| UCAS code | F809 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Geography |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB - BBB Prof. Placement/Study Abroad: |
| UCAS code | F814 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Geography |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| UCAS code | F811 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Geography |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
Overview
- Learn from leaders in their fields about critical global issues and challenges affecting environments and societies around the world
- Develop a comprehensive grounding in physical geography with the same breadth of options and experience as BSc Geography, plus a specialism in GIS from your second year onwards
- Discover how mapping and analytics are accelerating our understanding of big data, empowering digital transformation and being applied in a growing industry crossing the business, government, science and leisure sectors
- Develop the theoretical and practical skills required to capture, manage, manipulate, analyse and present a range of geographically-referenced data in GIS using industry-standard software
- Join a friendly and active student community: the Geography Society is one of the university’s largest and provides members with regular socials, sports teams, weekend trips and the famous GeogSoc ball
What is GIS?
GIS is a technology at the heart of spatial analysis, used to map things and locations to answer questions, detect patterns, tell stories and make insights that cannot be inferred from spreadsheets and charts.
It is a science and discipline in its own right, which is recognised by the new Geography with Applied GIS programme at Exeter and the success of its graduates. Find out how the University of Exeter is leading in GIS teaching.
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences, Geography & Environmental Science
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
Top 50 in the world for Geography
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Spend a year studying abroad or on a professional placement
Learn from experts on field courses
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences, Geography & Environmental Science
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
Top 50 in the world for Geography
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Spend a year studying abroad or on a professional placement
Learn from experts on field courses
I used GIS in my dissertation to investigate the impact of hurricanes on sea surface temperature, something I couldn’t have imagined studying before university! The Geography with Applied GIS programme introduced me to web GIS and ways to visualise and present spatial information. The skills and knowledge I developed on the degree secured me a place on the Esri UK graduate program.
I’m now a year in and still excited be applying the GIS skills I learnt during my degree in my job.
Max
BSc Geography with Applied GIS
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA - AAB
A*AA - AAA (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement/European Study) |
B in a science subject*
A in a science subject* (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement/European Study) |
| IB | 36/666 - 34/665
38/766 - 36/666 (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement/European Study) |
HL5 in a science subject*
HL6 in a science subject* (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement/European Study) |
| BTEC | D*DD-DDD
D*DD (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement/European Study) |
Applicants studying one of the following subjects in the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma or BTEC Extended Certificate will be considered without the specific GCE A-Level subject requirements: Applied Human Biology, Applied Psychology, Applied Science, Computing. |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade. 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement/European Study) |
To include at least 12 L3 credits at Merit Grade in an acceptable science subject area* To include at least 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in an acceptable science subject area* (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement/European Study) |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB - BBB Prof. Placement/Study Abroad: |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
*Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; 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.
Course content
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are revolutionising geography through spatial analysis with mapping and geo-technologies to provide the technical means for data exploration, visualisation and dissemination of developed understanding.
In our BSc Geography with Applied GIS you will enjoy studying the breadth of geography while gaining knowledge and hands-on experience of how mapping and analytics are accelerating our understanding of big data, empowering digital transformation and how they are being applied in a growing industry crossing all sectors including business, government, science and leisure.
In the compulsory modules, you will develop skills such as statistical analysis, learning to code for data analysis, geospatial investigation and mapping through the use of GIS, image analysis of earth observation data and data collection in the field. Training is provided on industry-standard software packages for spatial data analysis which are important skills across all employment sectors.
The first year of study on this programme is the same as for the BSc Geography programme. It provides an introduction to wide-ranging research areas in physical geography and core academic skills.
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO1211 | Earth System Science: The History of Our Planet | 15 |
| GEO1213 | Earth System Science: Our Changing Planet | 15 |
| GEO1310 | Geographies of Environment and Sustainability | 15 |
| GEO1311 | Study Skills for Physical Geographers | 15 |
| GEO1312 | Fieldwork in Physical Geography | 15 |
| GEO1316 | Concepts in Geography | 15 |
Optional modules
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GeoS S1 Human opt for BSc Geog 2024-5 | ||
| GEO1105 | Geographies of Place, Identity and Culture | 15 |
| GEO1106 | Geographies of Global Change | 15 |
Building on content from the first year, you will undertake core modules in applied GIS, remote sensing and research modules. Training and support enables you to start developing a proposal for a final year research project with applied GIS. In addition, you will have flexibility to select optional physical and/or human geography modules to suit your developing interests.
