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Geography

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Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2024 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2024.

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Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

Geography offers unique insights into many of the most pressing issues facing the world in the 21st century, such as climate change, living with environmental change, sustainability, hazards, pollution, and natural resource management. Our Geography BSc (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 physical geography spans climate change (past, present and future), rivers and flooding, glaciology and ice sheets, coastal dynamics and management, vegetation change, sustainability, natural hazards and living with environmental change.

The Geography BSc (Hons) programme explores important questions about whether our planet’s natural resources can sustain an increasing population, how physical earth systems respond to human activity and changing climate, how we manage our resources, and how we live with environmental change. If you are passionate about environmental issues and addressing problems on a local and global scale, this is the programme for you.

Introduction

Many people who take the Geography BSc (Hons) programme choose physical geography modules, which are more scientifically based. However, the full range of human geography modules is also open to you and the flexibility of the degree allows you to shape your own programme of study. This means that you can either specialise in physical geography or study both physical and human geography as part of a BSc degree.

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 BSc 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.

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

  • Specialise in physical or human geography, or both
  • Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society with IBG
  • Fieldwork opportunities, internationally and closer to home
  • A vibrant city to study, with dynamic marine and coastal environment
  • Socio-cultural, political, and physical landscape evident within the city region
  • Award-winning learning environment.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Accreditations in detail

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

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

Accreditations

This programme is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Course content

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

Year one

In order to give a strong foundation to your degree, all students take core modules in year one, which introduce you to the breadth of the subject and give you a grounding in the key concepts and skills which are integral to the rest of the course. You then get a choice of optional modules from within physical or human geography, or from other disciplines including geology, oceanography, ecology, earth sciences, life sciences, modern languages, sociology, psychology, and planning amongst many others.

Compulsory modules

Experiments in Physical Geography (ENVS120)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module uses laboratory experiments to allow students to gain first-hand experience of some fundamental physical, biological and chemical processes underlying physical geography, aimed primarily at interactions between people and their physical environment. It is designed to provide a foundation for environmental modules in the second and third years. This module comprises multiple whole-day practical sessions, each designed to give students first-hand experience of a topic important in understanding our changing environment. Dedicated computer practicals are also run to provide training in use of EXCEL, MINITAB, and basic inferential statistics. Students get formal feedback in each assessed week (one poster per group). However, perhaps most valuable is the feedback obtained informally via discussions during the sessions.

Lake District Fieldclass (ENVS163)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module is the residential field-class available to first year BSc Geographers, comprising a residential field trip to the Lake District; there is also an online alternative for those unable to attend. Module delivery is via some initial lectures to set the scene. The field class commences with a guided walk introduction to the study area, currently based in Grasmere and using the Easedale Valley. The following four days are a tutor-led introduction to key techniques and skills. The students in four groups rotate through the four activities. The activities may vary, but currently address: topographical survey and slope controls over soil shear strength, long-term environmental change using the fringing reed-swamp of Grasmere, hydrology and fluvial flow processes monitoring an upland stream, and geomorphological mapping and glacial landforms. The module uses a fieldwork-based problem-solving approach to explore some of the fundamental physical and chemical processes underlying physical geography. It is designed to provide a foundation for fieldwork and other practical Physical Geography modules in the second and third year.

Living with Environmental Change (ENVS119)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module examines a number of global ‘grand challenges’ facing humans on the planet earth related to climate and environmental change. It will introduce students to core concepts of sustainability and human impacts upon the environment, as well as exploring the range of proposed solutions and mitigation strategies which are available to understand climate and environmental change. The module thus provides a core knowledge base for social and natural scientists who wish to understand environmental change.

Study Skills and GIS (ENVS100)

Credits: 30 / Semester: whole session

This 30-credit module will provide the bedrock for your degree, and comprises five main elements. Firstly, pastoral and study support, provided via a series of regular one-to-one and small-group tutorials with an allocated academic tutor/adviser; secondly, development of core study skills, including essay writing, lecture-note taking, critical thinking, presentation skills, and bibliographic searching and referencing; thirdly, a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems, helping you learn how to combine spatial data from different sources to create maps that address real-world problems; fourthly, a fieldwork experience designed to help you develop data collection and analysis skills, to enhance your academic understanding and to provide you with an opportunity to get to know the other members of your degree cohort better; fifthly, employability training designed to help you better understand what graduate employers are looking for, how to apply for summer work and/or volunteering opportunities, and how best to use your time at University to maximise your employability upon graduation.

