Geography BSc/MA/MA(SocSci)
Geography is the study of the surface of the Earth as the site of human living and working. It considers the variability in physical and human landscapes, along with the interrelationships binding them together. It is a dynamic, relevant and ever-changing subject at the heart of many local and global current issues, ranging widely from coastal management and environment hazards to migration, solidarity and urban geography. Through the geography you develop a number of key skills and experience such as qualitative and statistical data analysis and independent research which are attractive to a range of employers.
Our Honours programme is highly flexible and is a combination of core and optional courses. This allows you to tailor your option choices towards a wide range of potential careers.
- September start
- Session dates
- Geography BSc (Hons): F800 4 year degree
- Geography MA (Hons): L702 4 year degree
- Geography MA(SocSci) (Hons): L700 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
Geography can be studied as one of three different degrees in Arts, Science or Social Sciences. The Geography component of each degree is identical; the difference is additional subjects that can be taken in years 1 and 2.
Year 1
You will explore an equal balance of physical and human geography which are integrated through discussion of themes including a world of resources, a world of development, a world of changing environments, a shrinking world, a world of conflict and a world of interactions. Through studying these themes you will engage with key contemporary social, and environmental issues and develop an understanding of them. The lectures are supported by workshops and labs which support development of key study skills.
Year 2
In this year you will focus in more depth on key aspects of physical, human and environmental geography. You will engage with key debates relating to how to understand and engage with human and physical processes and the links between them. You will be trained in different methods relating to statistical methods, geographic information systems (GIS) and urban ecologies. These research skills are developed through the level 2 field class where you have the opportunity to apply your learning and engage with these skills in real world contexts.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2, to pursue your interests and ensure maximum flexibility: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will study both core and optional courses. A wide range of optional courses which are informed by cutting edge research and are taught by specialists in their fields complement the core courses., Courses which are currently being taught include Black Geographies, Coasts and Climate, Global Challenges and Urban Geography, The course on geographical education reflects the School’s commitment to questions of pedagogy. The flexibility of the degree allows you to build a programme around your particular interests. Some Environmental Geoscience optional courses may also be available to Geography students.
Year 3
In the third year the core courses help you to develop an understanding of different geographical approaches that are designed to support research methods for your dissertation and to help you develop independent research skills.
Core courses are related to advanced training methods such as data management, modelling, GIS, interviewing & interpretative methods and dissertation training. This training will ensure you have the relevant skills to develop your dissertation research. In the second half of the third year, you will start to develop the focus of your dissertation project and begin to plan your research.
Year 4
In the fourth year you will write and research your dissertation utilisiing the research training and support through the degree. You will be assigned a specialist advisor to support your dissertation who will have relevant expertise and will guide you through the exciting process of developing and designing your own research project. The Geography Beyond the Academy core course is informed by the ethos of engagement and social justice that informs the degree as a whole. On the course you will work in groups to develop projects based on fieldwork in and around Glasgow. The course supports the development and articulation of graduate attributes and communication strategies to engage with publics beyond the university.
Course details
Geography can be studied as one of three different degrees in Arts, Science or Social Sciences. The Geography component of each degree is identical; the difference is additional subjects that can be taken in years 1 and 2.
Arts students taking Geography in their first year should choose their additional courses from other Arts degree programmes.
Year 1
Core courses:
You will explore an equal balance of physical and human geography themes including a world of resources, an underdeveloped world, a world of changing environments, a shrinking world, and a changing biosphere in a changing environment.
Year 2
Core courses:
You will explore human and physical processes, examining environmental problems and their possible resolutions. You will be trained in statistical methods, geographical information systems (GIS) and laboratory analysis using a mixture of fieldwork and our own IT and physical geography laboratories.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2, to pursue your interests and ensure maximum flexibility; see Flexible degrees.
Year 3 and 4
Core courses:
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will study both core and optional courses. Core courses are related to advanced training methods such as data management, modelling, geographical information systems, interviewing and interpretative methods, dissertation training and development of key graduate attributes. A wide range of optional courses complement the core courses. These are informed by cutting edge research in human, physical and environmental geography and also reflect the School's expertise in relation to geographical education. They allow you to build a programme around your particular interests. Some Earth Science optional courses may also be available to Geography students.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Special Glasgow feature
If you intend to continue to Honours, you will attend a residential field course in year 2 to extend the field, laboratory and statistical skills introduced during the academic year. Our school is very conscious of our carbon footprint and we have made the choice to have this fieldtrip in an area that can be reached by public transport or coaches. When in the field, you will work in groups, collecting data and testing your ability to problem solve and communicate. These skills are further developed in year 3 in a field class oriented at developing the skills to support your dissertation-related project work.
Our international links
You will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities as part of your degree. This will not add any extra time to your studies. See Study abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Admissions guidance
Glasgow International College
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation certificates.
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Teacher
- Zero Carbon Living Advisor
- Carbon Neutral Islands Community Development Officer
- Civil Servant
- Development Finance Graduate Analyst
- Energy Management Officer
- Environmental Technician
- Flooding Officer
- GIS Data Technician
- Settlement Projects Support Officer.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Analysing human and physical processes independently, interpreting how environments, places and landscapes interact across scales.
- Critically evaluating geographical evidence using qualitative, quantitative, spatial and field methods to build robust arguments.
- Communicating geographical ideas clearly through essays, presentations, maps and data visualisations for varied audiences.
- Applying GIS, fieldwork, laboratory and social research techniques to investigate environmental and societal issues.
- Conducting independent geographical research by designing studies, generating data and presenting well‑reasoned interpretations.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers and the Institution of Environmental Sciences.
Degrees and UCAS codes
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Which degree should I choose for Geography?
Geography is offered as three different types of honours degrees: BSc, MA and MA (Soc). The Geography courses within these degrees are identical but the programme structure includes a selection of other subjects in years 1 and 2, which may vary according to the degree. There may be small differences in entry requirements between the degrees as well. This means that you should choose your degree according to the context in which you plan to study Geography and the subjects that you have studied previously. Here is some guidance.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
If you have a background in Science you may be particularly interested in the areas of the Geography degree that cover scientific topics, such as the role of data gathering and imaging techniques in studying the environment and how it is changing.
The first year comprises Geography and two other subjects, which are typically drawn from the sciences: often Earth Science, Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry or Archaeology. This is the most common choice of degree. Combined honours courses are also available such as Geography/Mathematics or Geography/Archaeology.
Master of Arts in Social Science (MA SocSci)
This option is intended for students who have a background in Social Sciences and are particularly interested in the areas of the Geography degree that investigate the economic, social or behavioural aspects of society.
An obvious subject to take alongside Geography in first year is Sociology and you might be interested in Economics as well. Indeed if you want to take a degree in Economics or Business with Geography, then the only route is via the MA SocSci. Other combined honours courses are also available such as Geography/ Sociology or Geography/Politics.
Master of Arts (MA)
This is a more specialised route with fewer course choice options, and is typically chosen by students with a background in English or Languages, who are particularly interested in the areas of the Geography degree that explore the geographical context of language, literature or philosophy.
The first year comprises Geography and two Arts courses, such as English or another language and Philosophy. Combined honours courses are also available such as Geography/Spanish or Geography/French.
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When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BSc (Hons)
MA (Hons)
MA(SocSci) (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Field trip costs
These are heavily subsided and students can expect to pay field trip costs of approximately £200 over the duration of a four-year honours degree.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
More information about this programme
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Geography & Environmental Science]
QS World University Rankings [Geography]
Complete University Guide [Geography & Environmental Science]
ShanghaiRanking's Global [Geography]
Times Higher Education World University Rankings [Social Sciences]
