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- UCAS course code
- L700
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAB
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
ABB
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021.
We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- L700
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- We're one of the top 15 Geography departments in the world (Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2020).
- Choose course units from across the full breadth of human and physical geography.
- Develop your geographical research skills, including field, laboratory and computer-based techniques.
- Enjoy overseas fieldwork in locations including Greece, Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands and Morocco.
Open days
The University holds regular open days (usually in June, September and October) where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses.
On this day, you will find out more about the Department of Geography and our resources, and meet academics and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.
For more information, see Open days
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £21,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Additional expenses
Second-year overseas fieldwork is subsidised by the University but, depending on the location, you may need to contribute to the cost of the trip.
In 2019, six out of seven overseas destinations are at no additional cost.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We are committed to attracting and supporting the very best students from all backgrounds to study this course. You could be eligible for cash bursaries of up to £2500 to support your studies.
Find out more at Funding opportunities .
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Contact name
- Recruitment & Admissions Office
- Facsimile
- +44 (0)161 275 0421
- ugadmissions.seed@manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: The School .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
AAB.
We do not require a pass in the Science Practical Assessment.
Duration of A-level study
We welcome applications from applicants who have either sat their examinations early or have followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations have been taken over two years.
For those studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor.
AS-level
Subjects welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer
General Studies.
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021.
We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
We normally require grades AAABC/AABBB in Scottish Highers.
Applicants presenting a combination of Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers are welcomed and should contact the academic school directly to discuss their portfolio of qualifications.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.
We require minimum grade A from the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAB and an EAP score of B with B in writing and speaking and C in reading and listening.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAB and an EAP score of B with B in writing and speaking and C in reading and listening.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grades DD, plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grade AB.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D, plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grades AB.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD, plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A-level at grade AB.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grades AB.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 39 credits at Distinction level, with all others at Merit grade. You must have GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A-levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, D3 and M2 in the Pre-U certificates, and grade AAB at A-level in three distinct subjects.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The University recognises the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. For this programme, as well as the regular conditions of offer, we may make students who are currently taking or completed the EPQ an alternative offer. For this course it would be ABB plus the Extended Project at Grade A.
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing and no sub-section below 6.0 , or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Returning to education
Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning. Often such learners have pursued careers or raised a family.
We understand that students come from many different backgrounds, with varying qualifications, careers and skills, but they often bring to their studies a high degree of motivation and experience.
We recognise that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable these learners to demonstrate fully their suitability for their chosen course.
Where appropriate, admissions officers will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give such learners equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence meets entry criteria fully, the learner will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
We will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules.
If you have re-sat your final examinations, we will consider your application but may require further information in order to make an informed academic judgement on your application.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.
If you are applying through clearing, you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.
Transfers
Whether you select BA Geography or BSc Geography, you can study a mixture of both physical and human geography modules.
Both are covered in the first year, and you can swap from the BA to the BSc or vice-versa if you find your interests take you in a new direction.
Course details
Course description
BA Geography allows you to study the interaction between people and their environment - exploring the diverse cultural, economic, urban and political dimensions of current global challenges.
Here at The University of Manchester, we've been teaching Geography for more than 125 years - after all, where better to study the subject than this rapidly changing metropolis, with its surrounding national parks and stretching coastlines?
The city will play an important role in your studies, with plenty of resources for fieldwork right on your doorstep.
Further afield, international fieldwork will take place in your second year, in destinations like Greece, Amsterdam and the Czech Republic.
The wide range of teaching and research interests of our academics - who have an impressive international research reputation - will make it easy for you to be flexible about what, and how, you learn.
This allows you the maximum choice to tailor your studies to suit your interests.
Not sure if you're a human or physical geographer just yet? Don't worry - our course allows you to study both human and physical geography in your first year, before specialising to study for a BA or a BSc later in your course.
You don't need to apply to both courses either - apply for just one via UCAS, and you'll be allowed to switch after beginning your course.
Special features
Opportunity to transfer onto a course with professional placement or international study
There is an opportunity to transfer from this course to one of the four year Geography courses `with Professional Placement' or `with International study' at the start of second year. Transfers require a first year average of at least 60% and the application process is competitive.
Employability programme
Our Geography employability programme is designed to support students as they begin exploring their future career paths, and what they need to get there.
This includes practicing core skills, and identifying areas of expertise.
International and local fieldtrips
Fieldwork options during the degree currently include trips to Crete, Spain, Amsterdam, Morocco, and the Czech Republic - and, of course, around the city of Manchester itself.
For more information, see Fieldwork
Manchester University Geographical Society (MUGS)
You can also join the Manchester University Geographical Society (MUGS), a society run by Geography students for Geography Students.
For more information, see MUGS
Pre-course fieldtrip
Our pre-course field trip for new geography students is a tradition amongst Manchester geographers.
The trip takes place in Keswick, the Lake District, over three days in the week before Welcome Week in September.
The residential trip is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow students and future tutors.
It's the first chance to meet some friends who you'll remain close to throughout your course and - in many cases - for long after you graduate.
Teaching and learning
Teaching methods include fieldwork, lectures, seminars, small-group learning, individual tutorials and team work.
The School of Environment, Education and Development aim to run advertised fieldwork in the 21/22 Academic Year and we very much hope that students will be able to enjoy the fieldwork experience in the usual way.
