Human Geography and Planning with a Professional Placement Year (Accredited) - BSc (Hons)

Cardiff University

Develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle the challenges affecting how and where we live wtih our BSc in Human Geography and Planning with a Professional Placement Year. This programme combines the problem-solving approaches of planning with the topical insights of geography. You'll gain a deep understanding of the main geographical trends in the world today, along with the analytical skills needed to study spatial change. You’ll examine the changing nature of spaces and places, the relationship between society and space, and the role of the state. Placing local and national issues in a global context, you'll cover topics including environmental change in the UK, economic and social change in Wales, and regional and international development. You’ll gain an understanding of global, national and local processes of change, key environmental, social, cultural, political and economic trends, and the role planning plays in managing their impacts on different places. Fieldwork and experiential learning are key to helping you develop knowledge and skills in planning. This is why - when designing the programme - we've included a range of opportunities to build and refine those skills and deepen your understanding through field visits, case study analysis, away days, projects, group data collection and analysis assessments. These opportunities and exercises strengthen your employability and will help you determine, and kickstart, your future career. The paid professional placement year builds on this and allows you to put your knowledge and class-based learning into practice. It’s also a way to build your professional profile and network. This degree carries partial (spatial) RTPI accreditation. For full RTPI accreditation, once you have completed your spatial-accredited undergraduate degree, you need to complete a RTPI specialist-accredited master's degree.

We’re Top 100 in the world for geography in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Apply your learning to real-world contexts and develop practical skills through field visits and field study modules.

Gain the knowledge and motivation to tackle global challenges, transforming our world and improving where and how we live.

Gain industry experience in your area of choice, developing the skills and connections to accelerate your career with a placement year.

Gain global experience and broaden your horizons by studying abroad with the 4-year course option available after enrolment.