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Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Geography
Explore the relationships between physical processes, nature and environmental change in a vibrant urban environment, surrounded by iconic rural and coastal landscapes.
Our typical offer
104 - 112 UCAS points
Follow your passions
Our degrees are flexible, allowing you to move between BA and BSc degrees through your choice of human and physical geography modules.
Gain skills for diverse careers
Hands-on learning gives you specialist skills sought by a wide range of graduate employers.
Out in the field
From local fieldtrips in the stunning South West to exciting international destinations; learning in different environments takes place throughout your degree.
About
From working in the UK's first National Marine Park, contributing to the management of Dartmoor and understanding the forces shaping our coastal communities our students don't just work in unique places, they influence them too.
Dr Simon Dickinson
Lecturer in Geohazards and Risk
This course is for you if...
you're passionate to learn about and tackle pressing global challenges
you want the flexibility to choose from a range of exciting human and physical modules
you're interested in gaining hands-on fieldwork experience
you want to develop specialist and transferable skills in high demand
Details
Year 1
From your very first day we will immerse you in a new way of reading the world around you. You’ll look at landscapes and places unlike anything in the UK. You’ll also look in very different ways at places that may be familiar to you. We will challenge you to look with new eyes. You will fundamentally discover the value of the geographer in this 21st century world of rapid change and instability, not just through ideas, but new digital skills. At the end of year 1 you’ll be eager and equipped to embrace year 2.
Core modules
GEES1101
Culture, Society and Space
20 credits
Here we continue our overview of contemporary human geography. The module focuses on key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about how culture and society is organised spatially. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and through fieldwork and follow-up practical classes, we explore local examples using data analysis and presentation.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GEES1102
People and Place
20 credits
Here we begin our overview of contemporary human geography. The module is structured around key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about how society is organised spatially. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and through fieldwork, we explore examples of their local manifestation and how these are presented geographically.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
GEES1103
Glaciers, Deserts and Climate Change
20 credits
Here we continue our overview of contemporary physical geography. The module is structured around key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about environmental processes and change. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and we explore in more detail local examples in laboratory and practical sessions.
50% Remotely delivered assessments
50% Tests
GEES1104
Water, Landscapes and Environmental Management
20 credits
Here we begin our overview of contemporary physical geography. The module is structured around key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about the environment. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and through fieldwork and supporting laboratory classes we explore examples of their local manifestation using quantitative data, graphic and spatial statistical analysis.
50% Practicals
50% Tests
GEES1105
Sustainable Futures
20 credits
In this module we explore how geographers use the concepts and principles of sustainable development, and critically examine their application to a range of real-world issues. You enhance your subject knowledge and understanding, and develop your key skills, by investigating an aspect of ‘sustainability in practice’, and you are supported through a full programme of tutorials.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GEES1106
Our Digital Planet
20 credits
This module explores the challenges and most pressing issues facing our planet today. Students will discover the role of geographic data analyses and visualisation techniques to provide solutions. Data analysis, GIS and cartographic techniques will be introduced using real-world examples. Students will meet with a personal tutor regularly, to support them through tutorials as they adjust to university-level study.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
Year 2
From your rapid transformation into a degree-level geographer through year 1, here we will show you how to build the most compelling analyses and arguments that will allow you to grow your influence through your career. You will learn more complex theory. You will expand your skills. You’ll travel and see evidence of geographical processes in places potentially far from the UK. You’ll begin the journey of designing your own degree. Look at the option modules below for a flavour of where your learning could go next.
Core modules
GEES2000
Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.
100% Assessments
GEES2106
Principles and Applications of Geography 1
20 credits
In this module students learn about and critically reflect upon various approaches to the production of geographical knowledge, and the different ways and contexts in which this knowledge is applied. The module develops students’ awareness of the place and importance of geographical research in preparation for dissertation study and fieldwork modules and identifies links between geographical research and employability.
