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Qualification type
BA (Hons)

Geography

UCAS code L700

Entry requirements
International Baccalaureate: 26 or 544
HKDSE: 4,3,3
India Standard XII: 60%
View full requirements
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 years
Start date and application deadlines
Start date
How to apply

Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2025 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students was 30 June 2025.

Combine this subject

With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.

  • Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
  • Choose joint or major minor subjects
  • Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
  • Same number of credits as single honours students
  • Same classes as single honours students
  • Appeal to a wide range of employers

Explore combined degrees for Geography courses

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About this course

Globalisation, geopolitics, population change, and sustainability are amongst the largest challenges confronting society in the 21st century. Our Geography BA (Hons) course helps you to understand these issues and the ways in which they shape the world.


Introduction

Geography offers unique insights into many of the most pressing issues facing the world in the 21st century, such as globalisation, geopolitics, climate change, sustainability, health, economics, population, hazards, pollution, and natural resource management.

Our Geography BA (Hons) course helps you develop expert knowledge and skills to interrogate the range of different approaches to, and perspectives on, these issues, as well as the ability to understand how they interact.

The University of Liverpool is home to one of the longest established Geography departments in the world, with courses on offer since 1886. Our expertise in human geography spans population and migration, health, geodemographics, GIS, environmental economics, social and cultural change, urban and rural geographies, as well as political and environmental activism.

Students on this course often choose human geography-oriented modules, and the core modules for this degree are focused on this area. However, you also have the option to also take physical geography modules. Maintaining a balance between the two areas of geography is an option many of our students pursue. You can also take up to two 15-credit modules per year from other subjects so you can maintain an interest in another discipline as part of your geography degree. We will guide you in your module choice to ensure that you choose modules that complement each other and follow a pathway that will help you to gain skills and knowledge relevant to your future career.

From your first week to your final year, field classes are an integral part of your learning. Destinations are subject to change but have included: a European city and closer to home, cities such as Glasgow, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, as well as the Lake District and mid-Wales. There is also the opportunity to undertake final year dissertation fieldwork abroad.

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

  • Shape your learning with options in physical geography and other disciplines
  • High levels of field-based learning
  • An emphasis on active, problem-based learning (‘learning by doing’)
  • Hands-on experience of cutting-edge laboratory technologies in physical geography
  • Innovative GIS, statistical and qualitative research methodologies, and community consultation in human geography
  • A final year independent research-based dissertation supervised by a dedicated expert in the field.

Accreditation

The Geography BA (Hons) programme is accredited by the Royal Geographic Society with IBG.

Accreditation in detail
Royal Geographical Society logo

Royal Geographical Society

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is the UK's learned society and professional body for geography.

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We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.


Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

All students take core modules in year one, which introduce you to 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.

Modules

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year two

Skills development is a central part of the course in year two, with core modules in research skills, exploring the social world, principles and theory in geography, and a field class. You can then choose additional modules from a range of human geography specialisms. You also have the flexibility to choose physical geography modules along with options from outside the discipline.

Students will take the following compulsory modules and choose four optional modules as detailed below.

Students MUST choose ONE of either ENVS282 Field Class (Belfast), ENVS286 Field Class (Edinburgh), ENVS288 Field Class (Glasgow).

Modules

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year three

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. Amongst several specialist human geography modules in year three, there are opportunities for overseas field study in destinations.

Students will select one compulsory dissertation module and choose six (four if taking an optional field class) optional module as detailed below.

Modules

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

To help you meet the intellectual and practical challenges of studying geography, our programmes are taught using a student centred approach, involving a range of learning experiences. These include:

  • Small tutor groups (typically eight students) through all years
  • High levels of field-based learning within the UK and abroad
  • An emphasis on active, problem-based learning (‘learning by doing’)
  • Hands-on experience of cutting-edge laboratory technologies in physical geography
  • Innovative GIS, statistical and qualitative research methodologies and community consultation in human geography
  • Supervised independent and group project work, including (for Single Honours degrees) a final year independent research-based dissertation supervised by a dedicated expert in the field.

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

Assessments are designed around developing skills and styles of communication that will be relevant to future employers. 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.

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.

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Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification Details
International Baccalaureate

26 points overall, or Pass the IB Diploma plus 5,4,4 in 3 HL subjects. Plus a minimum of 5 in SL Maths or 4 in HL Maths and 5 in SL/HL English A or 7 in SL English B or 6 in HL English B

HKDSE

433 from 2 electives plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 3 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language

India Standard XII

Overall average of 60% from four core subjects, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE) and a minimum of 50% for Standard X Maths.

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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

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

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

More about taking a year abroad

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

More about taking a semester abroad

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

More about taking a summer abroad

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

Read more about studying a language

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Your experience

Day-to-day teaching takes place in the Central Teaching Laboratory (CTL) and Roxby Building. The CTL houses industry-standard equipment, including one of the few staffed map collections in the country, containing over 100,000 maps, 600 atlases, and access to digital data. Your course will be delivered by the Department of Geography and Planning.

Explore where you'll study

Geography student working in the lab
Geography student in lab
Study room
Picture by Gareth Jones
Picture by Gareth Jones
Student doing lab work
Picture by Gareth Jones
Picture by Gareth Jones
Watch on Panopto: Geography Promotional Video

Geography Promotional Video

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Two students chatting while walking through campus.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Watch on Panopto: A day in the life of Geography student Aidan

A day in the life of Geography student Aidan

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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). 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.

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.

90% of geography and planning students are in work and/or further study 15 months after graduation.

(Discover Uni, 2018-19)

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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 - £26,600
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £13,300 (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.

Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels. Most of our undergraduate degrees are eligible, with the exception of clinical programmes in Medicine and Dental Surgery.

Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from an online Kaplan Foundation Certificate.

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.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College First Class Scholarship

We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.

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Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions

Changes to Geography BA (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

29 April 2025: Duolingo requirements – multiple UG courses

Duolingo requirements updated to: 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 95.

16 April 2025: Geography BA (Hons) – additional costs

As per SN request RITM0172545: previous costs removed (compulsory field classes, optional field classes, project/dissertation costs.

Replaced with: ‘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.’

14 January 2025: Duolingo English Test requirements updated

Duolingo English Test requirements updated. See English language requirements for details of the revised requirements.

5 January 2023: Modules updated

Year 3 module updated.

Removed: ENVS353

9 December 2022: Country field trip visits

Reference to Santa Cruz (California), Toronto and Iceland removed.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.