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 Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
AAB if no prefered subjects are included
or
ABB if one or more preferred subjects are included.
A-levels additional information
Preferred subjects are Geography, Biology, Maths, Psychology, English Literature, Economics, History, Chemistry, Sociology, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics, Politics, Business, Art.
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, your offer will be:
ABB and Grade A in the EPQ, if no prefered subjects are included
or
BBB and Grade A in the EPQ, if one or more preferred subjects are included.
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 if no prefered subjects are included
or
BBB if one or more preferred subjects are included.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with minimum 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level if no prefered subject taken at Higher Level
or
Pass, with minimum 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level if one or more prefered subjects taken at Higher Level.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Preferred subjects include Geography, Biology, Maths, Psychology, English Literature, Economics, History, Chemistry, Sociology, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics, Politics, Business, Art.
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
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.
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
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
A2 A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 if no preferred subject is included
or
A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 B1 if one or more preferred subjects included
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAAABB
Irish certificate additional information
Preferred subjects include Geography, Biology, Maths, Psychology, English Literature, Economics, History, Chemistry, Sociology, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics, Politics, Business, Art.
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 if no prefered subject included
or
D3 M2 M2 if one or more preferred subject is included.
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.
Preferred subjects are Geography, Biology, Maths, Psychology, English Literature, Economics, History, Chemistry, Sociology, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics, Politics, Business, Art.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A Levels if no prefered subjects are included
or
AA from 2 A levels if one or more preferred subjects are included and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
or
ABB from 3 A Levels if one or more preferred subjects are included
or
AB from 2 A levels if one or more preferred subjects are included and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Preferred subjects are Geography, Biology, Maths, Psychology, English Literature, Economics, History, Chemistry, Sociology, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics, Politics, Business, Art. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
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.
Foundation programmes for international students
A foundation programme will give you the language skills and subject knowledge you need if you're not qualified for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the foundation programme.
Find out more about undergraduate foundation programmes for international students.
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
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
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
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 ...
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 ...
This module aims to introduce students to key population issues in both the UK and world-wide.
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...
This module is concerned with how people in different cultures make sense of their world. The spiritual beliefs and ritual practices of a range of different cultures across the world are considered together with some of the ways in which anthropologists ...
The module will look at key concepts in cultural geography.
Most states claim to be democratic. This module looks at the theory of democracy, including foundational questions about political inclusion, participation, and equality. As a result, students will develop a greater understanding of what democracy require...
• To take a deep and critical look at the contested nature of development and to evaluate the development achievement. • To study in depth the mainstream economic development ideology from the early 1980s to the present, focusing on the Washington and po...
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.
The module will introduce sociological perspectives on gender and to contemporary debates about gender and society.
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 natural ecosystems. We will ...
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 ...
The aim of this course is to provide you with a basic understanding of the causes underlying patterns of human migration and the subsequent consequences on population change and composition. In addition, you will be taught some analytical skills so that y...
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...
We will analyse population health issues in different country contexts with reference to epidemiological and nutrition transition frameworks. We will discuss the role of health systems and policy strategies needed for population health interventions. Popu...
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
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...
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...
This module is concerned with the development of modern societies and the nature of 'modernity'. It will draw on the writings of contemporary sociologists in order to consider what the most important processes of social change taking place are and how the...
Most states claim to be democratic. This module looks at the theory of democracy, including foundational questions about political inclusion, participation, and equality. As a result, students will develop a greater understanding of what democracy require...
Some of the biggest uncertainties in climate change predictions come from our lack of understanding of the impact of some of the smallest airborne dust particles. These dust particles are transported between continents from some of the hottest and most u...
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...
This course seeks to make use of innovative and cutting edge technologies in the field of Earth surface process monitoring to address the real world challenges encountered by commercial and/or governmental organisations. Students on this module will ta...
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...
This is a Module not about learning new facts or figures, or necessarily huge swathes of substantive knowledge about food consumption and food production (a dominant theme). Rather it invites you to develop a repertoire of theories and concepts to think c...
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...
To investigate the modern research into glacial processes, to investigate analytical approaches to test contemporary controversial problems and to show how these processes formed the present day landscape
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 ...
The module will look at the main issues and trends, concepts and definitions on globalisation within the discipline of international relations.
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 ...
This module aims to provide a descriptive and critical overview of the practice of educational psychology in the UK and to highlight some of the key debates.
The material covers ideas from many disciplines. Migration represents movement across space, influencing and changing the environments of both the origin and destination locations (geography). It is both affected by and affects population structures and c...
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...
We will analyse population health issues in different country contexts with reference to epidemiological and nutrition transition frameworks. We will discuss the role of health systems and policy strategies needed for population health interventions. Popu...
To develop an holistic approach to river basin management and restoration based on an understanding of physical processes and human modification of natural river systems.
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 £23,720.
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
