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Geography

Entry requirements


A level

A,A,B-A,B,B

AAB if no preferred subjects* are included ABB if one or more preferred subjects* are included *Geography, Biology, Psychology, Economics, Sociology, Environmental Science, Geology and Politics A Pass in science practical is required where relevant science A Levels are taken. General Studies is excluded for entry.

Access to HE Diploma

D:39,M:6

Typical Offers: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit or 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit in a preferred subject. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3,D3,M2

Typical offers : D3 D3 M2 or D3 M2 M2 if one or more preferred subjects* are included Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer , where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Extended Project

A

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, your offer will be: ABB and Grade A in the EPQ, if no preferred subjects are included or BBB and Grade A in the EPQ, if one or more preferred subjects are included.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

34

Typical offers : Pass with an overall minimum score of 34 points to include a minimum of 17 points at a higher level or Pass with an overall minimum score of 32 points to include a minimum of 16 points at a higher level if one or more preferred subjects* are included at Higher level. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2

Typical Offers: H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 or H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 if one or more preferred subjects are included. Plus English and Maths Ordinary Level O4 or higher. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)

DD

DD in BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level subject DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in a preferred A-Level subject.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)

DDD

DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DD

DD in BTEC National Diploma plus A in A-level subject or DD in BTEC National Diploma plus B in a preferred A-Level subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

D

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A A from 2 A-level subjects or D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AB from 2 A-level subjects including at least one preferred subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDD

DDD in the BTEC National Extended Diploma

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)

D

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A A from 2 A-level subjects or D in the Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from 2 A-level subjects including at least one preferred subject.

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

T Level

D

An overall distinction with grade A in the core element in the Science T-Level

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

B

AA from two A levels and Grade B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

UCAS Tariff

128-136

We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.

About this course


Course option

3years

Full-time | 2024

Subject

Physical geography

Geography offers an understanding of the processes that created our physical world.

On your three-year BSc Geography degree, you will study the natural and physical science aspects of geography and gain a better understanding of climate change; both in the past and how it might influence our world in the future. You will learn how to read a landscape and the processes that help to shape it. You will also gain an appreciation of our changing world as viewed from space and discover how to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to interrogate and analyse spatial data.

Your year two overseas field course is an important milestone in developing your skills as a researcher, giving you the opportunity to study the landscape in more detail in locations such as southern Spain or Tenerife. The compulsory year two trip is included in course fees. Further optional overseas field courses allow you to hone these skills in the unique environments that alpine and tropical locations offer.

Your future employability is a key priority throughout your studies and all University of Southampton geography programmes are accredited by the Royal Geographical Society. Whatever you are interested in, from public policy to environmental consultancy, from teaching to financial services; most industries require the analytical and research skills that Southampton graduates will be proficient in.

Geography at Southampton is ranked 5th in the UK in The Guardian University Guide, 2022.

Modules

Field work is an important element of your degree and you will have the option to participate in projects in each year of study.

You will also complete core modules (listed below) and choose additional optional modules each year.

Year One
Field work
Non-residential one-week field course, exploring the vegetation and stream dynamics of the New Forest.

Core Modules
A Global World
Curiosity, Creativity and Communication
Dangerous World
Dynamic Landscapes
Society, Culture and Space
The Earth System

Year Two
Field Work
One-week overseas field trip (compulsory and covered by your fees) previous trips have been to Tenerife and Spain.

Core Modules
Concepts and Methods for Environmental Management
Exploring Physical Environments (overseas field course)
Introductory Geographic Information Systems
Remote Sensing for Earth Observation

Year Three
Field work
Optional field trips further afield. Previous trips have been to Switzerland and Cambodia

Core Modules
Geography Research Project

The full list of modules is available on the website course page:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/geography-degree-bsc#modules

Assessment methods

The learning activities for this course include the following: lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework.

We’ll assess you using: developing websites, coursework, laboratory report and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations and written and practical exams.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
EU
£27,400
per year
International
£27,400
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

The Uni


Course location:

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Department:

Geography and Environmental Science

Read full university profile

What students say


We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

86%
Physical geography

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Physical geographical sciences

Teaching and learning

85%
Staff make the subject interesting
96%
Staff are good at explaining things
83%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
76%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

78%
Library resources
87%
IT resources
89%
Course specific equipment and facilities
70%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

99%
UK students
1%
International students
43%
Male students
57%
Female students
99%
2:1 or above
7%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

A
B
B

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Physical geographical sciences

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£20,000
med
Average annual salary
95%
low
Employed or in further education
49%
low
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

11%
Business, finance and related associate professionals
7%
Business, research and administrative professionals
6%
Teaching and educational professionals

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Physical geographical sciences

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£22k

£22k

£28k

£28k

£31k

£31k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

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Course location and department:

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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

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Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

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