Ranking
12th
in the UK for Geography
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Course overview
Finish with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and tackle the world’s biggest challenges such as climate change and urbanisation, explore diverse environments in exciting international locations, and help shape a sustainable future. Gain practical fieldwork experience and build skills that are highly valued by employers. Prepare for careers in areas such as sustainability, consulting, and public policy, with a degree that gives you the tools to drive positive change in the world.
Study one of our Geography undergraduate degrees at the University of Birmingham
Two of our students, Isobel Reidy and Caitlin Airey, talk about why they chose to study Geography at Birmingham, and what they love most about it
All the lecturers are eager to support you. The university encourages and supports new ways of thinking and research within your final year research project.
Join our three-year programme consisting of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
Year 1
Year 1
In year 1, you will gain foundational knowledge on planetary development and challenges. Develop essential skills in areas such as geographical information systems (GIS), statistics, and research methodologies. Gain experience using Birmingham as a real-world laboratory, and through an international field trip.
Year 2
Year 2
In year 2, you will deepen your knowledge of critical environmental issues. These modules allow you to tailor your studies around the scientific aspects of geography that interest you most.
Year 3
Year 3
In year 3, you will explore advanced human geography topics like urban change, migration, and development. You’ll conduct independent research for your dissertation, take specialised modules, and engage in fieldwork. There’s also the option to develop advanced fieldwork skills and conduct research in Tokyo.
Why Study Geography at Birmingham?
- 12th
in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science
Complete University Guide 2026
- Top 150
In the World for Geography
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- 3rd
Students on this course rank the course 3rd in the Russell Group
NSS 2025
- A flexible programme – in an interconnected world where natural and social environments overlap, it is important that you can choose modules across both human and physical geography to explore your subject area in detail. You’ll have a mixture of interests as a geographer and at Birmingham, you’ll have opportunity to explore them all.
- Fieldwork – There's no better way to learn about natural and built environments than being in the great outdoors. Our fieldwork spans cities such as Rotterdam, Berlin, Lisbon and Tokyo, and exceptional landscapes in the Swiss Alps. Travel and accommodation for compulsory courses are fully covered so you can focus on the opportunities afforded to you with a variety of global experiences, led by experts in air pollution, weather, and global issues.
- Skills fit for the future – learn how to use tools specific to Geography like geographical information systems (GIS), data analysis and statistics, as well as key transferable skills that employers are looking for worldwide, such as problem-solving, communication, leadership and adaptability.
- Accreditation – This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), which recognises best practice in geography teaching and learning.
- Ranked 15th in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science according to the Times League Table 2026.
- Ranked 28th in the UK for Geography according to the Guardian Subject Rankings 2026.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Placement Years
We offer a placement year as part of your degree programme at Birmingham, offering year-long work experience with an external organisation. Gain valuable skills and experience in sectors related to or outside your discipline. Past placements include consultancies, finance, charities, travel companies, and food manufacturers. You can decide on this option after joining us, with support from our teams on campus. The placement takes place between your second and third year.
Course delivery
Your Geography degree includes a mix of study modes including lectures, interactive tutorials, seminars, labs, and field trips. In your final year, you will specialise in either human or physical geography, diving deeper into what interests you most.
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
- Fieldwork – Past destinations have included Rotterdam, Berlin, Lisbon, Wales, Switzerland and Tokyo. You can also gain fieldwork experience through final-year research projects, locally or overseas. Past trips have included the French Pyrenees, Iceland, Sweden, and the Swiss Alps. Participate in impactful conservation projects with Operation Wallacea, an environmental research and conservation organisation.
- Taught modules – Our research feeds into all of our teaching, including lectures, small group tutorials, group learning and presentations.
- Resources and facilities – Our unique facilities include BIFoR, a forest facility in Stafford dedicated to climate change research, and our state-of-the-art Collaborative Teaching Lab (CTL) with wet, dry, and e-labs that support the latest methods in laboratory teaching across science subjects.
Support during your studies
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:
Personal academic tutors – You will be assigned your own personal academic tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
Wellbeing Officers – Alongside your personal academic tutor, you will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues.
Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career.
Contact hours
For this programme, you can expect 10-14 hours of classes weekly in years one and two, and 6-9 hours in the final year.
Assessment methods and feedback
Geography uses a variety of methods to assess student performance, including exams, essays and dissertations. At the beginning of each module, you'll be given information on how and when you'll be assessed for that particular area of study.
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Geography offers flexibility and choice, ensuring you develop essential skills with a solid scientific foundation. It includes core modules for all students and optional modules to focus on your specific interests.
Year 1
Year 1
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Applied GIS and Data Science | 20 | Full Term |
| LC Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Fieldwork: Principles and Practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Grand Challenges for the 21st Century | 20 | Full Term |
| LC Research Design for Geographers and Planners | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Societies, Space and Place | 20 | Semester 1 |
Year 2
Year 2
Students must take one from each of the following pairs of modules:
Option 1:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LI Dissertation Labs for Human Geography and Planning | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Dissertation Labs: theory and practice for Physical Geography and Environmental Science | 20 | Semester 2 |
Option 2:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LI Field Research Skills for Human Geography and Planning | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Field Research Skills for Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences | 20 | Semester 2 |
Choose 80 credits from the following: NB: It should be noted that some modules have prohibited combinations due to timetabling restrictions. Students must refer to the Module Choice Handbook published by the School when making their module choices.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LI Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Cultural Geographies | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Development Geographies | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Digital data capture and analysis | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Ecological Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Environmental Human Geography | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Environmental Pollution and Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Geological Natural Hazards | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Hydroclimatology: Climate and Water | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Hydrology and River Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Political Geographies | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Social Geographies | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Urban Geography | 20 | Semester 1 |
Final Year
Final Year
Students must choose ONE of the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LH Human Geography or Planning Research | 40 | Full Term |
| LH Physical Geography Research | 40 | Full Term |
Choose 80 credits from the list below. NB: It should be noted that some modules have prohibited combinations due to timetabling restrictions. Students must refer to the Module Choice Handbook published by the School when making their module choices.
Teaching staff
Professor Phil Jones
Professor in Cultural Geography
Professor Phil Jones explores urban issues through cultural geography, with interests in regeneration, cycling, the arts, and innovative research methods.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
AAB
- IB
6,6,5 32 points overall.
- BTEC
We welcome students studying BTEC qualifications as an alternative to A levels, and accept BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate. Please contact us for further guidance.
Number of A levels required: 3
-
General Studies
General Studies is not accepted, but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer.
-
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall.
BTEC qualifications
We welcome students studying BTEC qualifications as an alternative to A levels, and accept BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate. Please contact us for further guidance.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBB - A Level
- Contextual Offer
ABB - A Level
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
What careers can I do with a Geography degree?
Many graduates go into research, conservation, or even international organisations. You could work in sustainability, urban planning, environmental consulting, or policy-making.
As a Birmingham Geography graduate you will have the skills and knowledge for a wide range of careers and this is reflected in our excellent graduate employment. Geography graduates are particularly valued for their understanding of both the physical and social sciences and our programme provides you with the opportunity to develop these through our subject pathways and fieldwork.
Graduates from this programme have gone on to work for organisations including:
• Arup
• University of Birmingham
• Knight Frank
• Environment Agency
• JLL
• Savills
• Jacobs
• EY
• CBRE
• KPMG UK
• National Grid
• Atkins
• Department for Transport
• Severn Trent
• WSP in the UK
Their job roles include:
• Director
• Project Manager
• Senior Planner
• Associate
• Managing Director
• Consultant
• Planning Officer
• Graduate Surveyor
• Senior Consultant
• Sustainability Consultant
• Data Analyst
• Environmental Advisor
• Graduate Planner
• Graduate Transport Planner
• Researcher
• Head of Geography
My studies have helped me realise what areas of my course, and of general society, bring me the most interest. As my course covers a variety of subjects, this has helped me narrow my focus down into a field I feel comfortable in.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2025, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.