Geography BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: F801

Discover the processes and changes in the Earth’s physical environment and understand the role humans play on our planet. You’ll travel for fieldwork, use industry-standard software and explore pressing environmental issues on our Geography BSc course.

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Overview

Course length:	3 years full-time 6 years part-time
Start dates:	September 2025 September 2026
Location:	Edge Hill University
Example offers:	BBC (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria
Subject(s):	Geography and Geology
Faculty:	Arts and Sciences
Department:	History, Geography and Social Sciences

A student consults a laptop which is recording the mass of a sieve that is being weighed on a balance in preparation for particle size analysis using automated equipment and software.

Examine geography from the perspective of the Earth’s physical environments, landscapes and environmental processes on our Geography BSc course. We’re first in the North West for teaching (The Guardian University Guide 2025 – Geography) – we’ll equip you to use your geographical knowledge to better understand the environmental and societal challenges we’re all facing.

UK and international fieldwork opportunities will broaden your horizons and inspire your research. You’ll visit destinations across Europe – which previously have included Tenerife, Mallorca and Cumbria. Plus, you’ll use the latest industry technology to gain experience in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. You can also tailor your degree to your interests, with the opportunity to select subject-specific and complementary modules.

We run tailored careers and employability activities to help you plan for life after completing your Geography BSc. After three years, you’ll have developed subject-specific and transferable skills useful in both the public and private sector. You might consider working in environmental management, remote sensing or environmental education.

We also have a Geography BA course available for students interested in Human Geography. You will have options to study modules from the BA course on the BSc degree.

An accredited degree

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

Course features

Fieldwork
International students can apply
Learn a language option available
Sandwich year option available
Studying abroad option available
Professional accreditation

What you'll study

Pick up skills in handling, analysing and communicating spatial and geographical data, and take part in fieldwork. Year 1 of Geography BSc introduces you to Physical and Human Geography, and a range of environmental issues. You’ll learn about the physical landscape of the Earth’s surface and its processes, and explore relationships between the environment, people and places. And you’ll develop skills in cartography, research and statistical analysis.

Compulsory modules:

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Two of:

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Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. The module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. The module accommodates varying language levels and you will be divided into groups accordingly. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of the language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.

Module code: TLC1010

Credits: 20

Assessment

85% Coursework

15% Practical

Design a research project with your peers and put this in practice in an international setting. By immersing yourself in digital geographies, you’ll discover how to interpret aerial and satellite images and learn remote sensing analysis. And you’ll gain knowledge in key Physical Geography themes such as geomorphology, biogeography, weather, climate and environmental change. Plus, there’s the chance to take on a work placement.

Compulsory modules:

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Three of:

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Biogeography examines spatial and temporal patterns of living organisms over the earth’s surface and highlights the fundamental processes and causal factors which determine these patterns. This includes themes such as climate, evolutionary history, continental drift, spatial area, isolation, succession and disturbance. Key themes such as biodiversity and the history and development of ecological communities through time run through the whole module. The module culminates in exploring the impacts of human mediated changes to organism distributions, particularly the effects of habitat fragmentation and invasive non-native species.

Module code: SCI2333

Credits: 20

Assessment

60% Exam

40% Coursework

Cultural Representations and the Media recognises that all media messages are representational constructions. The module enables you to gain a better understanding of the cultural and ideological constructions associated with representation. It also explores the politics of representation and systems of power. You will be asked to consider how to define representation, how representation functions within contemporary media and culture, and what role stereotypes play in the construction of reality and identity. You will analyse a series of key representational issues linked to themes such as gender, class, ethnicity, sexuality and national identity, to gain a better understanding of the cultural and ideological construction of, and politics associated with, representation. Studying cultural representations across a range of different media forms, you will gain the knowledge and understanding of various representational systems and theories in a variety of different contexts.

Module code: MED2328

Credits: 20

Assessment

70% Coursework

30% Practical

Geography of Risk introduces the concepts and approaches used in disaster management including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The module also provides knowledge and understanding of the theories and practices involved in Disaster Risk Reduction including vulnerability assessment and reduction, mitigation, risk assessment, analysis and emergency planning. The module will use a case study and scenario approach, considering the differences and similarities between disaster management approaches in developed and developing countries. We will also examine how the legacies of colonial and imperial geography may lead to risk creation.

Module code: GEO2258

Credits: 20

Assessment

60% Coursework

40% Exam

Landscape Dynamics develops your knowledge and understanding of geomorphology of the earth’s surface, examining a range of geomorphic processes and their resultant landforms. The module will focus in-depth on selected landscapes, such as those associated with fluvial, hillslope and periglacial environments, investigating in detail the geomorphic processes and landform characteristics of each. The dynamic nature of earth surface environments will be illustrated through lectures, practical classes and fieldwork.

