About this course
Discover how social, economic, political and cultural processes shape our world. On this BA Geography degree, you'll explore human-environment relations and the challenges of living across our interconnected planet. You'll develop the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to global issues like inequality, migration and climate change. You'll graduate prepared for work across a wide range of fields, including research, consultancy and public policy.
Explore a diverse range of international societies, economies and landscapes. You'll learn how to collect and analyse data using a range of methods and implement your ideas via practical fieldwork.
You'll have the chance to:
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study specialist computing and geographical information systems
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undertake fieldwork, including trips to Europe or South East Asia to study urban landscapes
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use specialist facilities including a purpose-built teaching lab and remote sensing equipment
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enhance your degree by studying a minor subject in an unrelated academic area
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discover a new culture by studying abroad for a semester at one of our partner institutions
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boost your employability by spending a year in employment
We use the latest research to underpin our teaching and our small-group approach means you'll spend plenty of time with academics and fellow students.
You can study modules designed to develop your understanding of global challenges such as:
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environment and health
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adapting to climate change and weather hazards
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water, people and the environment
You'll shape the course to your personal interests or career plans by studying topics such as:
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social justice, welfare and rights
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migration
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economic geography
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politics and urban space
This course is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
AAB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with minimum 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma
DD in BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level subject
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A A from 2 A-level subjects
BTEC additional information
BTEC Extended Diploma must be in a relevant subject area
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
This degree consists of a set of core and compulsory modules and a selection of optional modules. You can choose your options from:
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geography
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related disciplines such as demography, sociology, politics, social statistics, economics, geology or oceanography
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other subjects, such as modern languages
A major part of all our degree programmes is the research project. This involves personal fieldwork or documentary research, in the UK or abroad.
You'll develop your topic with a member of staff who will give ongoing supervision. You'll start the project in your second year, and complete it in your final year.
Year 1 overview
You'll get a broad academic foundation in human and physical geography. Statistical and computing skills are also an important element in the early part of the degree.
You'll study a module called 'Dangerous Worlds'. This module explores risk, hazard, exposure, vulnerability, resilience, and sustainability - all in the context of climate change.
You'll attend an in-depth non-residential field course within the UK, looking at both human and physical geography topics.
There is a wide choice of optional modules.
Year 2 overview
You'll take core modules in either human or physical geography.
Beyond this core, there are a wide range of other options to choose from. For example, you can learn the basic concepts and techniques behind geographic information systems.
You can take 2 modules outside geography. For example, you could explore global health issues or social enterprise.
Year 3 overview
You'll have a broad range of advanced options to choose from. These are based on the research interests of academic staff, and bring you to the frontier of current knowledge in geography.
Whether urban geography, social justice or climate adaptation fascinates you, you'll get a sense of cutting-edge issues and debate.
There are overseas field trips for human geography (for example, Berlin) and combined human and physical geography (for example, Cambodia).
You will also complete a research project in your final year.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
As well as the optional modules listed here, you can also choose from a range of modules from other disciplines across the University. You'll find more information about module choices in the programme specification under 'About this course'.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Brian Hracs is the course leader.
Careers
You'll graduate with a bachelor's in geography, with knowledge and skills that are highly sought after by employers. You'll understand and use:
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quantitative and qualitative research methods
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statistics
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good communication
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lateral thinking across different social phenomena
Geography graduates from Southampton work in a diverse range of fields, including:
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financial services
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the retail sector
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management
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marketing
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local government
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public policy
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the civil service
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education
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the voluntary sector
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You’ll have the opportunity to take a paid year in employment between your second and third year.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: L700
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
