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Geography, BSc (Hons), University of Portsmouth

the United Kingdom

University of Portsmouth

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
BSc (Hons)Full-time, Sandwich3 - 4 yearsSeptemberGBP 0 per yearGBP 0 per year

About Geography, BSc (Hons) - at University of Portsmouth

Overview

If you’re interested in the physical nature, characteristics and environment of the world, you can couple your interest with professional skills on this BSc (Hons) Geography degree course, accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS).

You'll discover the ways in which our planet and its natural elements work, and graduate ready for a career in everything from environmental management to teaching and academic research.

Course highlights

  • Use high-powered tech in our laboratories, including laser survey technology, drones, GIS and photogrammetry equipment and our environmental simulation cabinet – a controlled lab area that simulates different environmental conditions
  • Tailor your final year to your own interests and career ambitions by choosing from a fully optional list of modules, including conservation biogeography, hazardscapes and weather science
  • Immerse yourself in some of the landscapes and societies you’re studying through fieldwork, including in places such as Berlin, Malta, Sicily and Uganda
  • Choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Canada, Poland, Spain or France, or build experience on a work placement at an organisation like the Environment Agency or Natural England

Careers and opportunities

On this BSc (Hons) Geography, you'll study physical geography, how the natural environment was formed, what threatens it and how we can protect it. You’ll deepen your understanding of the world and develop professional skills in areas such as communication, problem solving, decision making and teamwork.

Once you complete the course, you'll be ready for a career in a wide range of important fields and sectors, with technical and professional skills many employers are looking for. Our previous students have gone onto work in areas such as environmental management, business management, public services, teaching and research.

As the Royal Geographical Society state, 74.8% of geography graduates enter professional-level jobs after graduation, compared to an average of 60.8% for the social sciences in general.

It also notes data from the Department for Education that puts geography among the top subjects for graduate earnings.

BSc Geography or BA Geography?

Our BSc (Hons) Geography focuses on the science of the natural physical world, while BA (Hons) Geography is more to do with human geography – the ways in which communities, cultures and societies interact with the environment.

Whichever you choose, you'll study both types of geography in your first year, before picking modules on either (or both) in years 2 and 3.

Your module choices will determine whether you graduate with a BSc or a BA Geography, so it helps to know which area interests you most and suits your career aspirations better before choosing which degree to study.

What jobs can you do with a geography degree?

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

  • geographical information scientist
  • environmental monitoring technician 
  • spatial analyst
  • coastal process scientist
  • urban planner
  • transport planner
  • geospatial consultant
  • GIS cartographer
  • quantity surveyor
  • geography teacher

Graduate destinations

Organisations our graduates have gone on to work for include:

  • Balfour Beatty
  • Arcadis
  • IBM
  • Ordnance Survey
  • Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
  • Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) 
  • The Environment Agency
  • The National Trust
  • MoD Civil Service

You could also go on to study at postgraduate level.

Ongoing careers support

After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.

Placement year (optional)

Either before or following your third year, you can opt for a work placement year to gain valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.

You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas – some Geography students have chosen Australia, Spain or Malta for their placement year.

Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.

You'll also hear guest speakers from potential employers and get support from students who have returned from their placements.

Potential roles

Previous students have taken placement roles such as:

  • environmental scientist
  • research scientist
  • environmental assessment officer
  • surveyor
  • flood risk assessor
  • teacher

Potential destinations

They've completed placements at organisations including:

  • Atkins Global
  • Pfizer Research and Development
  • Hampshire Ecological Services
  • The Environment Agency
  • Natural England

Study abroad

You’ll also have the chance to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Canada, Poland, Spain or France, which is a fantastic opportunity to explore a new destination and experience the world as an international student.

Many of our students describe their time spent studying overseas as truly life-changing, as well as an excellent way to stand out to future employers.

Notes about fees for this course

https://www.port.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/undergraduate-fees-and-student-finance

Entry requirements

112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

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Related Information

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