A geography degree is perfect for an international student interested in learning more about how the world works. Geography courses are designed with a real-world focus to ensure students are ideally placed to address contemporary social, economic and environmental issues.
Your learning will be delivered by enthusiastic and experienced staff passionate about their specialist subjects and comes in the form of lectures, seminars, and individual tutorials within state-of-the-art laboratories and virtual reality theatres. Almost all Geography degrees in the UK also offer field trips and placements to locations worldwide at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
If you wish to begin your UCAS application to study geography in the UK or have more questions, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Top Ten UK Universities for Geography
Learn more about the top ten universities in the UK for the study of geography below (Guardian University Guide 2024).
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford has the oldest Geography department in the UK, and international students will study human and physical geography in the first year, followed by chosen specialisations in the second year. State-of-the-art facilities include the Geography Research and Teaching Laboratories and the Oxford Luminescence Dating Laboratory. Part of Oxbridge, Oxford is also ranked third in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
- Suggested course: BA Geography
- Entry requirements: IB diploma - 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL. A-level - A*AA.
- International fee: £43,670
2. London School of Economics
The BA Geography course at the London School of Economics and Political Science will see students study diverse and specialised pathways in human geography, economic geography and environment, with an international field trip taking place in the 2nd year. The QS World Rankings by Subject 2023 placed Geography at LSE second in the world.
- Suggested course: BA Geography
- Entry requirements: IB diploma - 38 points overall, including 766 at higher level. A-level: AAA.
- International fee: £26,184
3. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge has one of the world's foremost geography departments. Cambridge geography graduates have gone on to careers as environmental and transport consultants, surveyors, cartographers, and architects after studying modules that include human geography, physical geography, and economic and political geography. The University of Cambridge is 2nd in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and has a history dating back to 1209.
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Geography
- Entry requirements: IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level. A Level: A*AA.
- International fee: £33,672
4. University of St Andrews
Geography at the University of St Andrews is ranked fourth in the UK, and the best in Scotland, and its Geography BSc and Geography MA programmes can be taken with another subject as part of a joint degree. Geography at St Andrews will prepare you to research complex societal and environmental projects for the benefit of all.
The University of St Andrews was founded in 1413, the third oldest in the English-speaking world, and many international students choose to study in Scotland because of its historical universities and beautiful landscapes.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Geography
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 38 (HL 6,6,6). A-level: AAA.
- International fee: £30,160
5. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers a Master of Arts (MA) Geography program, allowing students to get acquainted with human geography and address contemporary societal challenges. Students gain insights into the intricate relationships between individuals and their surroundings by exploring public health, urban justice, and climate emergency.
The flexible degree empowers students to tailor their studies to personal interests. With a 15th global ranking in QS World University Rankings 2023, students enjoy extensive facilities and access to valuable research and industry networks.
- Suggested course: MA Geography
- Entry requirements: A Levels: AAA - ABB. IB diploma: 37 points with 666 at HL and 32 with 555 at HL.
- International fee: £34,800
6. University of Southampton
The University of Southampton offers an engaging geography degree with a mix of core, compulsory, and optional modules. Students can tailor their studies by choosing from disciplines like sociology, politics, or modern languages. The program emphasises hands-on experience, with a research project involving fieldwork or documentary research, providing real-world insights.
The curriculum covers diverse topics, including 'Dangerous Worlds,' understanding climate change and resilience. Advanced options in the third year introduce you to cutting-edge issues, with opportunities for overseas field trips.
- Suggested course: Bachelor of Arts in Geography
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: Pass, with minimum 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level.
- International fee: £27,400
7. Loughborough University
The University of Southampton's BSc Geography degree offers a well-rounded physical and human geography foundation in the first year. Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society, the program allows students to specialise in physical geography or maintain a balance with human geography in subsequent years.
Focusing on practical skills and knowledge, the curriculum covers diverse topics such as economic and political geography, GIS, environmental hazards, and globalisation. The third year includes a compulsory dissertation and a range of intriguing optional modules, providing a comprehensive and accredited geography education.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Geography
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 35 (6,6,5 HL)
- International fee: £28,600
8. Lancaster University
Lancaster University's Geography program uniquely combines social and natural sciences, exploring Earth's landscapes, species, and places. Located between the serene north and vibrant cities like Liverpool and Manchester, the university offers diverse field trip opportunities, from the Yorkshire Dales to international locations like Croatia and Switzerland.
The curriculum promotes a solid human, physical, and environmental geography foundation, with specialisation starting in the second year. The third year includes a dissertation project, fieldwork, and optional modules, enhancing students' analytical, research, and employability skills.
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Geography
- Entry requirements: International Baccalaureate 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects, including Geography or alternative cognate subject at HL grade 6.
- International fee: £28,675
9. University of Sheffield
Studying geography at the University of Sheffield is an immersive experience in understanding global challenges like climate crises and environmental pollution. This four-year MGeogSci course, accredited by the Royal Geographical Society, integrates field-based learning, independent research, and technical training.
The curriculum covers geospatial techniques, computer programming, and satellite observations. In the fourth year, students engage in advanced research projects, benefitting from a network of academics and gaining skills for careers in research, sustainability, meteorology, and more.
- Suggested course: Geography MGeogSci
- Entry requirements: A Levels + additional qualifications AAB + B in the EPQ; AAB + B in Core Maths. International Baccalaureate 36.
- International fee: £25,540
10. Keele University
The Royal Geographical Society accredits Keele University’s geography programme. Based on a 600-acre campus, the program emphasises hands-on learning in a fantastic natural environment for fieldwork. With study abroad and work placement options, students explore diverse human and physical geography topics.
The curriculum fosters essential skills such as fieldwork, research ethics, programming, and statistics. In the final year, students shape their degree with a creative geography project, delving into topics like urban spaces, play for young adults, and the impact of drinking places on crime rates.
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Geography
- Entry requirements: BBB in three A Levels.
- International fee: £20,700
Study Geography in the UK
If you want to learn more about studying geography in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need to study geography in the UK?
To study geography in the UK, you typically need an A-level or their equivalent in related subjects. Entry requirements vary, but many universities look for strong grades in subjects like geography, environmental science, or related fields.
Which universities in the UK have the highest acceptance rate for geography?
Universities like Keele, Sheffield, or Southampton are among the institutes with potentially higher acceptance rates.
How can I get a full scholarship to study geography in the UK?
Getting a full scholarship for geography in the UK is not very common. You can contact universities, government programs, and private organisations for scholarship opportunities. Requirements often include academic excellence and sometimes extracurricular achievements.
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