Geography BA
- Duration
- 3 Years (Full time)
- Typical A-level offer
- AAA or AAB
- UCAS code
- L700
Our Geography BSc at Leeds provides you with the knowledge to understand the state of planet Earth and the skills to shape its future.
We offer a broad-based, highly flexible geography programme that addresses key themes of natural hazards, climate change and sustainability throughout the course. You can select modules from both physical and human geography, develop your professional skills through our work and teaching placement modules and customise your learning to match your interests.
As well as specialist knowledge, you’ll build transferable skills in presenting your ideas both orally and in writing, in data collection, presentation and analysis, and in independent project management and team working.
Each year of this programme is designed around a combination of compulsory modules, optional modules and the chance to study discovery modules from across the University that allow you to broaden your education with additional subjects of interest. This means, once you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with a tailored, yet extensive, skill set that’ll help you pursue your next steps in the field of your choice.
Our two-week course introduces you to the processes of the hydrosphere, the geosphere, and the biosphere and explores the impact of human activity and climate change on our planet. Join today on Futurelearn.
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.
This course is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
Each year of this programme is designed around a combination of compulsory core modules, as well as opportunities to take optional modules in both physical and human geography. You can also choose discovery modules across the wider University that cover a range of subject areas.
You’ll also undertake fieldwork throughout, giving you the chance to apply your learned knowledge to a practical setting.
Please note: field trip destinations specified below are typical examples but may be subject to change.
Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.
The course information shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.
Your first-year modules explore:
You'll also develop a grounding in the data analysis, writing, computer and laboratory skills that you'll need during your degree and beyond.
Planet Under Threat – 20 credits
Explore the major environmental challenges facing humanity and the wider biosphere from both human and physical geography perspectives such as climate change and global warming, biodiversity loss and species extinction, deforestation and desertification, flooding and extreme weather, food and energy shortages and resource and territory conflicts that generate climate refugees. You'll learn how to evaluate the range of political responses and potential solutions at different scales, assess the effectiveness of national and international environmental policies, and acquire a foundation for studying human and physical geography throughout the course.
Digital Geographies – 20 credits
This exciting module is a beginner’s guide to the important and rapidly changing world of geographical data analysis that blends new digital, mobile and spatial technologies with core numerical skills and conceptual understandings of how space and spatial relationships can be represented. You'll learn core practical skills essential to geography in the 21st century, including geographic information systems (computer cartography), data collection, data handling, data visualisation, hypothesis testing, statistics, analytics and mapping. It will teach you how to design online surveys and collect data using smartphones and other GPS-enabled devices, as well as the potential uses and applications of data from policing to planning, and new forms of data such as crowdsourcing. At its heart, the module seeks to give you the skills needed to make sense of the physical world by harnessing the power of geographic data.
Exploring the Physical Environment – 20 credits
Using a combination of fieldwork and small-group tutorials, this module will help you develop the essential understanding and skills for studying physical geography at university level. A residential field trip to picturesque Blencathra provides practical illustration of concepts taught in the classroom, as well as hands-on experience of practical field techniques.
*Choose one or both
Your second-year modules build on the themes you explored in year 1 by developing your knowledge in more depth and teaching the advanced skills you need for your final year. You'll be able to choose from modules that explore themes such as natural hazards, the dynamics of the climate system, the future of the biosphere in the Anthropocene and environmental sustainability.
You'll learn advanced skills in programming for data analysis, GIS and remote sensing. You'll also have a choice of residential fieldwork where you'll learn new field techniques and develop and carry out a field research project as part of a group.
Career Skills in Geography – 10 credits
Develop a suite of insights, skills and experiences that will better prepare you for how to use your geography degree in your future career. This includes: developing a professional CV; what to expect at graduate scheme selection days; understanding how the diverse skills possessed by geographers can be most effectively presented to employers; enhanced understanding of the range of employment and other opportunities available to geographers, and how geographical skills can be used effectively in a diversity of workplaces; gaining familiarity with the process of searching, applying and interviewing for a graduate job; and an opportunity to demonstrate skills possessed by geographers whilst undertaking an applied role-playing project and associated pitch presentation.
Skills for Physical Geographers – 40 credits
This module reinforces and builds upon the skills learnt at level 1, helping you to develop competency in research design, fieldwork, data collection, and specialist geographical analysis such as GIS and remote sensing which are the hallmark of a good geography graduate. In addition, the module helps you to develop high levels of literacy (critical writing skills), numeracy (statistics and modelling), and applied graphicacy (graphing and mapping of data). This module aims to ensure you have these skills and know how and where/when to apply them in a variety of real-world situations.
You’ll choose one of the following field trip modules:
You’ll also choose 60 credits of the following optional modules:
During the final year, you'll undertake an independent research project. You'll choose your topic, develop your research questions and execute and write up your project with the guidance of a member of academic staff.