Module code: GEO2255

Credits: 20

Assessment

50% Coursework

50% Exam

Language 2 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.

Module code: TLC2000

Credits: 20

Assessment

85% Coursework

15% Practical

Complete an independent research project and specialise in your final year of Geography BSc. You’ll cover topics such as river flooding and management, natural hazards, and environmental change. And learn how to apply GIS technologies. Human geography options are also available, covering social, cultural, development and political themes, or explore some of the complementary modules from across the University.

Compulsory modules:

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Four of:

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Activist Media addresses new forms of mediated grassroots protest movements and assesses their ability to use the Internet and new forms of online communication to develop their activist repertoires and spread their message. From the anti-corporate and ecological movements of the late 20th century, to contemporary animal rights and equality activists, these protest movements have used the potential of the networked world to develop often highly effective networks of people who are centred in the online and offline worlds. This module enables you to gain a systematic understanding of how old and new forms of activist media production inform the development of contemporary political and social movements. You will evaluate how effective these repertoires have been and directly apply the knowledge gained to your own creative media activism. This will involve producing an activist media campaign for a grassroots political organisation, pressure group or community level organisation. You will identify and sustain the key arguments and apply activist media techniques to advance the profile of the movement.

Module code: MED3293

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Practical

Critical Autism Studies adopts a critical approach to understanding autism and seeks to challenge the dominant medical model of neurological deficit. Rather than viewing autism as a cognitive development disability, you will be encouraged to consider it as a naturally occurring form of cognitive diversity. The module will examine the argument that autism has been constructed as a neurobiological deficit in a context of neurotypicality or cognitive normality. Understanding autism as neurodiversity opens up spaces for more positive interpretations of autistic people’s experiences, skills and identities. The module is underpinned and, in part, informed by, research by members of the programme team which is focused on areas of sexuality and autism and, specifically, what professionals and care workers should do when providing support for people whose intellectual disability or mental condition makes their consent – being informed, competent and free from coercion – legally unreliable.

Module code: SPY3144

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Flood Hazard and Management examines the processes involved in flood generation and their controls in the context of the catchment hydrological cycle. It considers the difficulties involved in accurately measuring hydrological variables, such as precipitation, and develops your skills in analysing and interpreting hydrological data. You will study flood hazard assessment techniques before considering approaches to flood management and assessing the effectiveness of the measures incorporated in flood management schemes.

Module code: GEO3252

Credits: 20

Assessment

50% Coursework

50% Exam

Language 3 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from the previous language module. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.

Module code: TLC3000

Credits: 20

Assessment

85% Coursework

15% Practical

Rivers: Past, Present and Future focuses on the dynamic nature of river systems. The current form and behaviour of a river channel and its floodplain is dependent on its past and, in particular, its response to past environmental changes including climate and land use change. Historical and recent management interventions within river channels have also had substantial effects on river form and behaviour. You will develop your understanding of the ways in which river systems have responded to environmental changes during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene and the impacts of river management measures on rivers and their floodplains. The module will also examine the implications of these impacts for the future of river systems in the context of changing climate and land use.

Module code: GEO3254

Credits: 20

Assessment

50% Coursework

50% Exam

Visualising Science is a field, laboratory and studio-based module that includes a series of workshops where you will learn to communicate and simplify complex scientific concepts using both traditional and modern techniques. Communication of complex concepts and evidence by scientists to non-specialist audiences is a fundamental need for society. Science communication is a fast-growing industry whose role is to take difficult scientific concepts and present them in a form that can be easily interpreted by non-experts. Jobs in this sector are commonly made up from those with scientific or media training. This module develops skills in the art and science of communicating science through visualisation. Covering three core areas of illustrations, microscope image modification, and film, you will gain skills in image manipulation such as colour tinting, image stacking and 3d modelling. You will also learn drawing techniques, how to use a camera, and gain experience of film editing and presentation. The module will culminate in eight practical sessions in documentary making techniques.

Module code: SCI3356

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

How you'll study

Teaching on the Geography BSc degree is through laboratory and workshop practical activities, lectures and seminars, directed independent study, dissertation supervision, tutorials and fieldwork. We place an emphasis on building your employment potential through the acquisition of subject-specific, key and career management skills, as well as the development of knowledge and understanding.

Fieldwork is one of the most beneficial and enjoyable aspects of our programme. Recent fieldwork locations include Cumbria, the Netherlands and Mallorca, as well as local sites.

How you'll be assessed

Methods of assessment display your knowledge and understanding and develop and demonstrate your competence in subject-specific and key skills. All modules are assessed by either coursework only or a mixture of coursework and examination. Coursework typically includes practical portfolios, essays, project reports, field notebooks, individual and group oral presentations and poster presentations.

