Geography

UCAS code: F840

Here's what Birkbeck, University of London says about its Geography course.

Our BSc Geography gives you the skills and knowledge to understand our changing physical and social environment and how this impacts our contemporary world's challenges. Led by leading researchers in the field, this geography degree will help you discover the multiple connections between space, place, human culture and physical landscapes in which we live, addressing issues such as climate change, the causes and impact of inequalities, and how we live together in an increasingly urban world.

Why choose this course?

• Our geography teaching is research-led, offering you a complete grounding in human, environmental and physical geography, as well as developing your skills using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

• We offer several field trips to offer you hands-on experience exploring a variety of themes in human and physical geography.

• You will study in a supportive learning environment with classmates, some of whom are already working in relevant sectors and are keen to share their experience and expertise.

What you will learn

You will learn key geographical skills in your first year and then tailor your degree to your interests and career goals, by drawing from a range of option modules in the fields of human, physical and environmental geography, GIS and international development.

You will acquire knowledge, practical skills, and research and project management experience, all of which will enhance your employability.

How you will learn

This BSc Geography combines classroom-based activities in seminars and workshops, with online learning, computer practicals and field teaching. We also offer online pre-recorded lectures to complement our on-campus classes in many of our modules.

You can choose to study the BSc Geography either full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

• Our geography teaching is research-led, offering a complete grounding in human, environmental, GIS and physical geography, as well as a wide range of option modules that let you tailor your degree to your interests.

• Our geography specialists are actively involved in the Birkbeck Centre for Environment and Sustainability, and host annual events you can attend such as the Birkbeck Climate Festival.

• You will develop the social and technical skills you need for both academic research and the workplace, including data collection and analysis, and GIS.

• Our campus in London offers students the chance to explore one of the world’s great multicultural cities, and access to world-class libraries and institutions like the British Museum and the British Library.

• We are proud of our vibrant research culture, powered by a shared passion for learning and intellectual engagement among our academics and students. We have a strong commitment to social justice, which is demonstrated in much of our research.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this BSc Geography, you will have attained an array of important transferable skills, including:

• effective workload management skills

• critical-thinking skills

• written and oral presentation skills

• hands-on experience with GIS

• project management and reporting skills.

Some graduates are now employed at organisations such as the Marine Management Organisation and Electricité de France.

Studying this course will prepare you for a career in fields such as:

• the corporate sector

• local and national government

• planning and policy-making

• the environmental sector

• education

• development.

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Most modules are assessed by a combination of unseen examinations and coursework.

The final-year independent literature review or research project is assessed purely by project work.