years.

One of the great things about a Geography degree is that you won’t be cooped up in a lecture theatre the whole time – far from it, in fact. Many of your projects will require you to go out on field trips and carry out actual research, which means you’ll get a healthy balance of both theoretical and practical learning (and you never know – you might even get the chance to carry out research abroad, depending on where your projects take you).

Some of the common themes are:

- Why our human and physical environments and landscapes appear as they are, how they form and operate, and how they inter-relate at various scales

- How and why patterns of human and physical features differ from place to place across the Earth

- Differences and inequality within the human world; especially the economic, social and political causes of inequality and economic development

- The way in which particular places and regions have evolved to be distinctive

- How to observe, describe, analyse, represent, interpret and report information about the world

- Changes and stability in human and physical worlds, including the causes, rates and patterns of change and the prediction of change to the foreseeable future.”

Why Study Geography?

Issues like climate change and natural disasters have been getting a huge amount of attention recently, which means there’s always a demand for graduates with knowledge in these areas.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the earth and how and why it’s changing, then a degree in Geography will allow you to get up close and personal with some of the planet’s most pressing issues. As stated by Michael Palin – ‘Geography students hold the key to the world’s problems’.

Important skills Geography students gain in their degrees:

- Research skills, such as using a range of technical methods for the collection and analysis of spatial and environmental data, and undertaking fieldwork

- Transferable skills, such as teamwork, problem solving, IT skills, communication skills (presentation, writing, debating)

- Intellectual skills, such as critically evaluating theories and judging evidence in order to make informed decisions and to develop reasoned arguments

- Personal attributes, such as time-management, development of responsibility, coping with uncertainty, self-reflection, motivation, flexibility, and creativity

After Your Degree...

As you've just read, a degree in Geography will give you a good set of analytical and research skills, which are the kinds of skills any employer will hold in high regard.

Geography graduates tend to go into a range of different careers – from directly-related careers in conservation, tourism or town planning, to the less-directly related careers in law, chartered surveying, risk and insurance, teaching, or marketing. With your ability to interpret data, you could even move into a career in finance or accounting.

The key is to understand the skills your degree has equipped you with, and to make sure these come across in your CV and when you go for interviews.

Find out more about how to make the most of your degree, and careers options here.

Q&A With a Geography Student

Ambalica studied BSc (Hons) Geography at Plymouth University...

Ambalica Geography Student

What attracted you to the course?

Geography is a subject that encompasses so many different aspects of the world that we live in, which is why I decided that this would be an interesting and valuable course to study. After researching the various courses on offer here at Plymouth, I successfully applied through confirmation and clearing.

What are the best bits about the course?

The BSc (Hons) Geography course at Plymouth University has some of the worlds’ leading researchers in the field, providing a cutting-edge learning experience for students. The course is also heavily focussed on employability, making it an extremely beneficial degree to study if you want to build your future career prospects.

Have you undertaken a work placement? If so where was it and what were you doing?

As part of my third year modules I undertook work based learning in a placement. I’m interested in becoming an Environmental Lawyer and I was able to do two placements in different law firms and gained a wealth of experience.

Why should prospective students consider the course, and would you give them any advice prior to starting?

This course has a wide range of ‘human’ and ‘physical’ geography modules, enabling you to tailor your learning to exactly what you’re interested in. The lecturers are so enthusiastic about what they do which comes through in their teaching and inspires the same passion in their students. There are huge prospects for after graduation because of how broad the subject is and the wide range of employable skills that a geography degree gives you.

What have you taken from the course outside of academic knowledge?

My placement provided me with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to different environments. Being a course rep also gave me skills I can transfer to any working role.

What makes Plymouth University a good place to study?

With Plymouth University you have the best of both worlds. There is the gorgeous coastline, with a tranquil social ambiance, and there is the thriving and vibrant city, with shopping and other recreational activities. The campus is located in such a central location, making everything easily accessible.

Q&A With a Geography Lecturer

Richie Simon lectures in geography at the University of Greenwich...

Why should students study a degree in geography?

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.

In addition, a number of personal attributes such as time-management, development of responsibility, coping with uncertainty, self-reflection, motivation, flexibility, and creativity are enhanced as part of our focus on employability within the programmes (in all three years).

In a time when environmental issues such as Climate Change and Sustainability are having a major impact on society and business, a knowledge of these is a must for students moving into any career.

What key modules can students expect to cover in their first year?

The first year of the programme is generic with the BSc Physical Geography programme at present and comprises 4 modules: The Earth's Dynamic Systems; Practical and Professional Skills for Geography & Environmental Science; Science & the Environment; and Basic Chemistry for Life Science.

What kind of careers do students typically go into after they graduate?

Our graduates have gained employment in a wide range of areas, including: local government (planning, economic development, flood risk, GIS departments); the Environment Agency; GIS related employment (data analysis and cartography); many areas of business (sustainability and knowledge of Corporate Social Responsibility); the voluntary sector and a range of NGOs and research consultancies.

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