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
a You must pass both GEO2333 and GEO2321 to progress to the next stage of the BSc Geography with Applied GIS programme. If you fail either of these modules you will be transferred to the standard BSc Geography.
b You must choose 15-45 credits from the Physical Geography and interdisciplinary Geography modules listed, subject to choosing 45 credits of options in total.
c You may then choose 0-30 credits from other level 5 Geography modules listed, subject to choosing 45 credits of options in total.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO2333 | Applied GIS: Mapping with Technology [See note a above] | 15 |
| GEO2321 | Introduction to Remote Sensing [See note a above] | 15 |
| GEO2334 | Research Design in Physical Geography | 30 |
| GEO2332 | Numerical Methods for Physical Geographers | 15 |
Optional modules
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GeoS S2 Physical-Inter opt for BSc Geog-GIS 2024-5 see note b above | ||
| GEO2232 | The Cryosphere | 15 |
| GEO2233 | Landscape Response to Environmental Change: from Source to Sink | 15 |
| GEO2234 | The 'Anthropocene' | 15 |
| GEO2317 | Climate Change: Science and Society | 15 |
| GEO2230 | Reconstructing Past Environments | 15 |
| GEO2235 | Ecosystems of the future: climate change, terrestrial feedbacks and nature-based solutions | 15 |
| GeoS S2 Human opt for BSc Geog 2024-5 see note c above | ||
| GEO2135 | In/visible Spaces of Modern Life | 15 |
| GEO2131 | Nature, Development and Justice | 15 |
| GEO2132 | Global Urban Futures | 15 |
| GEO2134 | Everyday Lives | 15 |
| GEO2136 | Geographies of Migration | 15 |
Find out more about placement and study abroad options under Course variants.
with Professional Placement
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO3603 | Professional Placement for Geographers | 120 |
with Study Abroad
120 credits of compulsory modules.
For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the Geography Study Abroad Co-ordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s website at
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/studyabroad/outbound/research/where/#a1
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO3601 | Study Abroad | 120 |
A significant focus in your final year is the research-led dissertation which will utilise GIS for the data analysis. You will receive supervision from an expert in your chosen area of physical geography.
This year, you will continue to develop skills and understanding of GIS in modules including GIS for Professionals and Landscape Systems Management. We offer a wide range of modules for you to select in your final year covering both human and physical geography specialisms aligned to our research expertise.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
d To qualify for the award of BSc Geography with Applied GIS you must select and pass at least 60 credits from GEO3223, GEO3239, GEO3321, and GEO3322. If you fail these 60 credits you will be transferred to the standard BSc Geography. You may select only one Dissertation module, so your selection must be one of the following combinations:
- GEO3223, GEO3239, and GEO3322, or
- GEO3223, and GEO3321, or
- GEO3239, and GEO3321, or
- GEO3223, GEO3239 and GEO3321 (GEO3223 or GEO3239 becomes condonable)
Your Dissertation must include GIS analysis and must be approved as such at the project proposal stage by the programme director.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO3321 | BSc Dissertation [see note d above] | 45 |
| GEO3322 | BSc Dissertation [see note d above] | 30 |
| GEO3239 | GIS for Professionals [see note d above] | 15 |
| GEO3223 | Landscape Systems Management [see note d above] | 15 |
Optional modules
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GeoS SF BSc Geog-GIS opt 2024-5 | ||
| GEO3245 | Coastal Systems in a Changing World | 15 |
| GEO3227 | Weather | 15 |
| GEO3326 | Managing the Climate Emergency | 15 |
| GEO3327 | Science Communication in a Changing World | 15 |
| GEO3123 | Geographies of Material Culture | 15 |
| GEO3129 | Images of the Earth | 15 |
| GEO3146 | Digital Geographies | 15 |
| GEO3155 | Iceland Field Course | 15 |
| GEO3325 | Environmental Futures Field Course | 15 |
| GEO3144 | Geopolitical Cultures | 15 |
| GEO3147 | Literature, Environment, Activism | 15 |
| GEO3323 | Future 17: Sustainable Development Goals Challenge | 15 |
| GEO3225 | Climate Change and its Impacts | 15 |
| GEO3223 | Landscape Systems Management | 15 |
| GEO3241 | Fire Ecology and Fire Management | 15 |
| GEO3328 | Water Resilience: Challenges and Solutions | 15 |
| GEO3101 | Gender and Geography | 15 |
| BEP3172 | Future 17: Sustainable Development Goals Challenge | 15 |
Course variants
UCAS code: F814
Why choose a professional placement year?
