Human Geography with Year Abroad BA (Hons)

Human geographers are crucial in addressing the many challenges societies across the world face today. Whether exploring individual experiences of food insecurity or collective responsibility for sustainable development, the course allows you to study the complex interactions between people, places and planet. And examine trends in human behaviour such as migration and economy.

You’ll draw on the experiences and research of expert leaders in the field – some have even helped recreate London life through the ages on BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are. You’ll think critically and creatively about the world we live in. Learn sought-after practical skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis. And develop knowledge of a wide range of contemporary issues.

Diverse opportunities

Studying in the vibrant heart of east London, you’ll join a thriving community of students and academics from over 35 countries. You’ll have the chance to develop real-world skills through fieldwork in the UK and other locations such as Malta, Belfast or Boston. And expand your learning through collaborations with London museums and art organisations.

Passionate about examining colonial lives and afterlives? Or keen to discover the secrets of grassroots social movement success? You’ll tailor your degree to your interests, with a wide range of optional modules exclusively on human geography topics to choose from. Then design your own research project in your final year with guidance from our experts.

A degree in human geography opens up endless options. You’ll have the skills you need for a career in social science research and consultancy, data analysis or risk management. However, you’ll also be a great match for roles with an economic and project management focus. With the 1:1 support of our careers team, your CV will be ready and dazzling in no time.

Many of our Human Geography graduates use their subject knowledge directly in business analysis, marketing, town or transport planning or geographical information systems (GIS). Others take their transferable skills into other careers, from risk analysis to management consultancy. 

Recent graduates have been hired by: 

• Allianz 
• Delta Capita 
• Norton Rose Fulbright LLP 
• Novartis 
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) 
• Savills 
• The Economist
• Wellcome Trust 

Discover what our recent students are doing after graduation and read more about their experiences on this course.  

Career support

Human Geography students benefit from dedicated careers support including lectures and tutorials on career choice, getting work experience and presenting degree skills to an employer at interview.

Find out more about how we have integrated careers support into all of degree programmes to help you to maximise your potential and achieve your ambitions. 

The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:

• specialist advice on choosing a career path
• support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
• feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
• interview coaching.

Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.