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 explore 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.
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.
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. Our fieldtrips are designed to be as sustainable as possible, and balance their carbon footprint with the learning outcomes of the trip. During field trips, you'll learn essential fieldwork and team working skills whilst building transferable skills that'll prove invaluable to your future career.
Year 1
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.
Year 2
Your second-year modules build on the themes you explore 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.
Year 3
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 dissertations 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.
One-year optional work placement or study abroad
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.
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.
For more information please read Geography BSc in the course catalogue.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Planet Under Threat – 20 credits
In this module you will study some of the key environmental challenges facing humanity and the wider biosphere from both social and natural science perspectives. Combining aspects of physical and human geography, you will explore specific environmental challenges such as climate change and global warming, biodiversity loss and species extinction, deforestation and desertification, flooding and extreme weather, food and energy shortages, resource and territory conflicts, migration, and climate refugees.
Digital Geographies – 20 credits
This exciting module offers students a beginner’s guide to the important and rapidly changing world of geographical data analysis. Students will learn core practical skills essential to geography in the 21st century, including geographic information systems (computer cartography), data handling, data visualisation, hypothesis testing and statistics. At its heart, the module seeks to give students the skills needed to make sense of the physical world by harnessing the power of geographic data.
Exploring the Physical Environment – 20 credits
This module uses a combination of fieldwork and small-group tutorials to develop essential understanding and skills for studying physical geography at university level. A residential fieldtrip to picturesque Blencathra provides practical illustration of concepts taught in the classroom, as well as hands-on experience of practical field techniques.
Optional modules
*Choose one or both
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Career Skills in Geography – 10 credits
This module provides you with a suite of insights, skills and experiences that will better prepare you for how to use your geography degree in a 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 students to develop competency in research design, fieldwork, data collection, and specialist geographical analysis such as GIS and remote sensing. In addition, the module helps students to develop high levels of literacy (critical writing skills), numeracy (statistics and modelling), and applied graphicacy (graphing and mapping of data), which are the hallmark of a good geography graduate from a world top-50 university.
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
*you can choose one of the three field trip modules in year 2
Compulsory modules
Physical Geography Dissertation – 40 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
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.
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.
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 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.
Taster lecture
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 relevant subjects. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact us for further information.
D2, M2, M2 including Geography or two relevant subjects
16 points at higher level to include 6,5,5 points including 5 in a relevant 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.
Were 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 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: To be confirmed
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 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 international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 will be available on individual course pages from September 2023.
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.
Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the university. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses. In addition, whilst we supply equipment such as wellington boots and waders, you may have to provide items such as waterproofs and walking boots.
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.
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.
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on 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.
Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK 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.
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
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 10 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2023, 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.
I feel that there has been a great balance between receiving sufficient support and guidance whilst undertaking individual projects and being able to improve my overall self-development.Find out more about Angus McDonald's time at Leeds