In your professional placement year you will learn to apply the knowledge learnt during your first and second years, improve personal and transferable skills, make new contacts and enhance your employability. Work placements allow you to gain experience of a professional workplace prior to graduating and develop your career focus, and are extremely valued by employers.
Where can I do my placement?
On this four-year variant of the BSc Geography with Applied GIS degree you will spend your third year on a self-organised work placement with an organisation relevant to your degree, which we support you to secure. Students have worked with a variety of employers such as the UK Hydrographic Office, Ernst & Young and a wildlife conversation charity in Kenya, undertaking placements both in the UK and internationally.
What support is available during my placement?
You will be supported through your professional placement by a programme director who will provide high-quality advice to ensure you get the most from your placement.
Does it count towards my degree?
The professional placement year counts towards your degree through the completion of your placement and associated coursework. It contributes to your final degree classification, and the words ‘with Professional Placement’ will appear in your degree title.
During your first, second and final years of study, you will follow the same programme of study as the BSc Geography with Applied GIS (see Course content).
How does it affect my tuition fee?
If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more in the fees section.
How do I apply?
You can apply to BSc Geography with Applied GIS with Professional Placement directly through UCAS using the code above. Occasionally it is possible to transfer onto this programme from the standard BSc Geography with Applied GIS, if there are spaces and you have met any necessary prerequisites.
How are the placements organised?
You are responsible for organising your own placement; however, we have established collaborations with local, national and international organisations that you can consider when applying for placement positions.
UCAS code: F811
Why study abroad?
Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all qualities employers are looking for.
Where can I study abroad?
On this four-year variant of the BSc Geography with Applied GIS degree you will spend your third year at one of our international exchange partner universities in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, China or Japan.
You can find a complete list of International Exchange partner universities on the Study Abroad website.
What will I study whilst I am abroad?
Whilst abroad you will study approved modules at the host university equivalent to 120 Exeter credits; these will be credited towards your degree, which you would then complete after four years of study rather than three.
Does it count towards my degree?
Yes: your work during the year abroad is assessed and contributes to your final degree classification. The words ‘with Study Abroad’ will appear in your degree title and be recorded on your degree certificate.
During your first, second and final years of study, you will follow the same programme of study as the BSc Geography with Applied GIS (see Course content).
How does it affect my tuition fee?
If you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee for that year. Find out more in the fees section.
How do I apply?
You can apply directly to this programme through UCAS using the code above. To be eligible for a Study Abroad place, we would expect you to successfully complete your Year 1 studies with an average mark of at least 60%.
Occasionally it is possible to transfer onto this programme from the standard BSc Geography with Applied GIS course in your second year, if you have appropriate language skills and have achieved a mark of 60% or more in year 1.
Further information
For further information on where you can go and all the issues surrounding study abroad, see the Study Abroad website.
I undertook a 10-month placement in Bristol at a company called TCarta in the role of GIS/Remote Sensing Analyst Support Technician. I help on a variety of projects across the company, with any GIS and remote sensing analysis required. The experience has been extremely beneficial for my career: it has given me an insight into working life and what to expect from a job in this industry.
I have been involved in several different projects, including a project on Air Quality monitoring, using machine learning and satellite imagery to detect moving vehicles in London in order to analyse emission estimates.
Amy
BSc Geography with Applied GIS with Professional Placement
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £30,900 per year
Year abroad
If you choose the four-year version of this degree programme and spend a full academic year studying abroad, you will pay a reduced fee of 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.
Professional placement year
If you choose the four-year version of this degree programme and spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee of 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.
Fieldwork
Please note: Field trip costs such as travel, accommodation, and breakfast/evening meals are included. Students may be asked to cover costs such as lunch, and any materials they may need (e.g. notebooks).
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is an integral part of your degree, and a crucial part of our teaching in Geography.
You will begin with a UK residential field course in your first year, where you will explore new and exciting ways of reading landscapes to research geographical issues. This will enable you to apply what you are learning about, learn how to conduct research as a geographer and observe geographical processes in action.
In your final year, you’ll build on these experiences with an optional international field course to one of several European locations*.
We also make the most of our location in the South West of England by organising day trips as part of modules. These provide fantastic opportunities to study a range of distinctive human and physical processes.
*Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs. Find out more in the Fees section.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Tutorials – small group discussion classes of 6-12 students
- Computer practicals
- Laboratory classes
- Field work
- Independent study
Learn from the experts
You will join a large, energetic community of Geography students and staff presenting a thriving environment in which to study. Our academic staff are world leaders across many critical contemporary research areas, from the protection of the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical ecology of the Amazonian forest to the reduction of antimicrobial use in farming, the geopolitics of migration and refugee displacement, and the development of craft economies.
We have strong links with international, national, and local research projects around the globe, and staff draw upon the insights and examples these provide in their teaching.
Learning technology and facilities
All students have access to well-equipped laboratories and the latest geographical information systems (GIS), mapping statistics and coding software. In lectures we encourage you to contribute through the use of smart phone interactive technology to ask questions or submit feedback.
We have a virtual learning environment, where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. Here you can access detailed information about learning outcomes, and interact through discussion forums, blogging and virtual field trips. The virtual field trips integrate video and audio data, maps, datasets, documents and published research to help you develop field work and analytical skills that are firmly grounded in the real world.
Assessment
Your progress is monitored through tutorial work and practical assessments. Your final degree mark is based on approximately 50 per cent exam-based and 50 per cent coursework-based assessments. This is however, dependent on your module choices where some optional modules might be 100% coursework for example. You can therefore pick modules by topic but also based on what you think will best allow you to demonstrate your learning. In your final year you will undertake a dissertation, which is an independent research project on the topic that excites you most.
You must pass your modules in the first year in order to progress, but your marks in this year do not influence your final degree classification.
Academic support
We are committed to providing you with a supportive learning environment in which you can build confidence and mastery of Geography.
You will have a personal and academic tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies and to support the transition to university-level learning. You will also be represented through Student-Staff Liaison Committees and have regular opportunities to feedback on your course and modules.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
Students studying Geography develop both a depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and experiences that make them highly employable across a diverse range of careers.
These skills include:
- Data gathering and quality control
- Information retrieval and professional analysis
- Problem solving and assessment of uncertainty
- Project planning and management
- Organising and communicating information
- Report production and presentation (written and oral)
- Plus the ability to work effectively on your own and as part of a team.
Supporting your career in Geography
We put on a range of employability sessions for students which include:
- Career talks with visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds,
- Career conversations and employability seminar series events with employers,
- A Careers in Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection Careers and Networking event
- Visits to the Met Office and UKHO
- Annual Careers Fair
- Opportunities to access high-quality work placements through an employability optional module.
Careers services
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students and graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Whatever path you wish to follow, we’re here to help and support you with all your career and employability needs.
Royal Geographical Society (RGS) Ambassador Scheme
You will have the opportunity to apply for the RGS Ambassador Scheme. The scheme recruits, trains and supports geographers currently at university and graduate geographers from the workplace to act as ambassadors for geography in the classroom. Ambassadors act as positive role models for pupils and can illustrate, with enthusiasm, both the specific and transferable skills they have developed as a geographer. For more information you can visit the RGS Ambassador Scheme website.
Career paths
The breadth of career opportunities open to Geography graduates is vast, with recent graduates starting careers in planning, environmental and sustainability projects, water analysis, insurance, teaching and more – both in the UK and overseas.
Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your Geography degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.
Below are a few examples of initial jobs undertaken by graduates from our Geography undergraduate programmes*.
Recent graduates are now working as:
- Chartered and certified accountants
- Business and related research professionals
- Data analysts
- Brokers
- Property, housing and estate managers
- Marketing associate professionals
- Estimators, valuers and assessors
- Project support officers
- Primary and secondary education teaching professionals
- Information technology professionals
Recent graduates are now working for:
- Babcock International
- BNP Paribas
- Centrica
- Environment Agency
- Ernst & Young
- European Space Agency
- NHS
- Ordnance Survey
- Oxborough Surveyors LLP
- Skanska
- UK Hydrographic Office
Further study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from a Geography undergraduate degree. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes*.
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MA Quantity Surveying
- MRes Sustainable Development
- MSc Environmental Consultancy
- MSc Flood and Coastal Engineering
- MSc Geospatial Sciences
- MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies
- MSc Management
- MSc Public Health
- MSc Rural Land and Business Management
- MSc Transport and Planning
*This information has been taken from aggregating the responses from full-time, first degree, UK domiciled students who completed 2017/18 and 2018/19 Graduate Outcomes surveys. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
