MSci Geography with a Year Abroad

Course Overview

Our world is always changing – now more than ever. On our dynamic MSci in Human Geography with a Year Abroad degree, you’ll focus on the human impact of these changes.

Here at UEA, you’ll learn from world-leading researchers, and take part in exciting field trips to places like Devon, the Lake District and Spain. On this course, you’ll also spend 9 to 12 months studying abroad at one of our hand-picked partner institutions in North America, Australasia, or Europe. You’ll develop specialist analysis skills and master geographical information systems software. You’ll work with real-world experts and organisations and most importantly, you’ll graduate with the skills to make a difference.

With lots of flexibility in module choice, you can tailor your degree to suit your interests, exploring some of humanity’s most pressing problems, from climate change to biodiversity loss; from urbanisation to influencing public policy. You can choose your own degree focus, with specialisms including the environment, energy and society; political and economic geography; and cultural and historical geography.

You’ll develop highly valued transferable skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, fieldwork and spatial visualisation. You’ll also become skilled in writing policy briefs and the real-world application of social theories of change. Real-world learning is at the heart of our MSci in Human Geography degree. In classrooms, on field courses, and in meetings with professional companies, you'll develop a broad understanding of geographical issues, theories and ways to apply them. You’ll learn about the most pressing geographical, environmental and sustainability problems of our time.

After graduation, your ability to work across the social, human and physical sciences will be in high demand across private and public sector graduate jobs where you'll be able to provide real world solutions to today’s challenges. Check out Jessica’s story, who is now working as a Planner, 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

AAB including Geography, Geology, Maths, 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. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.

International Baccalaureate

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

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.

Employability

Our MSci Human Geography graduates go into a wide range of rewarding careers and have a high rate of employment. You could work for national and international agencies, in the private or public sector, 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 MA/MSc, or PhD. During your studies, you’ll meet potential employers during internships and at our annual Careers Fair, which attracts a wide range of employers interested in graduates with geographical skills.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

• Environmental consultant
• Planning officer
• Environmental analyst
• Renewable energy adviser
• Graduate sustainability consultant
• Graduate carbon management consultant

Discover more on our Careers webpages.