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.
This course is subject to revalidation.
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
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAAABB
Irish certificate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer where grade D3 can be used in lieu of grade A or M2 can be used in lieu of grade B
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels
or
AA from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
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:
The module aims to introduce students to the broad topic of globalisation. As a team-taught module, specific topics may change with occasional changes to the teaching team. At the time of writing, specific topics include: trade and the global economy (e.g...
This module provides an introduction to university level study and geography through curiosity, creativity and communication. There is an emphasis on academic, personal and geographical skills, introduced during lecture sessions and then applied through ...
The module will explore risk, hazard, exposure, vulnerability, resilience, and sustainability, all in the context of climate change: how these concepts relate to the Earth's physical and ecological systems, and to cultural and socio-economic structures of...
To give the student a basic knowledge of the main geomorphological processes involved in the shaping of the landscape. Pre-requisite of GEOG3020 One of the pre-requisites for GEOG2032, GEOG2039, GEOG3004 and GEOG3057
To introduce students to social and economic change, cultural diversity and spatial organisation in cities and western societies.
The module will look at the challenges posed to human societies living on a dynamic planet and how these societies adapt (or not) to a range of environmental and socio-economic hazards. Pre-requisite for GEOG2006 and GEOG3047 One of the pre-requisit...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
In this module you will develop an understanding of the England and Wales criminal justice system, with a particular focus on its philosophies, institutional practices and processes and outcomes. You will gain an understanding of how the criminal justice ...
This module introduces students to the main branches of ecology by considering the various levels at which the subject may be studied: individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The aim of the practical sessions is to demonstrate how profession...
We understand that few students have had the previous opportunity to study social and cultural anthropology. In this introductory module you will consider questions like: What is anthropology? What do anthropologists study? What is it like to do anthropol...
In a world of fast and easy communication, we are increasingly working and studying alongside people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Understanding our intercultural encounters allows us to develop awareness of ourselves and others, as ...
• Introduce students to the study of structures, actors and policy processes in international politics • Enable students to distinguish between competing explanations of international relations • Develop students’ ability to restate arguments and apply ...
The module will look at key social transformations in the modern world and the way in which these have been analysed by social scientists.
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
The module will introduce the basic concepts and techniques underpinning geographic information systems.
The purpose of the module is to develop students’ ability to undertake research in human geography by building on what they have learnt in Geog2008 through studying key principles in research design and methods, and through practice-based learning on a fi...
Pre-requisite for GEOG2035
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
The module will look at the conceptual, practical and methodological issues associated with using GIS for environmental and socio-economic applications.
Coastal zones represent a small fraction of physical space on the Earth, but they are exceptionally important places to study physical and ecological dynamics of environmental change – in natural and anthropogenic systems, alike. This module examines n...
The module will look at key concepts in cultural geography.
The module will provide a foundation in contemporary economic geography, focusing on the ways in which economic, political and social processes construct the profound diversity of modern economic life.
Wellbeing is central to societal coherence and development. Individuals and communities seek to maximise their wellbeing with regard to such factors as health, wealth, shelter, safety and relationships. Governmental and other policy often focuses on the p...
The topic is addressed from three perspectives: the science of climate change, impact and adaptation, and policy towards adaptation and mitigation. One of the pre-requisites for GEOG3057
The global health module is an exciting opportunity to examine the factors associated with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as the recent outbreak of Ebola and Swine Flu that quickly spread around the world, and non-communicable diseases ...
Water has played a key role in shaping the way humans have evolved and how we have in turn shaped our environment. This module will focus on how water resources enables and constrains our activities and wellbeing, and those of the natural ecosystems. We w...
This module aims to introduce you to the variety of demographic experiences in low and middle-income countries across the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and, Asia. We will explore the patterns of historical and...
The module studies key population issues specific to high income countries, such as international migration, population ageing and low fertility. The module examines the causes, consequences and policy implications of the current population processes. Th...
The Quaternary period is the last 2.6 million years of changes on Earth, and includes multiple ice ages. The syllabus can be divided into three main parts, and includes a number of lectures, practicals and seminars: Section 1 Section one provides an i...
The module will look at the basic theory and practical application of remote sensing for monitoring the terrestrial environment. Pre-requisite for GEOG3065
Year 3 modules
You must study the following module in year 3:
Independent research project to produce a thesis of original geographic research.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
GEOG3057 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in how individuals and societies understand and respond to environmental shocks and stresses, and their different capacities for adaptation. The focus of the module is on climate ...
The module will look at the conceptual, practical and methodological issues associated with geospatial analysis for environmental and socio-economic applications.
The core of this module is a fieldtrip to Berlin. This fieldtrip is used to address questions about the production of urban space in twentieth-century Western Europe. Topics include: modern urbanism and architecture; political ideologies and monuments; ...
Biogeography aims to understand the origin and distribution of species and the processes that cause them to change over time. During the lectures we will discuss classic biogeographical theory and current research topics such as biological invasions and s...
Health and the provision of health care are important issues in our everyday lives. Many of the debates surrounding health are inherently spatial in nature and as such geographers are well placed to play an important role in informing research and providi...
There has been growing interest in the past few years in how cities and regions respond and adapt to rapid, and often turbulent, economic change, and why some cities and regions appear much more successful than others in coping with and taking advantage o...
This module explores the relationship between gender, sexuality, space and place. We will examine how the spaces we occupy are never empty or neutral, but are imbued with history, identity and meaning. Why are certain bodies understood as ‘naturally’ enti...
The module will introduce students to critical geographical themes as they relate to welfare, rights and social justice, including the state and territorialisation, community, confinement, deinstitutionalisation, landscapes of care, fragmentation and loca...
In a world of fast and easy communication, we are increasingly working and studying alongside people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Understanding our intercultural encounters allows us to develop awareness of ourselves and others, as ...
GEOG3062 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in human migration and development and the interaction between the two. The module will emphasise the importance of place and scale in its approach to these themes, although it wi...
This is an interactive and practical module aiming to inspire students to social enterprise and entrepreneurship by giving them an experiential introduction to human centred design processes. The emphasis in this module is on the translation of knowled...
GEOG3063 is a module designed for students who are interested in the creative economy and how it is being shaped by geographical processes related to globalisation, digitisation and flexibilisation. The module will cover topics that are central to underst...
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
- developing websites
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- developing websites
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- developing websites
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
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
