Explore our natural and human worlds – and the complex relationships between the two – with our BSc Geography (Human and Physical) degree.
Choose geography at the University of Reading
- Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24)
- The University is among the top ten UK universities for Environmental Sciences in world rankings (Reading is 9th out of the UK universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024, Environmental Sciences)
- Ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021)
- In 2023, the University of Reading was the first ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership
- 100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, responders from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science).
- The University of Reading has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
By combining your study of human and physical geographies, you can explore a hugely diverse range of topics. For example, you can examine:
- the differences and dynamics of political systems and cultures
- sustainable development of urban spaces
- the way the natural environment responds to – and recovers from – change.
This three-year course also offers you the chance to help address issues critical to our shared global future, including:
- climate change
- natural disasters
- social inequalities
- poverty.
At Reading, our geography research feeds directly into our teaching, so you’ll study current topics of interest in the field. You’ll also work with internationally renowned academics, whose projects investigate topics like neighbourhood regeneration, resilience and sustainability, food and consumerism in the media, and responses to epidemics in developing countries.
You will also have the flexibility to decide where to focus your attention as your degree progresses, so you can adapt the degree to suit your interests as they evolve.
Accreditation
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. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