70% Remotely delivered assessments
30% Practicals
GEES2107
Principles and Applications of Geography 2
20 credits
Students learn about, practise and critically reflect upon different research methods and techniques in the production of geographical knowledge. The module refines students’ awareness of the place and importance of geographical research in preparation for dissertation study and fieldwork modules, and its links to employability. Tutorials are provided for additional, small group discussion of issues arising.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
GEES2109
Fieldwork in Geography
20 credits
This module enhances students' knowledge and understanding of geographical patterns and processes in the field environment, using appropriate research techniques. Parallel fieldtrips are run to overseas destinations, to a comparable academic format.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
Optional modules
GEES2101
Nature, Country and Society
20 credits
During the module you will explore the relationship of human societies to nature and the country. You will examine different cultural understandings of nature and rurality and how these impact the ways in which different cultures approach environmental problems. We will consider how the countryside is changing and the implications of these changes for people and nature. The module will be rich in case studies but will also ask you to think about your own lives in relation to the ideas we will be discussing.
100% Coursework
GEES2102
Transport, Travel and Mobilities
20 credits
We establish a framework for investigating how and why people move, and why this is important. After focusing on the politics and policy of mobility, we consider people’s everyday mobilities (such as walking, cycling and commuting) and uses of travel time, socialities and embodied encounters. We look at the mobility of specific groups, in particular domestic and international students, within their everyday communities.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GEES2103
Urban Planning, Design and Security
20 credits
Planning, design and security increasingly play a crucial part in developing and managing relationships between people and the built environment and in shaping the geographies of urban places. This module provides a critical understanding of the evolution and operation of urban planning, design and security across a range of global contexts.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GEES2104
Quaternary to Anthropocene
20 credits
The Earth has undergone significant and fundamental changes during our current interglacial period (the last ~12,000 years), to the point of a new Geological epoch being suggested: the Anthropocene. This module focusses on deepening students’ understanding of how our planet has moved from one that was nature-dominated to the current culture-dominated environment we inhabit, at both local, continental and global scales.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
GEES2105
Catchment and River Processes
20 credits
Practically all human-environment interactions take place within river catchments and the coastal zone. To address key environmental challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change and sustainable resource management, we need to understand how these integrated systems function. This module provides the process knowledge required to contribute to global and local debates, and includes field and laboratory work.
100% Coursework
GEES2108
Geographical Information Systems
20 credits
Module provides grounding in theory and practical techniques of GIS. Lectures are on theory, methods and spatial literacy. Practical work covers stages of handling geospatial data, construction of GIS models and automation, provides exposure to a range of techniques in spatial analysis and visualisation, and gives context and experience to spatial literacy concepts. Knowledge and skills are developed in project work.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
GEES2305
Weather and Climate
20 credits
Understanding weather and climate is essential for developing in-depth knowledge on how climate is changing today and will change in the future. This module will develop intellectual and practical skills in critical analysis of weather and climate data. In addition, an examination of the scientific evidence for current and predicted effects of weather and climate will be addressed.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
Optional placement year
Choose an optional year working in industry to improve your knowledge of applied geography and gain invaluable work experience. Our employability service will help you find a placement from our extensive network across all sectors.
Core modules
GEES3000
Placement
0 credits
This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.
100% Coursework
Final year
Become the professional you were meant to be! In your final year, you now take control of your learning journey. You follow your instincts and become the expert in a particular topic area that has ignited your interest. Produce a book; a piece of evidence-led research that allows you to show off your skills in analysis and communication. Cradled around this centrepiece of excellence, you enhance your training with deeper and truly degree-level experiences in an open choice of option topics, taught by the specialists in those areas. See the list below for where this journey will take you.
Core modules
GEES3108
Dissertation in Geography
40 credits
Students undertake a major piece of independent, investigative research into a geographical issue of their choice and report on this in a dissertation of ca.12,000 words. The report should establish the wider academic context for the investigation and demonstrate originality and the effective application of intellectual, subject-specific and key skills.
100% Coursework
Optional modules
GEES3001
Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity for students to experience professional practice in environmental management and sustainability. Students will undertake a minimum of 100 hours service with a professional organisation (private, public or third sector). You will investigate the organisation's practice in environmental management and sustainability and further develop professional attitudes and behaviours.
70% Coursework
30% Practicals
GEES3002
Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential
20 credits
Students embark on novel exploration of critical, real-world challenges in a field context. After exploring key themes, they collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle a core issue through a research project of their own creation. This hands-on experience will sharpen existing expertise and develop transdisciplinary skills, preparing them to face career challenges beyond university with confidence and innovation.
100% Coursework
GEES3101
Sustainable Cities
20 credits
The aim of the module is to explore the challenges of sustainable urban growth in contemporary cities, in the UK and internationally. A key focus is understanding how spatial planning and urban governance can tackle sustainable development and climate change challenges in an increasingly urban world. Using geographical concepts, these issues will be explored through case studies and good practice from a range of cities.