The ability of fieldwork to proceed, and whether any changes to proposed fieldwork might be necessary, will remain subject to the current global situation and factors such as the:
- rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
- outcome of any risk assessments conducted by the University;
- educational value and student experience of the fieldwork, if significant changes to the proposed fieldwork would be necessary;
- availability of appropriate insurance cover; and
- availability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs.
We will therefore assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any decisions to our students at the earliest possible opportunity. Any fieldwork that does go ahead will be subject to a rigorous risk assessment process and the implementation of any protective measures identified by the risk assessment to ensure the health and safety of all of our students and staff. If the fieldwork does not go ahead as planned then the School's focus will be on seeking to offer a suitable alternative and ensure that the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the programme are met.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment methods include essays, team projects, coursework, presentations, written exams and a dissertation.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Key Ideas in Geography | GEOG10192 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introducing Human Geographies 1 | GEOG10251 | 10 | Mandatory |
Environmental Processes and Change: The Global System | GEOG10401 | 10 | Mandatory |
Dynamic Earth | GEOG10422 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introducing Human Geographies 2 | GEOG10432 | 10 | Mandatory |
Tutorials | GEOG12011 | 10 | Mandatory |
Tutorials and Profile of a Research Geographer | GEOG12012 | 10 | Mandatory |
Creating a Sustainable World: 21st Century Challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals | UCIL20311 | 10 | Mandatory |
Geographies of Globalisation | GEOG10101 | 10 | Optional |
Ice Age Britain | GEOG10441 | 10 | Optional |
Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Research Design and Overseas Fieldcourses | GEOG20072 | 20 | Mandatory |
Skills for Geographers | GEOG20621 | 20 | Mandatory |
Hydrology and Catchment Systems | GEOG20081 | 20 | Optional |
Climate Change: Science and Society | GEOG20091 | 20 | Optional |
Economic Geography: Understanding the economy. creating economic spaces | GEOG20101 | 20 | Optional |
Spatial Thinking with GIS: Constructing and exploring virtual worlds | GEOG20502 | 20 | Optional |
Transport Geographies | GEOG20541 | 20 | Optional |
North American Cities - Change and Continuity in the Metropolis | GEOG20552 | 20 | Optional |
Biogeography | GEOG20771 | 20 | Optional |
Quaternary Climates and Landscapes | GEOG21431 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Dissertation | GEOG30000 | 40 | Mandatory |
Mediterranean Quaternary Landscapes | GEOG30131 | 20 | Optional |
Geographies of Food and Farming | GEOG30162 | 20 | Optional |
Energy, Society and Space | GEOG30201 | 20 | Optional |
Our Frozen Planet | GEOG30222 | 20 | Optional |
Peatlands Under Pressure | GEOG30231 | 20 | Optional |
Peatlands Under Pressure | GEOG30232 | 20 | Optional |
Understanding GIS | GEOG30552 | 20 | Optional |
Wildlife in the Age of Humans | GEOG30701 | 20 | Optional |
Feminist Geographies of Health | GEOG31021 | 20 | Optional |
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Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to attracting and supporting the very best students from all backgrounds to study this course. You could be eligible for cash bursaries of up to £2500 to support your studies.
Find out more at Funding opportunities .
Facilities
We're one of Europe's best-equipped universities for geography, with excellent library, cartography, computing and laboratory facilities.
You can learn professional computer-based skills such as coding and programming - as well as how to use industry-standard software such as image processing, GIS, GPS and cartographic representation - in our Humanities computer labs.
The University's Main Library is the largest university library system in the UK (apart from the copyright libraries) and has a number of different working spaces.
It is home to the University Map Collection, which comprises about 100,000 map sheets of every part of the world.
We also have our very own Kantorowich Library, which contains many of the teaching and learning materials that you will need, from books and journals to DVDs and past dissertations.
Depending on your interests you may also take advantage of our excellent physical geography labs, which offer a wide spectrum of advanced equipment for environmental analyses, including dedicated sediments, microscopy, spectroscopy and X-ray facilities.
For more information, see Facilities .
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.
For more information, email dass@manchester.ac.uk
Careers
Career opportunities

I founded a start-up business, Hive Urban Farms, with another Geography graduate.
Whilst at the University, I became really interested in cities and sustainability - this led to an interest in food and food production. By the end of the course, we had a limited company, a fully developed brand, and went and spoke at the Global Food Innovation Summit `Seeds and Chips' in Milan.
Gareth Williams / Geography graduate, entrepreneur and senior policy officer for GMCA
BA Geography graduates have excellent employment prospects. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in areas including:
- planning;
- business development;
- education;
- consulting;
- marketing, media and communications;
- project management;
- research.
Top employers of our BA Geography graduates include Accenture, HSBC, Manchester City Council, Network Rail, PwC, Sky, the BBC, and the Environment Agency.
Our dedicated Geography employability programme will ensure you leave us as a highly employable individual, by developing your expertise in teamwork, communication, research, data analysis, problem solving and time management.
You will also gain subject-specific skills such as working with spatial data (GIS), working with archives, undertaking interviews, and a suite of field and laboratory analyses; invaluable skills if you choose to pursue a career directly related to your degree.
In addition, you will benefit from the attention of an academic member of staff who will focus on enhancing your employability through the curriculum, volunteering and internships.
For more information, see Careers and employability .
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .