Geography and Oceanography
UCAS code FF78
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
Our Geography and Oceanography BSc (Hons) programme explores how the Earth behaves as a result of interactions between the land, the oceans, and the atmosphere. If you're interested in understanding complex issues such as climate change, rising sea levels, and environmental pollution, this is the course for you.
Introduction
Complex issues such as climate change, sea-level rise, and environmental pollution can only be fully understood if all the different facets of the Earth’s behaviour are considered. While the ocean sciences aspect deals with present-day and future climate change scenarios, the link to physical geography provides an understanding of changes in climate over the last several thousand years to provide context for recent climate change.
Your training will cover core topics in oceanography, physical geography, geology, and ecology as well as modules in IT and communication skills. There will be the opportunity to participate in fieldwork throughout your studies, as well as a full sea practical during your final year.
Fieldwork is carried out in a range of locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. This includes local coastal waters and other locations across the UK.
Liverpool was the first UK university programme to combine land, ocean, and climate studies in one integrated programme of study. Our links with the campus-based National Oceanography Centre provide guest lectures and supervision of projects from their scientists.
A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. Fieldwork is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.
What you'll learn
- Accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology
- Guest lectures and project supervision from scientists at National Oceanography Centre (NOC)
- Lectures and assignments are regularly updated with the latest research
- Fieldwork opportunities in local and UK waters
- Paid summer internships are offered working alongside academics at the University, NOC, or elsewhere
- Students without mathematics, physics or chemistry at A level are provided with remedial courses
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.
Accreditation in detail
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology
IMarEST - The Institute of Maring Engineering, Science and Techonology - is the international professional body for all marine professionals.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
The required modules in year one provide grounding in ocean science and physical geography, as well as developing essential and transferable skills that are required throughout your degree programme. Optional modules allow you to focus on areas of environmental sciences that interest you.
Students are pre-registered for ENVS128. Students wanting a more advanced maths module should switch to ENVS117.
Modules
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION (ENVS157) | 15 |
| ESSENTIAL MATHS (ENVS117) | 15 |
| LIVING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE (ENVS119) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
Modules in year two will develop more specialist skills and knowledge in ocean sciences and physical geography. Optional modules provide further opportunities to focus on topics of environmental sciences that interest you.
Modules
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CATCHMENT HYDROLOGY (ENVS217) | 15 |
| MARINE POLLUTION (ENVS232) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
Year three provides the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in oceanography/geography and to engage in sampling activities at sea during a three-day research cruise. Optional modules are available in physical geography, oceanography and environmental sciences.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN OCEAN AND CLIMATE SCIENCES (ENVS366) | 15 |
| SEA PRACTICAL (ENVS349) | 30 |
| INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT (ENVS306) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Teaching takes place through lectures, practicals, workshops, seminars, tutorials and computer based learning, with an emphasis on learning through doing. The award-winning £23 million Central Teaching Laboratories provides a state-of-the-art facility for undergraduate practical work.
Students value the learning opportunities provided by field classes, including the rapid feedback on performance. You will typically receive at least 15 hours of formal teaching each week. Between 30 and 100 hours of fieldwork and hands-on activities are provided each year depending on the discipline.
A typical module might involve two or three one-hour lectures each week, and often a three-hour laboratory or computer-based practical as well. Tutorials typically involve groups of 4-7 students meeting with a member of staff at least every two weeks in year one and two. In year three, you will undertake an honours project, which is a piece of independent research (field, laboratory, or data analysis) on a topic of your choice, supervised by a member of staff. In years three and four students meet with their project supervisor on a weekly or more frequent basis. As you progress through your degree, you will be increasingly challenged to engage with current debates, think critically, and study independently.
A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and fieldwork. The fieldwork is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective students with disabilities on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.
How you're assessed
Assessment matches the learning objectives for each module and may take the form of written exams, coursework submissions in the form of essays, scientific papers, briefing notes or lab/field notebooks, oral and poster presentations and contributions to group projects.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM. Forensic Science is not accepted. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB including two science subjects at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level two science subjects. |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Year in industry
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
- Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
- Experience and understand workplace culture and discipline
- Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
- Begin your professional network
- Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
Day-to-day teaching takes place in fully-equipped lecture theatres and seminar rooms across the University campus, including in our Central Teaching Laboratory. Fieldwork takes place locally and across the UK. The Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences also benefits from close links with the National Oceanography Centre, based on campus.
Explore where you'll study
Geography Promotional Video
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
Geography is a subject that bridges the social and physical sciences. Those studying geography develop transferable knowledge and skills which open up a wide range of career opportunities.
By the time you graduate you will have developed core research skills in human geography, including surveying, interviewing and innovative community liaison techniques stand students in good stead for a range of employment destinations.
You can explore the following work experience opportunities:
- Internships during the course of their degree.
- Work-based dissertation – which combines the final year independent research project with a placement in industry.
Students can also continue their studies at postgraduate level and PhD study with opportunities to apply for funding from a range of organisations, including the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) and NERC (Natural Environment Research Council).raphy is a subject that bridges the social and physical sciences. Those studying geography develop transferable knowledge and skills which open up a wide range of career opportunities.
By the time you graduate you will have developed core research skills in human geography, including surveying, interviewing and innovative community liaison techniques stand students in good stead for a range of employment destinations.
Work experience opportunities
We encourage students to undertake work experience and internships during the course of their degree. Our students can also select a work-based dissertation, which combines the final year independent research project with a placement in industry.
Students can also continue their studies at postgraduate level and PhD study with opportunities to apply for funding from a range of organisations, including the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) and NERC (Natural Environment Research Council).
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £14,550 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include expenses such as field clothing and sustenance (food and drinks) during fieldwork.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
The Liverpool Bursary
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Asylum Seekers Scholarship
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Estranged Students Bursary
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Nolan Scholarships
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Rigby Enterprise Award
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
ROLABOTIC Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions