Ranking
12th
In the UK for Geography
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Course overview
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
What I most enjoy about my course is the variety of topics and boundaries it crosses, it’s so broad you can never get bored.
Join our four-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
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.
Why Study Geography at Birmingham?
- 12th
in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science
Complete University Guide 2025
- Top 75
for Geography
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 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.
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.
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 resrarch 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
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.
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.
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 Geography and Planning in the Field | 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 |
Teaching staff
Prof Phil Jones
Professor in Cultural Geography
Dr Phil Jones is a cultural geographer who focuses on issues related to the city. His work deals with a number of research areas including urban regeneration, cycling and the arts.
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.
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
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. 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.
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. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
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.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. 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. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
- £9,535
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
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 2025, 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.
- 29 January 2025
Application deadline for September 2025 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.
My coursework, dissertations and summer research project have all influenced my decisions regarding my future plans as well as helping me secure my job. Completing my studies helped me understand what industry I would like to go in to as a graduate whilst also providing me with the knowledge base and experience to aid me in securing my upcoming graduate role.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, 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.
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.