Theory and Laboratory Experiments in Earth Surfaces Processes (ENVS165)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

The module uses a lecture and laboratory-based problem-solving approach to explore some of the fundamental physical and chemical processes underlying physical geography. It is designed to provide a foundation for environmental and physical geography modules in the second and third year. This module comprises multiple whole-day practical sessions, each designed to give students first-hand experience of a topic important in understanding our changing environment. Students get formal feedback in each assessed week (one poster per group). However, perhaps most valuable is the feedback obtained informally via discussions during the sessions.

Optional modules

Climate, Atmosphere and Oceans (ENVS111)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Climate, Atmosphere and Oceans provides an understanding of how the climate system operates. The module draws on basic scientific principles to understand how climate has evolved over the history of the planet and how the climate system is operating now. Attention is particularly paid to the structure and circulation of the atmosphere and ocean, and how they both interact. The course emphasises acquiring mechanistic insight and drawing upon order of magnitude calculations. By the end of the module students will understand how the oceans and atmosphere combine to shape Earth’s climate. Students gain quantitative skills by completing a series of coursework exercises and a final exam. Students address the Net Zero carbon goal via group work involving digital storytelling.​

Ecology and Conservation (ENVS157)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

The zone of life on earth, or the ‘biosphere’, is a highly dynamic system responding to external pressures including changing human activities. The biosphere obeys a numbers of simple natural principles, but these often interact to create complex and sometimes unexpected responses. Using a wide range of examples we will explore these interactions between organisms and the environment. We will examine how species organise into communities, and how energy and other resources flow through ecosystems. We will explore how ecosystems respond to change, including gradual environmental shifts, sudden disturbance events and the effects of human activities. We will also learn how the key principles of ecology can be applied to conservation. We will assess the current state of the biosphere, and evaluate the major current threats. We will also look towards the future of ecosystems, including whether we can restore degraded habitats, and recreate “natural” landscapes.

Human Geography Through Merseyside (ENVS162)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

Liverpool has been described as ‘the world in one city’, and in this module we utilise this unique geographical location to introduce key concepts and practices of human geography. Through a combination of field excursions, lectures and practical exercises, we develop skills of data collection, interpretation and analysis through considering the history, politics and socio-demographic characteristics of the city. The module helps students understand the connection between geographical concepts and real-world examples and is assessed through data analysis practicals and a field-based portfolio exercise.

Sedimentary Rocks and Fossils (ENVS118)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module provides a basic introduction to sedimentology and palaeontology. Students learn about the origin of sediment, sedimentary processes and structures and the ways in which sediments are converted into solid rock. The course outlines the importance of sedimentary rocks for hydrocarbons, water and as construction materials. Students learn how to describe and interpret sedimentary deposits. The palaeontology component introduces students to the major fossil groups and to the ways in which organisms can be preserved as fossils. It covers the importance of fossils for the study of evolution, environmental change and Earth history. Students learn how to describe fossils and how observations contribute to a broader understanding. Students will be assessed by means of two practical tests and a theory examination.

Marine Ecosystems: Diversity, Processes and Threats (ENVS122)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module is designed to deliver an introduction to the diversity of marine ecosystems across the globe. Each week during in person lectures you will be introduced to a new ecosystem and will learn about this habitat, specifically the main organisms, key processes, and human threats to each ecosystem described and explored. Central to this module are interactive discussion sessions (workshops) that will build an understanding of how marine ecosystems are expected to respond to the human-induced changes of the anthropocene. During these workshops you will learn to critique a piece of scientific research in small group discussions guided by academics. Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed via open-book online tests, and a group project in which you will create an infographic outlining the threats a particular ecosystem faces.

Essential Mathematical Skills (ENVS117)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module is designed to provide students without a A-Level GCE level (or equivalent) background in mathematics a foundation to their degree programme. The module covers pure maths, maths mechanics and statistics developing the required knowledge and skills to be able complete degree programmes in Ocean Sciences, Earth Sciences, Geography, Environmental Science and Marine Biology. The module is taught as weekly lectures following a ten-chapter book developed for the module by world leading experts in the fields. Lectures are supplemented with workshops where concepts can be discussed and skills improved. The module is assessed though online pop-quizzes and a formal written exam.

New Horizons in Human Geography (ENVS116)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module introduces new aspects of geographical thought to the First-Year students which are unlikely to have been encountered via an A level geography syllabus. It also aims to enhance students’ understanding and awareness of complex global issues, focusing on two sub-disciplinary themes in human geography. Exact content will vary each year to reflect changes in the discipline, but broadly, one area will focus on understanding human population changes and geographical data (e.g. health or population geographies), whilst another will explore social, cultural and political approaches to geography (e.g. geopolitics, borders and nation states).

