Explore global challenges through a holistic approach to human and physical geography, applying innovative ideas that prepare you for an exciting range of potential careers.

Specialise in human or physical geography, or a combination of both
Explore critical global issues such as disaster risk reduction, glacial retreat, geopolitical conflict, poverty, inequality and social justice
Access cutting-edge labs and technology to conduct your own research
Develop hands-on skills in urban and rural environments, in the UK and beyond
Gain real-world work experience and placements at every level of study – plus the chance to study and work abroad

On the BA/BSc Geography course, you’ll develop a dynamic understanding of human and physical geography – gaining knowledge of the world and understanding how to shape its shared destiny. You’ll graduate with a degree that’s professionally accredited by the Royal Geographical Society.

Work placements

You can experience real-world projects by undertaking a year-long work placement between your second and final years. Here you’ll work with private companies, government bodies or voluntary organisations on their latest ventures. By doing so you’ll not only gain commercial skills – you’ll also build a valuable professional network. 

You can study abroad at one of our partner universities for half of your work placement year. We have international study exchange agreements in countries including Australia, Canada, Finland, Italy and Norway. Many of our European partner institutions teach in English, but to support your international placement or future international aspirations, you can study a foreign language too.

Field trips

Fieldwork puts learning into context and provides some of the richest experiences on the course. As well as our onsite facilities, we use Sheffield’s city centre and the stunning Peak District National Park as a base for learning. We also have residential field trips to outstanding locations in Snowdonia, Amsterdam, Spain and Iceland.

Networking opportunities

Get involved with our highly active student Geography Society. Together you can organise and enjoy social and academic events – as well as experiencing a programme of inspirational speakers, many who are leaders in their fields. Beyond the award students have the opportunity to engage with volunteering, accrediting bodies, research projects, and guest speakers further enabling application of course knowledge and skill sets in a real-world context.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The course combines both the academic and vocational aspects of geography, preparing you for an exciting career in this ever-changing field. Learning through first-hand experiences is a key element of our teaching approach – you’ll be able to apply your knowledge to real-life projects. Learning and assessments are based on real challenges, locations, or organisations to demonstrate how theory relates to professional practice.

You learn through

• fieldwork
• work placements
• laboratory classes
• IT sessions
• lectures and seminars
• tutorials and workshops
• field trips

You may also have the opportunity to study a foreign language and study and work abroad, with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.

This course prepares you for a career in

• environmental and ecological consultancies
• water, energy and other utility companies
• geographical information systems (GIS)
• local and national government
• international organisations
• logistics
• education
• planning and housing
• further study and research

 

UCAS points

• 112 - 120

This must include at least two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications, including at least 32 points in Geography or Environmental Science. For example:

• BBC at A Level including a relevant subject(s).
• A combination of qualifications, which must include a relevant subject(s) and may include AS Levels, EPQ and general studies.

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

• English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
• Mathematics at grade C or 4

• Access course in a relevant subject from an Open College Network accredited course with 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.

We consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience are also considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.

Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these are considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

 

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Approaches To Human Geography	20	Coursework
Climate Change And Sustainability For Geographers	20	Coursework
Planet Earth	20	Coursework
Professional Geographer	60	Coursework

 

 

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Fieldwork For Global Challenges	40	Coursework
Geographical Research And Practice	40	Coursework
Geographies For A Just Future	20	Coursework

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Contemporary Debates In Human Geography	20	Coursework
Environmental Pollution	20	Coursework

 

Year 3 Optional modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Dissertation, Employability, And Communication	60	Coursework

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Creating Sustainable Cities	20	Coursework
Development And The Global South	20	Coursework
Geographies Of Everyday Life	20	Coursework
Glaciology	20	Coursework
Living With Hazard And Risk	20	Coursework Practical
Nature And Society	20	Coursework