Geography BSc

The world is facing a huge environmental crisis. Human activities are driving climate change, land degradation, pollution of the land, ocean and atmosphere, and extinction of plants and animals at rapidly increasing rates. An integrative approach is critical for understanding the present state of planet Earth and to predict what the future may hold.

Physical Geography is the integrative science that deals with processes and patterns in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere, and the interaction of humans and their environment.

Our graduates are in demand for both their specialist and transferable skills. You’ll build skills in presenting your ideas in reports and orally, in data collection, presentation and analysis, and in the investigation and computer simulation of environmental processes.

Course highlights

• You’ll be taught by internationally renowned academics working at the forefront of their fields, who are passionate about the subjects they teach.

• The content of your course is shaped by our world-leading research.

• Fieldwork is a key part of all our geography degrees, where you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience.

• Project work enables you to develop skills as a researcher, asking and answering important questions about the way our world works.

• Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Enhancing your degree

During your time at Leeds, you can decide to study abroad or undertake an industrial placement. Both options take place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.

Accreditation

This degree 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.

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Each year of this programme is designed around a combination of compulsory core modules, as well as opportunities to take optional modules and/or discovery modules across the University so you can choose additional subjects of interest.

Year one

You’ll develop a grounding in the core concepts and themes of physical geography, in addition to developing key analytical and writing skills. Core modules explore environment change in the past-present-future, processes on the earth’s surface, the biosphere, and the interactions between humans and the environment.

Physical geography at Leeds is an integrative science that deals with processes and patterns in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere, and the interaction of humans and their environment.

Year two

You’ll be provided with a core programme of research, including more advanced analysis, GIS and remote sensing, and career skills training that you’ll supplement from optional modules that build on all the key themes at level one. You will have a choice of residential fieldwork towards the end of year two where you will learn new field techniques and develop and carry out a field research project as part of a group.

At the end of year two, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial placement or study abroad, which will extend your degree by 12 months.

Year three

You’ll be required to undertake a significant independent final year project – currently a dissertation. You will choose your project topic and will be supported to develop key research questions within this area. Topics can span any aspect of physical geography and recent dissertation titles include:

• The effect of broad-crested weir geometry on downstream channel hydraulics.

• To what extent does the invasive gecko Hemidactylus frenatus threaten the population of the endemic Phyllodactylus palmeus on Ulila Island, Honduras?

• Investigating the jökulhaup characteristics from proglacial ice-dammed lakes in Greenland.

• Flooded heritage: a GIS analysis of the risks posed to archaeological sites by coastal processes following climate change in the Orkney Islands.

In addition, a suite of optional modules that cover subjects such as global environmental challenges, understanding the dynamics of the biosphere, water as a resource, glaciers and glaciation and Earth system science. You will also have the choice to undertake a placement hosted by an industrial partner, within an academic research group, or in a primary or secondary school setting, as one of your final year modules.

Fieldwork

We hope to run our fieldwork activities as planned for the 21/22 academic year, but it might not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continually reviewing the situation and will communicate any decisions to applicants and offer holders at the earliest possible opportunity.

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 fieldwork opportunities at each level of study and they provide a great opportunity to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University. In year one you will use Malham as your ‘laboratory’, where you will learn how to read a landscape as well as carrying out investigative projects linked to your core modules. In addition, core modules include local investigations around campus. In years two and three you will have the option to undertake fieldwork overseas.

During field trips you will learn essential fieldwork and team working skills and transferable skills that will prove invaluable to your future career.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Geography BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Laboratory classes, project work and fieldwork allows 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 will receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme. Peer mentors are students who are on your course, but are in Years two or three. 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.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lecture to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Geographical perspectives of malaria transmission

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.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include individual or group reports and presentations, practical exercises, essays, posters, projects (such as the dissertation), examinations and reflective logs.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB preferably including Geography

If Geography is not included then we would expect two A-levels from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Maths and Physics. Offers exclude general studies and critical thinking.

GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an equivalent English language and Mathematics qualification.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.

• BTEC

  DDD in Extended Diploma/3 Subsidiary Diplomas in Geography or two relevant subjects. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact us for further information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D2, M2, M2 including Geography or two relevant subjects.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall, with 16 points at higher level to include 5 points in Geography or in two relevant subjects.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  AAAABB/H2H2H2H2H3H3 including Geography or two relevant subjects

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AABBB overall with AB in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AAAABB. To include Geography or 2 relevant subjects.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative 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 alternative 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 a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

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.

English language requirements

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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our advice and guidance about writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Applicant days

If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our applicant days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Environment Taught Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £22,500 (per year)

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.

Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.

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.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

Additional cost information

<p>Because we recognise the value of field experience, the school heavily subsidises or covers transport and accommodation costs for compulsory taught field courses and many optional field trips. You will have to supplement the cost of some optional field trips.</p>

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 about additional costs

Financial support

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.

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.

University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers Research.

Studying geography opens 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 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.

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Environment Agency

• Thames Water

• Tarmac

• WSP

• Leap Environmental

• Leeds City Council

• IBM

• KPMG

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

Careers support

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 will 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 will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

The study abroad year takes place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you’ll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Below are examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Global Supply Chain Planner, Unilever

• Category Analyst, Kantar

• Assistant Transport Planner, RSK

• Ecological Project Assistant, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd

• Water Management Consultant, Atkins

• Biodiversity and Geomorphology Industrial Placement, Environment Agency

• Weather and Climate Analyst, Arcus FM

• Environmental Safety Industrial Placement, EDF Energy

• Data Management Officer, Barnsley Council

• Risk Strategy Analyst, Lloyds Bank

During your industrial placement you will 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.