| UCAS code | F800 |
|---|---|
| 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 | F813 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Geography |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| UCAS code | F805 |
|---|---|
| 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
- Tailor your degree to your developing interests, with optional modules in climate, hydrology and catchment processes, biogeography, marine and coastal environments, fire ecology, and the cryosphere - with study of risks, sustainability, and management in these specialist areas
- Develop sought-after skills such as statistical analysis, learning to code for data analysis, geospatial investigation, image analysis and data collection in the field
- Option to transfer to BSc Geography with Applied GIS from your second year, graduating with a specialism in GIS
- Well-equipped experimental laboratories include the latest Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software supported by dedicated staff, and a £3.7 million sediment research centre
- Join a friendly and active student community: the Geography Society (GeogSoc) is one of the university’s largest and hosts regular socials, sports teams, weekend trips and the famous GeogSoc ball
Top 50 in the world for Geography
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Top 15 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science
11th in the Complete University Guide 2025
Spend a year studying abroad or on a professional placement
Learn from experts on field courses
Exeter has more than you could want; you are so close to the beach and the city has great shops, food and places to visit, such as the cathedral and the quay.
I love how much enthusiasm the academics all have for their subjects, whether that be climate change or the history of the planet, they engage you throughout.
There are so many opportunities at the University of Exeter to further your learning and get involved with new things. My favourite aspect of the programme is the huge range of topics. The lectures are always so interesting and interactive, and make you want to go and find out more about what the academics are so passionate about.
All the lecturers have office hours, which is a great opportunity to seek clarification or ask questions about what was said in the lecture or in reading. As well as giving academic advice and support, my personal tutor also tells me about all the places to check out in Exeter, such as bike and running routes!
Since coming to university I’ve done lots of new things. I picked up Korfball, which is a great way to meet people from other years, to destress and is very fun! I also go along to the Missing Maps events, which I will be helping to run next year, and on walks with the Out of Doors Society.
During the first term I took part in a field trip to Slapton Sands* to look at the impact of climate change on the area. This was so much fun and a great way to get to know the lecturers and other people on your course. It was also great to see how the work you do in the field transpires to the literature. While the days were jam packed, we had lots of opportunities to socialise and bond with course mates.
Geography at the University of Exeter is great, and the academics are incredible. Eventually I would like to go into the charity sector and I know that the Careers Zone will support me, even once I have graduated. It’s also just a £3 train journey to the beach from campus, which is great to escape to all year round!
*Field course destinations are subject to change.
Charlotte
BSc Geography
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA - AAB
A*AA - AAA (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement) |
B in a science subject*
A in a science subject* (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement) |
| IB | 36/666 - 34/665
38/766 - 36/666 (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement) |
HL5 in a science subject*
HL6 in a science subject* (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement) |
| BTEC | D*DD-DDD
D*DD-DDD (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement) |
Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve A-level grade B in a science subject*
Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve A-level grade A in a science subject* (with Study Abroad/Professional Placement) |
| 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) |
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) |
| 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
Our BSc Geography course allows you to follow your interests in physical geography whilst giving you the flexibility to take optional modules in human geography or beyond the department in each year.
The first year of the programme provides an excellent grounding in both physical and human geography and ensures you develop the core skills required to progress successfully. The second and final years allow for greater flexibility and specialisation with an emphasis on physical geography.
You’ll choose from a range of optional modules which draw upon our research strengths. You will also have the opportunity to undertake physical geography research methods, participate in a physical geography field trip, and carry out a physical geography dissertation.
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.
The first year provides an excellent introduction to wide-ranging and cutting-edge research areas in physical geography (including the geosphere, cryosphere, oceans and atmosphere) and the academic skills, supported by regular small-group tutorials, to enable you to thrive at university. You have a residential field trip allowing you to develop your physical geography research skills and get to know a wider group on your course better. You can also take two optional modules in human geography or beyond the department.
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
Option modules can be found here:
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 |
The second year offers a diverse range of optional modules in physical geography, including reconstructing past climates, landscape response to environmental change, the cryosphere and remote sensing. Modules at the interface between human and physical geography enable you to examine the challenges of climate change, policy and sustainability.
A core component of second year skills development is research training in GIS, statistical methods, scientific computing and environmental modelling.
You can also take two optional modules in human geography or beyond the department.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
a You must choose 30-60 credits from the Physical Geography and interdisciplinary Geography modules listed.
b You may then choose 0-30 credits from other level 5 Geography modules listed.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO2332 | Numerical Methods for Physical Geographers | 15 |
| GEO2333 | Applied GIS: Mapping with Technology | 15 |
| GEO2334 | Research Design in Physical Geography | 30 |
Optional modules
Option modules can be found here:
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 2024-5 see note a 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 |
| GEO2321 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 15 |
| GeoS S2 Human opt for BSc Geog 2024-5 see note b 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 |
The final year offers optional modules across a wide range of critical subject areas in physical geography, which are closely linked with research in the department. This year also gives you the opportunity to undertake your own research project. You can also take two optional modules in human geography or beyond the department.
30-45 credits of compulsory modules, 75-90 credits of optional modules.
c You must choose either GEO3321 or GEO3322.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO3321 | BSc Dissertation [See note c above] | 45 |
| GEO3322 | BSc Dissertation [See note c above] | 30 |
Optional modules
Option modules can be found here:
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 opt 2024-5 | ||
| GEO3239 | GIS for Professionals | 15 |
| 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 |
| GEO3157 | Southern Urbanism | 15 |
| GEO3223 | Landscape Systems Management | 15 |
| GEO3225 | Climate Change and its Impacts | 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: F813
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 BA Geography 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 BA Geography (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 Professional Placement directly through UCAS using the code above. Occasionally it is possible to transfer onto this programme from the standard BSc Geography, 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: F805
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 BA Geography 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 BA Geography (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 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.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,250 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, such as our Global 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.
In first term, we went on a three-day field course to Slapton Sands. It was a great opportunity to get to know my course mates and my lecturers better as we had only been at the university for a few weeks.
The experience was really valuable as we were introduced to equipment and data collection techniques that will be useful throughout our degree, particularly with dissertation research. Also, I really bonded with the other people on my course, as we would spend all day out in the field working together, then all evening socialising.
Iona
BSc Geography with European Study
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.