Students design their own dissertation topics to pursue an aspect of physical geography that matches the interests and skills they have built up during their degree. Our students pursue dissertations in a diverse range of topics. Some examples of recent dissertation titles include:
You'll also choose from a broad range of modules that include topics such as the challenges of rewilding, the dynamics of the cryosphere, sustainable development in tropical forest landscapes, and management of hydrological systems. You'll also have the opportunity to customise your course further by undertaking a work, teaching or research placement and/or take a field course as one of your final year modules.
Physical Geography Dissertation – 40 credits
You will successfully plan, implement and write up an individual research project on a physical geography topic of choice. You will develop a broad range of skills including general communication, writing and project management skills, subject-specific skills, methodological skills that may include primary and/or secondary data collection, and various data analysis skills.
Ask any of our students and they will tell you that taking part in field trips is one of the most enjoyable and memorable aspects of the geography programmes at Leeds. We offer increasingly sustainable fieldwork opportunities throughout your degree, giving you the chance to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University.
In year 1, fieldwork is UK-based – you'll take part in a residential trip studying the landscape in the Lake District, and there are day trips looking at important environments. In future years, you'll have the option to undertake residential field classes in the UK and in Europe.
Fieldwork is integrated with lectures and module coursework, giving you the opportunity to:
Our field trips are designed to be as environmentally sustainable as possible and balance their carbon footprint with the learning outcomes of the trip.
During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to either undertake a one-year work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.
Laboratory classes, project work and fieldwork allow you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real-life work situations. Together, they will equip you with in-depth knowledge, key practical skills and transferable skills that will help you secure a graduate job. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.
You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and you'll receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme. Peer mentors are students who are on your course but are in years 2 or 3. They’ll help you when you arrive at university and throughout your first year. You’ll meet your peer mentors during your first week for a social activity.
Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
You'll be assessed via a range of methods, designed to allow students with different strengths and interests to excel. Some assessments are based around examinations and essay writing, while there are also reports, presentations, practical exercises, posters, blogs, vlogs, projects (such as the dissertation) and reflective logs.
All assessments are closely tied to the learning objectives of the course to ensure you graduate equipped with relevant knowledge and skills. They are structured to help you develop valuable transferable qualities that employers are looking for in the workplace.
Our assessments are reviewed annually to ensure they remain fair and inclusive, and to maintain an element of flexibility within module choices such that you can select a package of learning to best reflect your own learning style and long-term career goals.
A-level: AAB including one of the following subjects: Biology; Chemistry; Computing/Computer Science; Design and Technology; Electronics; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only), Marine Science; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Sport Science; Statistics.
Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking. Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.
GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above, or an appropriate English and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ/IPQ/ASCC this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ/IPQ/ASCC taken with A-Levels, for example, could be ABB with an A in the EPQ/IPQ/ASCC.
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.
DDD in National Extended Diploma/3 National Extended Certificates in Geography or two accepted subjects. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact us for further information.
D2, M2, M2 including Geography or two accepted subjects.
16 points at higher level, at 6,5,5, including 5 in an accepted subject.
AAAABB/H2H2H2H2H3H3 including one accepted subject.
AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in an Advanced Higher and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers. To include one accepted subject.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBB plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year.
We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without science and mathematics qualifications.
You could also study our Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc which is for applicants whose background is less represented at university.
On successful completion of your foundation year, you will be able to progress onto your chosen course.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
UK: To be confirmed
International: £29,000 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Standard travel, subsistence and accommodation costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the University. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses such as suitable clothing and footwear.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Faculty of Environment Undergraduate Bursary
UK students eligible for a reduced grade contextual offer will receive a cash bursary worth £1,000 to help with some of the costs of being at university.
International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to high achieving and particularly deserving international students. There are limited scholarships available.
Apply to this course and check the deadline for applications through the UCAS website.
We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.
Admissions guidance
Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.
What happens after you’ve applied
You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.
UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.
How long will it take to receive a decision
We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.
Offer holder events
If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.
International applicants
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.
We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Read about visas, immigration and other information here.
If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
School of Geography Undergraduate Admissions
Email: geo-ug-enq@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Studying geography at Leeds will open up a wide range of exciting careers. Whether your future career plans lie in environmental management, journalism, the financial sector or nature conservation, our degrees are structured to ensure you develop the key transferable skills sought after by graduate recruiters, skills such as: team-working, commercial awareness, report-writing, fluency in oral communication and presentation, numerical analysis, IT expertise and investigative skills.
Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research.
Examples of recent graduate destinations include:
Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You'll be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability Team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.
You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.
From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.
This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.
Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
A placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market and improve your chances of securing the career you want.
Benefits of a work placement year:
If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
With the help and support of our dedicated Employability Team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.
Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:
During your industrial placement, you'll have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.
Find out more about Industrial placements.
The fact that during our degree we reference and read published journal articles from academics that we know is inspiring and makes us feel like any of us is capable of achieving the same goals.Find out more about Elinor Sullivan's time at Leeds