100% Coursework
GEES3102
Citizenship, Territory and War
20 credits
As Brexit, climate-change protests and national independence movements demonstrate, politics and geography matter. Using contemporary case studies, this module explores the geographies of citizenship, territory and war. We identify and discuss varied forms of spatial governance, from local to national, maritime to global, as well as exploring contemporary processes and ideologies that challenge these forms.
100% Coursework
GEES3103
Living Landscapes
20 credits
This module introduces students to the geographic study of landscape. The module considers everyday practices of living in landscapes in terms of the construction of identity, memory, and power; how such landscapes come to be portrayed through a variety of media, including film, literature, and music. The module expands students’ understanding of the forms that landscapes can take and the complexity of living therein.
100% Coursework
GEES3104
Environmental Politics and Governance
20 credits
This module explores the main concepts and forces shaping environmental politics and governance. It examines how science, ethics, interests and power influence environmental debate and decision-making, using case studies of climate change, energy, deforestation, air pollution, marine protection and Antarctica to interrogate how governments and other actors have strived to address global to local environmental challenges.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
GEES3105
Dryland Change
20 credits
Drylands comprise 47% of the world’s land surface and are home to > 2 billion people. They are highly susceptible to environmental change (human, climate, tectonic), and preserve archives of that change over human to Quaternary timescales. This module builds expertise in reading the geomorphological record of drylands (process and landform), and examines the challenges of living sustainably with these dynamic landscapes.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
GEES3106
Long-term Environmental Change
20 credits
Society is dependent on the environment for sustaining life as we currently know it. This module takes a series of environmental challenges and places them in a long-term perspective to place current disruptions in a longer-term context. The module focusses on how we can learn lessons from the past to manage our current and future environment.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GEES3107
Contemporary Arctic and Alpine Challenges
20 credits
High latitudes and altitudes are warming faster than many other regions of the world. This module takes a contemporary, and forward looking, perspective on the grand challenges that impact the resilience of these landscapes and societies in present and future climates and their associated hazards. Students will learn practical skills to quantify environmental pressures and critically evaluate mitigation strategies.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
GEES3109
Big Data & Spatial Analytics
20 credits
This module provides an overview of advanced spatial analysis concepts and facilitates practice of data processing and management skills. Data manipulation through programming is introduced and the concept of big data is presented. Themes and practice around the acquisition, processing, analysis, visualisation and application of big data are explored, drawing on examples from across the natural and social sciences.
100% Coursework
GEES3310
Climate Change Action
20 credits
The module introduces climate change adaptation and mitigation. Biotic and technological mitigation will be explored and evaluated in the context of different geographical settings.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
We offer a suite of geography courses allowing you to choose your specialist field.
We also offer
Geography with Foundation Year
The differences between BA and BSc Geography
Geography explores the relationships between people, places and the environment, focusing on contemporary global challenges such as sustainability and climate change.
Our BA (Hons) Geography focuses on human geography and the impacts of people on societies, mobilities and environmental governance. The BSc (Hons) Geography degree uses predominantly scientific techniques to explore the natural world.
Our degrees are flexible, allowing you to move between BA and BSc pathways through our choice of human and physical geography modules.
-
![Royal Geographical Society with IBG accreditation logo]( "Royal Geographical Society with IBG")
Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers (IBG).
This BSc (Hons) Geography degree has been independently evaluated for its quality and the skills provided to graduates.
Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers (IBG).
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Why study Geography at Plymouth?
Follow your passion and curiosity about the world to gain knowledge and skills from world-leading researchers in their field, in a student-centred and supportive environment in the stunning ‘natural laboratory’ of South West England.
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We believe you learn best from direct experience of the world's natural and cultural environments, and that's why we offer a fieldwork programme that enables you to gain experience of hands-on research, investigating critical contemporary social and environmental issues in a wide variety of environments.
From local study trips in and around Plymouth, Dartmoor and the Tamar Valley to fascinating destinations around the world - previous trips have included Australia, Iceland and the Pacific Northwest of the USA - fieldtrips help you to develop skills, confidence and expertise in geographical research methods.
Anne Mather
Frontiers in fieldwork
In your final year you have the opportunity to embark on a novel international field trip to explore real-world challenges working with professional scientists and local communities.