Who will be teaching you

We have experienced and knowledgeable staff who take pride in the quality of their teaching. All staff are research active, which means that they keep up-to-date with current developments in their areas of interest and pass this knowledge on. We’re a friendly and approachable department where you won’t get lost in the crowd, and we will respond to your needs.

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.

Entry criteria

Typical offer 112 UCAS Tariff points, including Geography, Environmental Science or a related subject. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or Adult Numeracy at Level 2 or above, or equivalent, is also required.

Example offers

Qualification	Requirement
A Level	BBC.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)	Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level	Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply.
Access to Higher Education Diploma	45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

English language requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

Fair Entry Criteria

Our new Fair Entry Criteria is a Contextual Admissions Policy that takes an applicant’s personal and educational background into account. This policy will allow eligible applicants to receive up to a two-grade reduction in their entry requirements for this course. Find out more and see if you qualify.

For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements

UK EU International

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How to apply

Apply online through UCAS

Read our guide to applying through UCAS to find out more about the application process.

Apply as an international student

Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.

Part-time applications require a direct application to Edge Hill. Please select the year of entry that you wish to apply for.

Apply for September 2025 part-time.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Facilities

The department of History, Geography and Social Sciences is based in the Geosciences building. The contemporary facilities combine with a friendly and supportive learning environment to ensure that your studies are a rich and rewarding experience.

The Geosciences building features a large lecture theatre, small group teaching rooms, IT facilities and smaller tutorial spaces. There is also a large social area which encourages a more informal and interactive style of learning.

Where you'll study

Finance

Tuition fees

£9,535

a year

£79 per credit

for 360 credits

£17,000

a year

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Financial support

Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.

Money Matters

Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.

Money Matters

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Your future career

This Geography BSc degree gives you a range of skills useful to both private and public sector organisations. You can find our graduates working at:

the Environment Agency
JBA Consulting
Highways England
Natural England
United Utilities

They’ve got job titles like senior GIS analyst, graduate transport planner and air quality consultant.

Wondering where you could work? Organisations like United Utilities, the Environment Agency, DEFRA and OXFAM regularly recruit graduates with geoscience degrees.

Alternatively, you may want to look into postgraduate courses. After completing this degree, graduates have studied environment and climate change, conservation management, town planning, GIS and teaching.

Course changes

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Removed
GEO1055 Contemporary Geographical Research (20 CREDITS), GEO1054 Contemporary Geographical Skills (20 CREDITS), GEO1043 Introducing Human Geographies (20 CREDITS), GEO1045 Introducing Physical Geographies (20 CREDITS), GEO1046 Environmental Issues (20 CREDITS), GEO1044 Practising Human Geographies (20 CREDITS), GEO2080 Digital Geographies (20 CREDITS), GEO2073 Environmental Research in Practice (20 CREDITS), GEO2071 Research Methods for Physical Geography and Environmental Science (20 CREDITS), GEO2079 Biogeography (20 CREDITS), SPY2138 Cultural Analysis in a Global World (20 CREDITS), CRI2025 Gender, Sex and Violence (20 CREDITS), GEO2247 Geographies of Vulnerability, Risk and Hazard (20 CREDITS), GEO2075 Geomorphology (20 CREDITS), GEO2246 Political Geography (20 CREDITS), POL2003 Political Ideologies (20 CREDITS), GEO2074 Retail and Consumption Geographies (20 CREDITS), SPY2136 States, Conflict and Political Violence (20 CREDITS), GEO2245 Sustainable Urban Futures (20 CREDITS), GEO2078 Urban and Rural Geographies (20 CREDITS), CRI2220 Violence and Society (20 CREDITS), GEO2077 Weather, Climate and Soils (20 CREDITS), GEO2081 Work-based learning for Geography, Environmental and Geological Science (20 CREDITS), GEO3081 Dissertation in Physical Geography (40 CREDITS), GEO3071 Natural Hazards (20 CREDITS), GEO3073 Environmental Change (20 CREDITS), GEO3074 Sport Geographies (20 CREDITS), GEO3075 Rivers and Coasts (20 CREDITS), GEO3076 Heritage Tourism (20 CREDITS), GEO3077 Wetlands (20 CREDITS), GEO3088 Environmental Hydrology and Flood Management (20 CREDITS), GEO3089 Applied Geographical Information Systems (20 CREDITS), GEO3102 Landscape Ecology (20 CREDITS), GEO3245 Critical Geographies of Modern Slavery (20 CREDITS), SPY3048 Critical Autism Studies (20 CREDITS), SPY3110 Critical Terrorism Studies (20 CREDITS), SPY3118 Childhood and Sexuality (20 CREDITS), SPY3122 Superdiversity and Community (20 CREDITS), SPY3125 Socio-Cultural Issues and Questions (20 CREDITS), SPY3130 Sociology of the Body and the Emotions (20 CREDITS)

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Geography BSc (Hons)