Geography
Geography
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BSc
3 years full-time
Durham City
BSc
3 years full-time
Durham City
F800
F800
Typical offers
A Level | AAA/A*AB |
---|---|
BTEC | DDD/D*DD |
International Baccalaureate | 37/36 |
Course details
In the first year of Physical Geography, we introduce the range of our research specialisms and research methods, including residential fieldwork overseas (e.g. Portugal). Elective modules in the second and third years progressively lead to material at the cutting-edge of research and include optional overseas fieldwork.
The majority of modules in the second and third year focus on physical geography and environmental topics. In the second and third year, you may take integrated modules (with a mixture of human and physical geography) and one module from the Geography BA (Hons) list (subject to timetable compatibility).
Year 1
Compulsory modules:
- Physical Geography
- Introduction to Climate Change
- Introduction to Geographical Research (BSc) – double module including overseas residential fieldwork
- Human Geography.
Examples of optional modules:
Choose two optional modules from:
- Understanding Earth’s Principles
- Planet under Pressure
- Geographies of Crisis
- Level One Module(s) offered by another department, subject to approval.
Year 2
In the second year, you will develop further practical and scientific research skills and, through your choice of modules, may start to specialise in a number of themes or may choose a broader approach. These include our integrated modules that span the human/physical geography interface.
Compulsory modules:
- Scientific Research in Geography
- Handling Geographic Information.
Examples of optional modules:
Choose three modules (the modules may vary from year to year but typical options include):
- Climate Change: Geographical Perspectives
- Contested Environments
- Catchment and Fluvial Systems
- Carbon and Biogeochemical Cycles
- Glaciers and Glaciation
- Reconstructing Environmental Change
- Mountain Landscapes
- One Level Two module from the BA list or from another department (with permission and subject to timetable compatibility).
Year 3
In the third year, you will undertake your own Research Project (the Dissertation), supervised by a member of staff. You will also choose from a selection of modules that involve material at the cutting-edge of contemporary research.
Compulsory module (40 credits):
- Dissertation (individual Research Project based on an approved physical geography topic) – double module.
Examples of optional modules (80 credits from the following):
20 credits:
- The Arctic (Norway field trip)
- Alpine Landscapes and Processes (Switzerland field trip)
- Iceland: Field Research in Glacial Environments (Iceland field trip)
- Mountain Hazards (Nepal field trip)
- Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience
- Oceans Past and Present
- Remote Sensing
- River Dynamics
- Sea Level Change and Coastal Evolution.
10 credits:
- Antarctic Environments
- Catchment Modelling for Management
- Landslides
- Peatland Geomorphology and Management
- Past Climates of the Low Latitudes
- Ice Age Environments
- Glacial Sedimentary Environments
- Earth Surface Processes and Landscape Evolution.
Up to 20 credits from the Level 3 BA list (with permission and subject to timetable compatibility).
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.Study abroad
You will have the opportunity to study abroad for a year between the second and third years of the Geography BSc (Hons). We have a growing list of exchange programmes and this can be a rewarding experience and highly valued by employers. Places are allocated on a competitive basis. Past Geography students have studied abroad at the following universities:
- National University of Singapore
- University of British Columbia
- Queen's University, Canada
- University of Otago, New Zealand.
- University of Hong Kong
- University of Melbourne.
A current list of approved universities can be found here.
Placement Year
You also have the opportunity to do a placement year with an organisation outside of the University between your second and third year. This additional year extends your degree making it four years in total. You may choose to do a placement which relates to a particular aspect of your studies or a role which aligns with broader career aspirations utilising skills developed during your degree.
Students who are interested in doing a placement year should get in touch with the Department placement year convenor and the Faculty Placement Officer who will help guide them through the process. You don’t need to commit to a placement year prior to starting at Durham, you will make that decision during your second year. The Department, Faculty Placement Officer and Careers and Enterprise Centre support students before, during and after their placement year and students retain their student status for the year on placement.
