UCAS code L700
Geography – writing the world - offers essential insights into the most pressing challenges facing our planet. Globalisation, geopolitics, the legacies of colonialism, migration and population change, and the climate crisis are amongst the largest challenges confronting society in the 21st century. Our Geography BA helps you to understand these issues, and, more importantly, what some of the solutions are.
Geography offers unique insights into many of the most pressing issues facing the world in the 21st century. The University of Liverpool is home to one of the longest established Geography departments in the world, with courses on offer since 1886. Our teaching is research-led, and spans social and cultural change, urban and rural geographies, political and environmental activism, population change and migration, health, geodemographics, and geographical data science.
Our Geography BA (Hons) course helps you develop expert knowledge and skills to interrogate the range of different perspectives on these issues, the ability to understand how they interact, and the ability to think about what might be done about them.
Students on this course often choose human geography-oriented modules, but you can also take some physical geography modules and maintain a balance between the two areas of geography. You can also take up to two 15-credit modules per year from other subjects to as part of your geography degree.
From your first week to your final year, field classes in a European city are an integral part of your learning. There is also the opportunity to undertake final year dissertation fieldwork abroad.
The Geography BA (Hons) programme is accredited by the Royal Geographic Society with IBG.
The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is the UK's learned society and professional body for geography.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
All students take core modules in year one, which introduce you to core ideas in the breadth of the subject, and the key ideas which inform the rest of the course. You can also choose optional modules from within human and physical geography, or from other disciplines.
Students will take the following compulsory modules and choose two optional modules as detailed below. You will develop essential university skills, including academic writing, data analysis, and digital mapping.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Alongside core research training, you will choose four additional modules from a range of human geography specialisms, and can choose physical geography modules along with options from outside the discipline.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH SKILLS AND EMPLOYABILITY (SOES207) | 30 |
| EXPLORING THE SOCIAL WORLD (SOES226) | 15 |
| BA GEOGRAPHY EUROPEAN FIELD CLASS (SOES276) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
In year three, you will complete an independent dissertation, which brings together the skills and techniques you have learned in the degree to produce your own piece of academic research. On top of the dissertation, you will have the freedom to explore your own interests and will choose six optional modules from both human and physical geography.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES) (SOES307) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
You will learn through a mix of research-led lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, labs, and fieldwork, all designed to combine theory with hands-on practice. Lectures introduce key concepts and are supported by digital resources, while seminars and workshops let you explore ideas, solve problems, and work with others. Tutorials in years one and two, typically with eight students, give personalised guidance and feedback on your academic and professional skills.
Practical sessions, including labs, computers, and GIS, build your technical skills, and many modules include real-world tasks such as reports, data projects, and group presentations. Fieldwork is a highlight of the course, starting with a local week in Liverpool in Year 1 and progressing to residential and advanced trips in later years. These experiences teach observation, data collection, teamwork, and problem-solving in a variety of environments.
Independent study is supported throughout, starting with guided exercises and building up to a final-year dissertation or research project. Flexible online resources, videos, and discussion boards help you learn at your own pace. Our teaching combines research, practical skills, and inclusive support to give you the knowledge, confidence, and experience to succeed—both at university and beyond.
Assessments are designed around developing skills, ways of working and styles of communication that assess what you have learned and in ways that are also valued by employers.
Assessments are varied, transparent, and inclusive, allowing you to demonstrate knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking in multiple ways.
So, in addition to exams and essays, you will also undertake assessments that include computer-based exercises, oral presentations, policy briefs, field projects, and research reports. Geography students complete a compulsory 10,000-word dissertation in their final year on a topic of their choice. This is your opportunity to develop skills as an independent academic researcher, supported on a one-to-one basis by an expert in the field.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
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.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
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.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
Day-to-day teaching takes place in the Central Teaching Laboratory (CTL) and the university’s lecture theatres. The CTL houses industry-standard equipment. Your course will be delivered by the Department of Geography and Planning.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Geography – knowing the world – is a subject that bridges social and physical sciences, quantitative and qualitative research, and emphasises fieldwork. 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 problem-solving, teamwork, and research skills that stand students in good stead for a range of employment destinations.
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.
You can explore the following work experience opportunities:
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 Economic and Social Research Council (ERSC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). 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.