Research Frontiers in Human Geography (ENVS161)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Contemporary Human Geography is a diverse discipline which offers unique insights into many of the most pressing challenges facing the world in the 21st Century. Many of the issues that reach the headlines on a daily basis are inherently geographical and research within human geography makes important contributions to knowledge of a broad range of social, cultural, political, economic, environmental and development challenges. This module provides an introduction to cutting edge debates within contemporary human geography, highlighting the ways in which the discipline contributes to interdisciplinary knowledge production across the humanities and social sciences. Each week, module lectures will provide an introduction to a different sub-disciplinary field, which will be explored with the aid of specific worked examples which encourage students to apply the theoretical issues discussed to ‘real world’ issues. Assessment is by coursework (mid-term essay) and a written exam (end-of-term).

Global Challenges: Development, Inequality, Alternatives (ENVS144)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module is designed to appeal to students who would like to live in a better world and are interested in exploring and discussing critical approaches to inequality. Students on the module will gain understanding of the multiple and contested ways in which global challenges and international development are defined and studied. This will include critical attention to uneven processes of development over time and space, particularly related to global environmental change, inequality, and health. Similarly, the module provides a solid foundation and analysis of the historical, political, and economic forces related to globalisation. Students will therefore be critically informed about what globalisation produces for differing communities, cultures, and ecosystems. Students will also gain insight into how varying communities in different places are responding to development, globalisation, environmental injustices, and inequality through both resistance and building alternatives.

Introduction to Climate Change and Mitigation (ENVS189)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module will introduce you to the concept of Earth System interactions as a framework for understanding the causes and consequences of climate change. The module will cover the key features of the earth, atmosphere and ocean, and their interactions. alongside the drivers and consequences for perturbing part of the Earth System. Past, contemporary and projections of climate change will be discussed, as well as the toolkit tools deployed by environmental scientists to detect climate change and show attribute it to be a consequence of human activities. The module will discuss also measures to mitigate against climate change, drawing on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) efforts .

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

Our curriculum

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.

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.

What's available on this course?

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

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

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.

Supporting your learning

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

What students say...

I picked geography because of the breadth of the subject. It's one of the few subjects where you can develop an understanding of contemporary social science alongside cutting-edge natural science. Geography is applicable to pretty much every aspect of life. In third year in particular, you get a lot of elective modules with a very broad spectrum and can really satisfy your intellectual intrigue.

, BSc (Hons) Geography

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.

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 £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £27,200
Year abroad fee £13,600
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. 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 includes the cost of your dissertation/project, and optional field classes in year three.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study 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 includes the cost of your dissertation/project, and optional field classes in year three.

Students should expect to cover the following costs.

Year three optional field class:

Year three optional field class:

  • Option A: Europe. One-week residential field class (eg to the Algarve). Students will cover the full cost of the field class, including travel, accommodation, food, and the price of the field class (around £800)
  • Option B: North America. Two-week residential field class. Students will cover the full cost of the field class, including travel, accommodation, food, and the price of the field class (around £1,300).

Project/dissertation costs:

The School may provide a budget of up to £200 for specific field / lab-based projects. Desk-based projects receive no budget from the School.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Entry requirements

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

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

ABB including Geography A level or an A level in another science subject.

Narrowly missed the entry requirements on results day?

Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB with A in the EPQ.

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.

Available foundation years:

T levels

T levels are not currently accepted.

GCSE 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Subject requirements

For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology, Geology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

D*DD in a relevant subject.

International Baccalaureate

33 points, with no score less than 4.

Irish Leaving Certificate H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

Not accepted without Advanced Highers at grades ABB.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Accepted at grade B, including 2 A levels at AB.
Access 45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma, including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit.
International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 95
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
International Baccalaureate Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced 176 overall, with no paper below 162

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 6 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

Preferred subjects

If Geography not taken, one science subject to at least AS level grade B is acceptable.

Acceptable Science Subjects: Geography, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Further Maths, Environmental Science (NOT Environmental Studies), Applied Science, Computer Science.

For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology, Geology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Geography BSc (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.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.

9 December 2022: Country field trip visits

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

5 January 2023: Modules updated

Year 3 modules updated.

Removed: ENVS352

24 February 2023: Entry requirement changes

This programmes entry requirements have been updated to ABB including Geography.

6 March 2023: Course trips updates

Removed reference to course trips to Iceland, Santa Cruz California and Toronto.