BSc (Hons) Geography with a Placement Year

Course Overview

Delve into an exploration of the dynamic and ever-changing world we live in – from volcanoes and earthquakes to climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

Our BSc Geography degree with a Placement Year covers both physical and human geography, focusing on the interactions between the natural environment and human society. You’ll have the opportunity to gain invaluable real-world industry experience to give your career a head start.

At UEA, you’ll learn specialist theory in areas such as earth surface processes, meteorology, hydrology, population ecology and environmental economics. You’ll learn from world-leading researchers, and develop your skills across a range of specialisms – from geographical information systems to environmental policymaking, biogeography, international development, climate change, energy transitions and natural hazards. You’ll also take part in exciting national and international fieldwork trips to places such as Devon, Scotland, the Lake District and Spain.

With lots of flexibility in module choice, you’ll learn key geographical concepts and explore today’s global environmental challenges, studying how our dynamic planet works. You’ll take part in seminars and team projects with other students, developing specialist analysis skills, and mastering geographical software. You’ll develop highly valued transferable skills, including critical thinking, data analysis, fieldwork, spatial visualisation, science communication, and social theories of change.

Choice is at the heart of our BSc Geography degree. In classrooms, and on field courses, you'll develop a broad understanding of geographical issues, theories and how to apply them. In year one, you'll learn about the most pressing geographical, environmental and sustainability problems, whilst in years two and four, you'll choose from a range of specialisms including climate science, environmental policy, Earth resources, river catchment management, urban geography, biodiversity conservation, energy systems and environmental economics. You’ll enhance your studies and employability by spending year three on an industrial work placement, giving you hands-on experience.

Most importantly, you’ll graduate with the skills to make a difference. The ability to work across the social, human and physical sciences is in high demand in both private and public sector graduate jobs, where you'll be able to provide real-world solutions to today’s challenges. Check out Nikil’s story, who is now working as a Policy Officer for DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs), having graduated with a BSc in Geography from UEA.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.

You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.

English and Mathematics

All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.

We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.

Typical International Entry Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

A levels

ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.

Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall including HL5 in either Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

INTO UEA

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

• IELTS:  6.0  overall (minimum  5.5  in all components) 

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Recent Study

We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.

Employability

Employability is embedded in our modules, helping you develop your career aspirations and skills throughout your course. We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service to help you meet employers (including alumni), explore career options, speak to industry mentors, and apply for internships, volunteering, and rewarding graduate jobs.

As a Geography graduate, you could go on to a very wide range of careers, joining our previous graduates, who enjoy a high rate of employment. You could work for national and international agencies, private sector or governments in the areas of environmental and resource management, climate change, economic and social development, planning, or policy making.

Right now, there’s high demand for graduates to work in climate change, energy systems, and land or water resource management. Or you might choose to pursue a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

• Sustainability officer
• Environmental consultant
• Waste and recycling manager
• GIS technician
• Cartographer
• Transport planner

Discover more on our Careers webpages.