BA

Human Geography (with integrated year studying abroad)

BA Human Geography (with integrated year studying abroad) Code L704 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

L704

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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Aberystwyth University's Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is one of the most established and experienced departments of its kind. Aberystwyth University offers you the unique opportunity to study geography in one of the most picturesque locations in Europe and at the same time enhance your employability with our integrated year in industry programme.

Set on the coast of Cardigan Bay and surrounded by a great diversity of beautiful environments, including marine, moorland, mountain and grassland, the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is uniquely placed to make the most of the stunning landscapes that surround it, providing you with a fabulous variety of fieldwork and recreational opportunities. This degree accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) will equip you with the academic and enhanced employability skills.

Course Overview

Why study Human Geography at Aberystwyth University?

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

As a large dynamic Geography community we are able to offer you an extremely broad range of geographical specialism, opportunities and facilities:

  • current trends in Geohazards
  • urban sustainability
  • regional development
  • political and cultural geography
  • fieldwork opportunities in New Zealand, Crete, New York, and Ireland
  • travel awards available each year to fund your own adventures (up to £400)
  • state of the art teaching facilities with the latest technology to enhance learning
  • fully stocked laboratories with an array of analytical instruments e.g. massspectrometers and core scanners of which can be used for fieldwork and independent study
  • an international experience with your year studying abroad with our partner University across Europe and the rest of the world.
Our Staff

Department of Geography and Earth Science: lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Conflict and Change: the making of urban and rural spaces GS10220 20
Living in a Dangerous World GS10020 20
Place and Identity GS14220 20
Researching the World: data collection and analysis * GS13020 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Earth Surface Environments GS10520 20
How to Build a Planet * GS11520 20
Key Concepts in Sociology GS16120 20
Thinking Sociologically GS15120 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Concepts for Geographers GS20410 10
Placing Culture GS22920 20
Placing Politics GS23020 20
Social Research Methods * GS20510 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Genders and Sexualities GS20220 20
Geographical Information Systems GS23710 10
Geographical Perspectives on the Sustainable Society GS28910 10
Quantitative Data Analysis GS23810 10
Human Geography Research Design and Fieldwork Skills GS21520 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Geography Dissertation * GS34040 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Everyday Social Worlds GS33320 20
Memory Cultures: heritage, identity and power GS37920 20
Modern British Landscapes GS36220 20
The Global Countryside: Geographical and Sociological Perspectives GS36820 20
The psychosocial century GS30020 20
Urban Risk and Environmental Resilience GS37520 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

What can I do with a degree in Human Geography?

Our graduates have, for example, found employment as environmental consultants, planners, civil servants, surveyors, and in education amongst many other things.

Employability is embedded within all courses provided by us. Our degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of careers across a range of sectors. In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.

The skill sets include:

  • enhanced mathematical and computational skills
  • effective problem solving and creative thinking skills
  • information technology skills
  • the ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • time-management, organisational skills
  • communication skills both written and oral
  • self-motivation and self-reliance.

Further opportunities

Work experience:

If you are interested in undertaking valuable work experience whilst studying Human Geography at Aberystwyth University, then our sister course (L703) may be for you. This sister course is identical to the BSc Human Geography (L700), however you could undertake a year of studying abroad rather than a year in industry.

DGES has also established Erasmus Exchange Programmes with the University of Bergen, the University of Oulu, Finland, and the University Centre in Svalbard, giving students the unique experience of studying in one of the world’s most extreme environments. We also have strong links with a number of universities in North America, where students can complete their second year of study. In recent years, our Exchange Co-ordinator has overseen placements at Purdue University (Indiana), the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, the University of Montana and the University of Ottawa in Canada.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

In your first year you will be introduced to:

  • key concepts in geographical study
  • issues and techniques in the collection, analysis and presentation of geographical data
  • climate change
  • economic development
  • globalization.

In your second year you will:

  • develop your computer research skills in preparation for your independent research project
  • learn how to analyse quantitative and qualitative and qualitative data sets
  • produce maps and other graphical representations of geographical data
  • participate in a residential field trip overseas
  • choose optional modules to specialise or simply maintain a broad interest across Geography.

In your third year you will embark on your study year abroad.

In your final year:

  • you will undertake an independent research project involving collection, analysis and interpretation of your own data
  • you will be allocated your own advisor who will provide expert guidance
  • you will choose optional modules on a diverse range of specialist topics.

How will I be taught?

Our courses are taught through lectures, seminars, computer practical classes, small group tutorials, field courses, and individual supervision of project work.

How will I be assessed?

We assess our students through a different range of methods. Some modules are assessed in part through traditional exams, but many have elements of coursework. We also have some modules that may require the student to produce practical reports, oral presentations, the design of web pages, production of short films, or contribution to online discussion forums. Some modules, notably the tutorials and field courses are assessed entirely through coursework. 

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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