Typical offers
A Level | AAA/A*AB |
---|---|
BTEC | DDD/D*DD |
International Baccalaureate | 37/36 |
Course details
Geographical science is leading the way in tackling global challenges, from climate change to environmental risk mitigation. Studying this research-led modular degree in physical geography will help you develop the necessary skills and experience you’ll need for a broad range of employment opportunities.
Our flexible study programme at one of the world’s leading centres for geographical research puts you in control.
The BSc degree begins with a broad foundation, during which you are introduced to both human and physical geography. Year 1 commences with three compulsory modules and residential fieldwork overseas.
In the second and third years, our modules lead progressively to increasing specialised content focused on the cutting-edge of physical geography and environmental research. There is also the opportunity to study integrated modules that span the human/physical geography interface and optional overseas fieldwork. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.
In the final year, you will undertake your own research project.
There is no such thing as a typical Geography career but if you want to make sure that you are highly employable with a variety of transferable skills, but also want to leave your options open, then Geography is a great choice.
Course structure
Year 1
Core modules:
Human Geography: Space and Place in a Changing World introduces the core concepts of human geography along with the approaches used to understand these concepts in response to specific societal challenges. A variety of case studies is used to illustrate the content.
Introduction to Geographical Research (BSc) covers a variety of methods for research and analysis used in human geography and how to select the appropriate methods for a range of geographical contexts.
Physical Geography covers a broad range of interlinking themes in physical geography, using scale, from global to local, as the organising framework.
Examples of optional modules:
- Planet Under Pressure
- Geographies of Crisis
- Introduction to Climate Change.
Year 2
Core modules:
Social Research in Geography provides the skills needed for good research design, interpretation, presentation and evaluation of research findings. You will acquire practical experience through residential fieldwork in the UK.
Handling Geographic Information provides students with essential skills in acquiring, modifying, analysing and displaying geographical data.
Examples of optional modules:
- Carbon and Biogeochemical Cycles
- Glaciers and Glaciation
- Handling Geographic Information
- Managing River Catchments
- Mountain Landscapes
- Reconstructing Environmental Change.
Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a year abroad or placement)
Core module:
The Dissertation is a substantial piece of independent geographical research. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic in greater depth and present your findings and conclusions.
Examples of optional modules:
- Alpine Landscapes and Processes
- Iceland: Field Research in Glacial Environments
- Mountain Hazards
- Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience
- Oceans Past and Present
- River Dynamics
- Sea Level Change and Coastal Evolution
- The Arctic.
Additional pathways
Students on the Geography BSc can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.Learning
Students on this degree learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, practical classes, tutorials, fieldwork, group projects, student presentations, and self-directed learning, such as research, reading, and writing. All of these are informed by the interplay between theory and practice.
Seminars, tutorials, and practical classes are much smaller groups than lectures, small enough to allow one-to-one interaction with our academic staff. Practicals also allow hands-on experience of the work professional geographers undertake. The same is true of fieldwork, which at Durham is heavily subsidized and consists of engaging in geographical work in the field with members of academic staff. Students can also attend an extensive programme of research-focused seminars where staff and visiting scholars present their cutting-edge research.
This emphasis on research-led small-group and practical teaching reflects a conscious choice to enhance the quality of the learning experience rather than the number of formal sessions. The degree is designed to feature fewer formal large-group sessions and involves more research as you move from your first to your final year. In this way, the degree systematically transforms you from a consumer of knowledge in the classroom to a generator of knowledge, ready for professional or postgraduate life. Small-group teaching and one-to-one attention from the personal academic advisor is provided for all students when they enter the course and regular meetings take place throughout their degree.
Entry requirements
A level offer – AAA or A*AB including Geography or a science subject.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD and an A level science or Geography at grade A.
IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects, including one science subject or Geography.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programme offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
- If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Science A levels
Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
Full Time Fees
Home students | £9,250 per year |
---|---|
EU students | £25,750 per year |
Island students | £9,250 per year |
International students | £25,750 per year |
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Geography
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 86% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 86% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £27,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Geography
Climate change, environmental governance, landslides, natural hazards, geopolitical conflict and territorial dispute, migration, sea-level rise, energy poverty, flooding, debt, austerity and urbanisation: are just a few of the significant challenges that are confronting us today.
For more information see our department pages.
Ranking
- 3rd in The Times and SundayTimes Good UniversityGuide 2022 and The Complete University Guide 2023
- World Top 10 in Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects for five years
- World Top 20 for 11 consecutive years in the QS World University Subject Rankings.
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Geography Department pages.
Facilities
Our departmental facilities include a suite of well-equipped laboratories, a workshop, an extensive field equipment store and a cartographic unit, all of which are overseen and supported by a team of dedicated technical staff.
More information about our facilities and equipment.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
F800
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
Learning
Lectures, seminars, workshops, practical classes, tutorials, fieldwork, group projects, student presentations are supported by increasing emphasis on self-directed learning – research, reading, and writing – as you move from first to final year.
Classes are small enough to allow regular one-to-one interaction with our staff, while practicals and fieldwork allow hands-on experience of the work of professional geographers. You can also attend an extensive programme of research-focused seminars where staff and visiting scholars present their cutting-edge research.
This emphasis on research-led, small-group and practical teaching reflects a conscious choice to enhance the quality of the learning experience, transforming you from a consumer of knowledge in the classroom to a generator of knowledge, as you prepare for professional or postgraduate life.
Assessment
Along with a final-year dissertation, modules are assessed by a diverse range of coursework, including essays, field work reports, practicals, presentations and posters, and some may also have an examination.
We believe your portfolio of work should be something you carry with you and are proud to showcase after graduation.
Entry requirements
A level offer – AAA or A*AB including Geography or a science subject.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD and an A level science or Geography at grade A.
IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects, including one science subject or Geography.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programme offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
- If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Science A levels
Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Geography
Our degree courses will stimulate and challenge you while providing first-class support for your academic and personal development. You will graduate with a unique understanding and experience gained during your degree and a set of transferable skills – problem solving, teamwork, project planning and management – that are highly regarded by employers across a broad range of careers and sectors.
Many of our graduates have taken up roles that make a real difference to people and communities, such as environmental policy and climate science, urban planning, energy, tourism and local development. Examples of high-profile employers include Transport for London, the Met Office, Skanska, Ordnance Survey and KPMG.
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 86% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 86% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £27,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Geography
Geography at Durham is an exciting and diverse discipline that addresses some of the most significant challenges that confront the modern world – from climate change, natural hazards and sea-level change to urbanisation, geopolitics and culture. Our research-led approach to learning means you will be taught by human and physical geographers with specialisms that span a broad range of global social and environmental issues.
The Department is an inclusive world-leading centre that offers BA and BSc degrees with flexible pathways to suit your interests and career goals. Whether you lean more towards Physical Geography (BSc) or Human Geography (BA), you will receive expert teaching and guidance from internationally renowned academics through a variety of teaching and learning methods which include plenty of opportunities to get involved in workshops, presentations, fieldwork and project-based work. If your interests span both Human and Physical Geography, our courses include a range of integrated modules that incorporate both the environment and society.
Combining hands-on work with traditional academic teaching, you will have the opportunity to study human activity and the physical environment, as well as the interactions between them, in real-world contexts with a range of field trips. Putting theory into practice, you’ll gain valuable practical experience around the world – from the Arctic to Cape Town, Nepal to Iceland – as well as closer to home to discover the rich and varied features of the UK.
For more information see our department pages.
Ranking
- 3rd in The Complete University Guide 2023
- 5th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
- World Top 10 in Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects for five years
- World Top 20 for 11 consecutive years in the QS World University Subject Rankings.
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Geography Department pages.
Facilities
The Department of Geography is located on the main campus at Lower Mountjoy. Founded in 1928, the Department is one of the leading centres of geographical research and education in the world.
Over the past few years, we have invested £1.7m in new, cutting-edge equipment. Our laboratories contain an extensive suite of analytical and geotechnical instruments which are overseen and supported by a team of dedicated technical staff. Facilities also include a workshop, top-class IT facilities, a virtual library, one of the few dedicated cartographic units in the region and an extensive field equipment store.
More information about our facilities and equipment.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
F800
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
Visit Us
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