For the academic year 2025/2026, fieldwork will be based in Namibia, South West Africa, working with scientists from the Gobabeb Research Institute and local communities. The fieldtrip, focused on issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals, will take place in the spring of 2026.
There were many highlights. Travelling away for the first year was the first time I'd felt challenged as a geographer. The legendary trip to Iceland. And the camaraderie that developed with the academic staff and technical team.
Simon, BSc (Hons) Geography graduate
Facilities to support your learning
As a Plymouth geographer, you will have access to a range of
cutting-edge resources and facilities
to support your learning in the field and in the laboratory.
You might find yourself identifying microfossils, pollen and other materials, such as microplastics in our 5G interactive microscope laboratory; analysing a wide range of digital data, using a variety of specialist software programmes; or developing skills in remote sensing and Geographical Information Science (GIS).
Our exchange programme gives you the opportunity to study in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA and other locations abroad.
"The independence and confidence gained from the exchange was very beneficial. Not many 19-year-olds travel 4,500 miles independently and live in a foreign country for four months."
Alice Tustain took part in an international exchange with Montana State University, USA.
Learn from experts
You will learn from expert, accessible, and supportive staff who are skilled researchers in their field
Our research is focused on environment-society interactions, environmental processes and change, and their governance through regulation, management policies and stakeholder involvement.
Individual staff engage with a wide range of other departments in universities and research institutes from around the world.
Professor Ian Bailey
Professor of Environmental Politics
Professor Will Blake
Professor of Catchment Science
Dr Tim Daley
Associate Professor of Physical Geography
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Enrich your studies – join the Geography Society
As one of Plymouth University's biggest non-sport societies, Geogsoc is open to everyone no matter what you are studying. By joining Geogsoc and attending our socials you will make friends and memories.
For our members studying Geography, this is also a great way to get to know your course mates outside the classroom as well as being the first to know about the geography related opportunities that we get offered
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Geography is such a diverse subject; it allows you to develop a variety of skills, whether it's out in the field or on a computer.
Amy Khan
BSc (Hons) Geography graduate, working as an environmental consultant specialising in land contamination and brownfield regeneration.
BSc (Hons) Geography graduate, working as an environmental consultant specialising in land contamination and brownfield regeneration.
Geographers’ wide range of skills in science and social science means they have a broad variety of career paths open to them. Studying geography develops your analytical and communication skills and your ability to evaluate data, all strengths that are in high demand in the graduate jobs market.
Many of our graduates work in areas such as environmental consultancy, flood risk, environmental planning, geospatial science, education, commerce, transport and the public sectors. Geography students tend to be open-minded and interested in the world around them, qualities which are attractive to employers and an advantage if working for an international organisation. You'll also have many transferable skills, attracting employers from the business, law and finance sectors.
Approximately 70% of graduate employers do not specify that you must have studied a particular subject to work for them but value highly skills such as strategic planning, resilience under pressure, creative problem-solving and commercial awareness, just some of the key skills you can develop during your course. You could use your degree to access work in a multitude of sectors or industries.
Where will your work placement take you...?
Whether embarking on our final year work-based learning option or taking advantage of a full placement year, working with an employer will provide you with the chance to develop skills and refine your career ambitions. Placements take place all over the UK and indeed the world and employers have included:
Environment Agency
Dartmoor Zoo
Royal Geographical Society
UK Hydrographic Office
Fugro
Amey
Dartmoor Zoo
Royal Geographical Society
UK Hydrographic Office
Fugro
Amey
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
£18,650 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,850
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,385
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to field-based activities or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Secure your place this September
Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
104 - 112 UCAS points
104 - 112 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
Mathematics and English language grade C.
A levels
104 - 112 points from a minimum of two A levels.
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM. We welcome this qualification however please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, stating explicitly the full list of modules within your qualification.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (e.g. science, humanities,combined), (including GCSE English and Mathematics grade C /4 or above or equivalent) with at least 33 credits at merit.
T level
Merit in any subject.
International Baccalaureate
26-27 overall. English and mathematics must be included.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
F800
F800
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
BSc (Hons) Geography with Foundation Year
Don't have the traditional entry requirements to start a degree? Get a solid grounding in the disciplines underpinning geography through an additional foundation year.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
104 - 112 UCAS points
104 - 112 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
F800
F800
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.