Overview

Course overview

  • We're ranked fourth in the world for Geography (Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, 2025).
  • Learn from our Human Geography expertise in climate change, sustainability, geopolitics, urban studies, energy and social justice.
  • You also have flexibility to choose Physical Geography options throughout your degree.
  • Enhance your employability with cutting-edge geographical research skills, including field, laboratory, and computer-based techniques.
  • Enjoy fieldwork at no extra cost in locations such as the Lake District, the Pyrenees, Morocco, Crete, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Prague.
  • Broaden your first year with 'free choice' options from across the University.
  • Join our thriving Geography student community and Manchester University Geographical Society (MUGS), the oldest student society in the university.
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Study Geography at The University of Manchester

Open days

Join us on campus to learn more about your course, have a chat with current students and academics, and explore our campus with its fantastic facilities

It’s an invaluable opportunity to explore, discover, and enjoy the atmosphere that attracts so many students to Manchester.

Find out more about our upcoming open days.

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Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Environment, Education and Development
Contact name
Recruitment & Admissions Office
Telephone
+44 (0)161 529 4700
Email
Website
https://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/geography/
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

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

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.

A-level contextual offer

BBB

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Contextual offers are available for applicants who:

  • live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
  • live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
  • have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

BBC

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:

  • have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
  • have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

GCSE/IGCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C 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 admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

Other entry requirements

Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

Country-specific entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

English language requirements

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:

GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade C/4, or;

IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other 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.

If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above 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

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2026 will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £32,600 for the 2026/27 academic year. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap, which the Government has announced will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year and £10,050 for the 2027/28 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).

The Government has also announced that the fee cap will then increase on an annual basis to reflect inflation (i.e. increasing costs), and the tuition fee you pay in subsequent academic years will reflect any increases in the Government fee cap (which we will communicate to you as soon as we can in advance of the relevant academic year).

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 know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students.

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships. This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

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

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BA Geography at The University of Manchester: Sam's story

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.

We’ve been teaching Geography for more than 130 years. Our wide-ranging program reflects the diverse, international research expertise of our academic staff. You will have the flexibility to study both Human and Physical Geography throughout your degree and specialize as you wish, creating the best degree to suit you.

In first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in different areas of Human and Physical Geography. This year gives you the foundations for the rest of your degree and a flavor of the sorts of Geographies we do. You can also choose a ‘free choice’ from other courses across the University to maintain an even broader degree.

In second year, you’ll develop more research and employability skills, with a wide range of module options and targeted training. Now you can specialize in just Human Geography or maintain a balance across Human and Physical Geography. You will also undertake your residential field trip and start planning your independent dissertation.

In final year, you’ll specialize in advanced, cutting-edge courses closely aligned to our research expertise, again in just Human Geography or across Human Geography too. Recent examples in Human Geography have focused on Energy and Society, Migration and Conflict, Wildlife in the Anthropocene, Digital Technology and the City, Governing Urban Transformation, Health Geographies, the Labor of Globalization, and Understanding GIS. You will undertake and work on your dissertation with your dedicated adviser and prepare for your next steps in work or further study.

There is also the opportunity to apply competitively to transfer onto a four-year Geography course ‘with Professional Placement' or ‘with International study’ between first and second year.

Support

You get lots of help along the way from our academic staff. You’ll have a personal tutor throughout your degree to offer regular guidance and support, and an additional expert dissertation adviser in the second half of your degree to assist you in designing and undertaking an original, independent research dissertation. There is also lots of skills training embedded throughout the degree to give you the geographic tools you need for your degree and beyond.

We pride ourselves on being a close-knit department of students and staff, including the Manchester University Geographical Society (MUGS), a society run by Geography students for Geography Students.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is a highlight of the degree for many of our students and all field trips are included within your tuition fees, giving everyone the opportunity to develop observation and analysis skills in new environments.

Our pre-course trip to Keswick in the Lake District is a long-running Manchester Geography tradition. The trip takes place over three days in the week before Welcome Week in September. It’s a valuable opportunity to make new friends on your course, get to know your new academic staff, and learn some geographic techniques in the field.

