Course overview
A degree in human geography provides the knowledge and skills to understand our rapidly changing world, including international development, population growth, urban transformation, sustainability, global geopolitics, human rights, globalisation, and patterns of inequality (ethnicity, class and gender).
Our graduates are in demand for both their specialist and transferable skills. You'll build skills in presenting your ideas in reports and orally, in data collection, presentation and analysis, and in the use of specialist mapping and statistical software.
Each year of this programme is designed around a combination of compulsory core modules, as well as opportunities to take optional modules and discovery modules across the University so you can choose additional subjects of interest. This means you are able to specialise in either human or physical geography, or choose modules from a mixture of both.
Broad expertise and knowledge will equip you to tackle important real-world problems in a range of organisations and sectors, from the public sector (such as working for local government), to private industry (as a retail analyst or location planner) and for non-governmental organisations (such as Amnesty International as a policy and campaigns officer).
Leeds is among the top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2021
Why study at Leeds
- Graduate with a degree accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (IBG) from a university ranked 11th in the UK for geography and environmental sciences, Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021 and 11th in the world, ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2021.
- Take advantage of our world-leading research here at Leeds, which has had a pioneering impact on current global agendas, influencing key decision-makers in shaping environmental protection, public health and the economy.
- Tailor your degree to suit your interests. You can specialise in either human geography or physical geography, or opt to study a mixture of our BA and BSc modules.
- Experience expertise teaching delivered by a School that has taught geography for over 100 years. Learn from internationally renowned academics and researchers at the forefront of their fields who specialise in a variety of geography disciplines.
- Benefit from excellent teaching facilities, including specialist labs, lecture theatres and industry-standard software, fully equipped with the latest technology to support your learning.
- Benefit from excellent specialist facilities, including industry-level teaching laboratories and a dedicated field store fully equipped with research-grade equipment to support your learning and practical fieldwork.
- Put theory into practice with our extensive fieldwork activities located across the world, where you'll experience 'real world' learning that will advance your research, project planning and teamwork skills whilst gaining hands-on experience highly valued by employers in industry.
- Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with our paid industrial work placement opportunities. Our close industry links have given previous students the chance to work at — and build professional relationships with — major organisations such as Sainsbury's, Morgan Stanley and GlaxoSmithKline.
- Gain invaluable life experience and advance your personal development with our exciting study abroad programmes, spanning across many universities worldwide.
Course details
Each year of this programme is designed around a combination of compulsory core modules, as well as opportunities to take optional modules and discovery modules across the University so you can choose additional subjects of interest.
Year one
You'll develop a grounding in the core concepts and themes of human geography, plus key academic writing and digital learning skills. Core modules explore different geographies of a changing world, including economic globalisation, neighbourhood change, urbanisation and cities, migration, health, development, environmental management and sustainability. We focus on issues of justice, difference, identity, nature, space and place across different scales and ideologies.
Quantitative Research Methods pathway
At the end of year one, you will have the opportunity to request a place on our BA Geography with Quantitative Methods programme, subject to meeting the entry requirements.
The programme will help you to develop advanced analytical skills, which are in high demand across the public, private, and third sectors. You will learn spatial and statistical analysis techniques and their application to 'real' problems (e.g. in crime, health, transport, business, planning and environment).
Find out more about the Quantitative Research Methods pathway.
Year two
You'll be provided with a core programme of research and career skills training that you'll supplement from optional modules that cover geo-politics and international development, service analysis and planning, economic geography, the development of modern cities, citizenship and identity, protest and resistance, natural resource management, and sustainable transport.
Year three
You'll be required to undertake a significant independent final year project - currently a dissertation - alongside a suite of optional modules that cover subjects such as urban social movements, creating alternative futures, population and health geographies, location analysis, global insecurities, migration and encounter, and healthy transport. You will also have the choice of a research, work or teacher placement module.
Placement/study abroad year
At the end of year two, you can decide if you'd like to complete an industrial placement or study abroad year, which will extend your degree by 12 months.
Fieldwork
Ask any of our students and they will tell you that taking part in field trips is one of the most enjoyable and memorable aspects of the geography programmes at Leeds.
We offer fieldwork opportunities at each level of study and they provide a great opportunity to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University. In year one you will use Leeds as your 'laboratory', carrying out group work around the city you live in and in years two and three you will have the option to undertake field work overseas.
During field trips you will learn essential fieldwork and team working skills and transferable skills that will prove invaluable to your future career.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Geography BA in the course catalogue.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Id | Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG100 | Planet Under Threat | 20 |
| GEOG1400 | Digital Geographies | 20 |
| GEOG1450 | The Urban Age | 20 |
| GEOG1450 | Global Geopolitics, Migration and Uneven Development | 20 |
| GEOG1550 | Population, Society and Space | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Id | Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG100 | Research Approaches in Human Geography | 20 |
| GEOG1400 | Digital Geographies | 20 |
| GEOG1450 | The Urban Age | 20 |
| GEOG1450 | Social and Spatial Data Analysis with GIS | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules
| Module Id | Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG1770 | Political and Development Geographies | 20 |
| GEOG1460 | Geographies of Economies | 20 |
| GEOG1650 | The Making of the Modern City | 20 |
| GEOG1840 | Citizenship and Identity: Comparative Perspectives | 20 |
| GEOG8496 | Living within limits: natural resource management for sustainable development | 20 |
| GEOG9602 | Planning Services for Changing Populations | 20 |
| GEOG0742 | Social Ecological Systems | 20 |
| GEOG5419 | Transport Land Use and Development | 20 |
| GEOG3249 | Transport, Energy and Environment | 20 |
| GEOG1780 | Key challengues in Transport and Society | 20 |
| GEOG1457 | Exploring Transport and Society | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Id | Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG170 | Human Geography Dissertation | 40 |
Year 3 optional modules
| Module Id | Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG | GEOG1770 Retail Location Planning | 20 |
| GEOG | GEOG1460 Contested Cities | 20 |
| GEOG1650 | Creating Alternative Futures | 20 |
| GEOG1840 | Advanced Population & Health Geographies | 20 |
| GEOG9602 | Geocomputation and Spatial Analysis | 20 |
| GEOG0742 | Geographies of Global Insecurities | 20 |
| GEOG5419 | Environment, Conflict and Policy | 20 |
| GEOG3249 | Professional Development Project | 20 |
| GEOG1780 | School and Educational Placements | 20 |
| GEOG1457 | Spaces of Migration and Encounter | 20 |
| GEOG1457 | Introduction to Programming for Social Science | 20 |
| GEOG1457 | Travel Activity Analysis | 20 |
| GEOG1457 | Social Analysis and Social Psychology for Transport | 20 |
| GEOG1457 | Healthy Cities: Transport and Health | 20 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They're a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
As a geography student at Leeds we ensure that you benefit from a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials (groups of eight), seminars (groups of approximately 30), computer classes, lab practical classes, group-work, online exercises and fieldwork, depending on the modules you study.
Independent study is also an important part of this course, and will develop your research and analytical skills in order to think and work independently. You'll receive guidance and support throughout your degree, and there will be opportunities for extra support through one-to-one assistance, workshops and training.
You'll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and you will receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme. Peer mentors are students who are on your course, but are in Years two or three. They'll help you when you arrive at University and throughout your first year. You'll meet your peer mentors during your first week for a social activity.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it's a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.
Watch our taster lecture to get a flavour of what it's like to study at Leeds:
Assessment
Assessment methods include examinations, individual or group reports and presentations, practical exercises, essays, posters, projects (such as the dissertation) and reflective logs.
Accreditation
This degree is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
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.
Entry Requirements
A-level: AAA or AAB including a social science/humanities subject.
Accepted social science/humanities subjects: Ancient History/History; Business/Business Studies; Classical Civilisation; Economics; English; Geography; Government and Politics; Law; Media Studies; Modern Languages or Ancient Languages; Philosophy; Politics; Psychology; Religious Studies; Sociology.
Offer excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ taken with A-Levels, for example, could be AAB with an A in the EPQ or ABB (including an accepted subject) with A in EPQ.
GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an equivalent English language and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.
BTEC
D*DD in National Extended Diploma/3 National Extended Certificates in an accepted subject. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact us for further information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2
OR D2, M1, M1 or D2, M2, M2 or D3, M1, M2 to include an accepted subject or D3, M1, M2 to include an accepted subject.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 17 points at higher level or 35 points overall, with 16 at higher level to include 5 points in an accepted subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level)
AAAAAA/H2H2H2H2H2H2 or AAAABB/H2H2H2H2H3H3 including an accepted subject.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AA in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in an Advanced Higher and AAABB in Highers, or AAAAAA in Highers.
OR (if an accepted subject included) AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in an Advanced Higher and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School's Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We're committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB or BBB (including an accepted subject) plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £23,000 per annum.
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
Study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you'll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Additional cost information
Because we recognise the value of field experience, the school heavily subsidises or covers transport and accommodation costs for compulsory taught field courses and many optional field trips. You will have to supplement the cost of some optional field trips.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Financial support
f you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23.
Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.
Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Vist days
If you receive an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to attend one of our visit days. You'll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it's like to be a student at Leeds.
Admissions policy
Career opportunities
A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.
University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, High Fliers Research.
Studying geography opens up a wide range of exciting careers. Whether your future career plans lie in environmental management, journalism, the financial sector or nature conservation, our degrees are structured to ensure you develop the key transferable skills sought by graduate recruiters, skills such as: team-working, commercial awareness, report-writing, fluency in oral communication and presentation, numerical analysis, IT expertise and investigative skills.
Example of recent destinations include:
- CBRE
- UHY Hackley Young Chartered Accountants
- Proctor & Gamble
- Lloyds Banking Group
- IAEM & Red Cross
- Raw TV Ltd
Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.
Careers support
At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You'll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.
You will also have full access to the University's Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
Study abroad and work placements
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year
We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
The optional study abroad year takes place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you'll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.
With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the 'industrial' variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
Below are examples of placements our students have recently completed:
- Geospatial Data Science Intern, Sainsbury's
- Supply Chain Placement, Cummins Emission Solutions
- Project Analyst, Virgin Media
- Urban Planner, Newham Council
- Corporate Affairs Industrial Placement, Morgan Stanley
- Financial Services Consultant, Ernst & Young
- Corporate Social Responsibility, Emerald Group
- Communications Assistant, GSK
- Government Social Research, Office for Statistics Regulation
- Project Controls Placement, Turner & Townsend
During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.
Find out more about Industrial placements.
Rankings and awards
Student Profile
Find out more about Logan’s time at LeedsStudying human geography at Leeds will undoubtedly set you up for the future. I am speaking from first-hand experience, having successfully completed a Year in Industry with Procter and Gamble.
Alumni Profile
Find out more about Quentin’s time at LeedsI have thoroughly enjoyed my time at university and I adore the city, but above all I have absolutely loved my degree and looking back I would not change anything. This was definitely the right choice for me and if I could, I would redo the whole thing (yes – even my dissertation) in a heartbeat!
Student profile
Find out more about Tony's time at LeedsI wanted to study abroad because I have lived away from the UK before and I was curious to learn about England, the EU and other geographical topics from a different perspective.