You will also go on one of our second-year, week-long residential field trips abroad, currently to the Pyrenees, Morocco, Crete, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, or Prague. We also run lots of local one-day field visits throughout the degree.

Teaching and learning

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The role of SEED

  • changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
  • a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
  • changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
  • changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
  • the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
  • the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
  • where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
  • where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement.

Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:

  • a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
  • the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Immigration, passport and visa requirements

It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:

  • a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
  • a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.

The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.

Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:

  • a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
  • the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
GEOG10192 10 Mandatory
GEOG10251 10 Mandatory
GEOG10291 10 Mandatory
GEOG10401 10 Mandatory
GEOG10422 10 Mandatory
GEOG10432 10 Mandatory
GEOG11000 0 Mandatory
GEOG12011 10 Mandatory
GEOG12012 10 Mandatory
GEOG10101 10 Optional
GEOG10161 10 Optional
GEOG10282 10 Optional
GEOG10402 10 Optional
GEOG10442 10 Optional
UCIL20311 10 Optional
Displaying 10 of 15 course units for year 1

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
GEOG20072 20 Mandatory
GEOG20621 20 Mandatory
GEOG20101 20 Optional
GEOG20351 20 Optional
GEOG20402 20 Optional
GEOG20411 20 Optional
GEOG20502 20 Optional
GEOG20541 20 Optional
GEOG20552 20 Optional
GEOG20772 20 Optional
GEOG21242 20 Optional
GEOG21432 20 Optional
GEOG21511 20 Optional
GEOG26011 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 14 course units for year 2

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
GEOG30000 40 Mandatory
GEOG30132 20 Optional
GEOG30172 20 Optional
GEOG30221 20 Optional
GEOG30231 20 Optional
GEOG30532 20 Optional
GEOG30551 20 Optional
GEOG30621 20 Optional
GEOG30702 20 Optional
GEOG30802 20 Optional
GEOG31021 20 Optional
GEOG31042 20 Optional
GEOG31072 20 Optional
GEOG32011 20 Optional
GEOG32032 20 Optional
GEOG32061 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 16 course units for year 3

Facilities

We're one of Europe's best-equipped universities for Geography, with outstanding computing, laboratory, cartography and library facilities that are used for teaching and research and are available for our students, including:

  • Advanced computing for social sciences coding development.
  • A Geography Virtual Reality lab for undertaking human and physical geography research.
  • A Geocomputational Suite supporting world-class work in GIS and Remote Sensing, with access to UAVs, and survey tools.
  • World-leading Physical Geography Laboratories with a wide range of advanced capabilities for studying water, soils, sediments and microplastics, including major and trace elemental analysis, spectroscopy, microscopy and X-ray Fluorescence.

The University's Main Library is the largest university library system in the UK and is a great place to study. It is also home to the University Map Collection, comprising around 100,000 maps of every part of the world.

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

Many of our graduates continue to live and work in Greater Manchester, the UK’s fastest-growing city region, with excellent economic investment and job prospects over recent years. Others are now working or studying elsewhere in the UK and around the world.

Our geography students have strong employment prospects. Recent graduates have gone on to very wide range of successful careers, including in areas like:

  • environmental management;
  • planning;
  • business development;
  • education;
  • consulting;
  • marketing, media and communications;
  • project management;
  • research.

Recent example employers include Accenture, HSBC, Manchester City Council, Network Rail, PwC, Sky, the BBC, and the Environment Agency.

You will gain advanced, subject-specific skills from your degree, such as working with spatial data (GIS), analyzing archive materials, undertaking interviews, and a suite of field and laboratory analyses; invaluable skills if you choose to pursue a career directly related to your degree.

You will also develop a much wider range of your expertise in teamwork, communication, research design, data analysis, problem solving, and time management.

The University has an award-winning AGCAS-accredited Careers Service that you can access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

For more information, see Careers and employability .

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.