- UCAS course code
- L701
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAB
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
BBBFind out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer three grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- 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
- L701
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- We're one of the top ten Geography departments in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).
- Develop your geographical research skills, including field, laboratory, and computer-based techniques
- This course has normally included a fieldtrip. Past locations include Snowdonia, Greece, Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, and Morocco.
- Spend a full year in work experience to develop your employability and transferable skills.
- In Year 1 and Year 2, undertake 'free choice' options from across the University.
Open days
We are pleased to announce that we are returning to hosting on-campus open days in the summer and autumn.
Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.
If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester.
Please check our Coronavirus FAQs for the most up to date information regarding events.
You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £30,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Additional expenses
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 £2,500 to support your studies.
Find out about our funding opportunities
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 529 4700
- 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.
Contextual offer
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
Unit grade information
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 or AABBB in Scottish Highers.
In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers AAB
or
Two Advanced Highers AB , plus Two additional Higher AB
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 minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require: 85% overall.
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 overall, 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 overall, 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.
Please note that the National Diploma and the National Extended Certificate must be studied alongside A-levels. We are unable to accept combinations of the BTEC qualification. 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 A-level at grade B.
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 two 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.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
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
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.
T Level
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 at A-level 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:
- 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.
We do not offer Pre-sessional English Language courses for entry onto our undergraduate programmes within the School of Environment, Education and Development.
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
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
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 with Professional Placement or BSc Geography with Professional Placement, you can study a mixture of both physical and human geography course units.
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 with Professional Placement allows you to study the interaction between people and their environment and explore the diverse cultural, economic, urban and political dimensions of current global.
You will also broaden your horizons and enhance your employability by normally spending a year in a professional placement.
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 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
Employability
Our Skills for Geographers course is designed to support students as they begin exploring their future career paths, and what they need to get there.
This includes practicing core and transferrable skills and identifying areas of expertise.
On the BA Geography with Professional Placement, your employability will be boosted by undertaking a paid placement, normally in your third year before completing the final year of your degree.
Placements offer an excellent opportunity for you to gain work experience and valuable skills to boost your CV before you graduate.
Throughout your degree you will be supported by the Programme Director and colleagues in the Careers Service, who are well equipped to support you in your placement search.
Fieldtrips
This course has normally included a field trip. Past locations include Crete, Spain, Amsterdam, Morocco, and the Czech Republic - and, of course, around the city of Manchester itself.
Manchester University Geographical Society (MUGS)
You can also join the Manchester University Geographical Society (MUGS) , a society run by Geography students for Geography Students.
Pre-course fieldtrip
Our pre-course field trip for new geography students is a tradition amongst Manchester geographers.
The trip usually takes place in Keswick, the Lake District, over three days in the week before Welcome Week in September.
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
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 Concepts in Geography | GEOG10192 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introducing Human Geographies 1 | GEOG10251 | 10 | Mandatory |
Researching Manchester | GEOG10291 | 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 and Critical Book Review | GEOG12011 | 10 | Mandatory |
Tutorials and Profile of a Research Geographer | GEOG12012 | 10 | Mandatory |
Geographies of Globalisation | GEOG10101 | 10 | Optional |
Environmental Pollution | GEOG10161 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 13 course units for year 1 | |||
Display all 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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Research Design and Fieldwork | GEOG20072 | 20 | Mandatory |
Skills for Geographers | GEOG20621 | 20 | Mandatory |
Climate Change: Science and Society | GEOG20091 | 20 | Optional |
Economic Geography: Understanding the economy. creating economic spaces | GEOG20101 | 20 | Optional |
Glaciers | GEOG20351 | 20 | Optional |
Hydrology & Catchment Systems | GEOG20402 | 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 |
Nature, Society and Social Power | GEOG21242 | 20 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 14 course units for year 2 | |||
Display all course units for year 2 |
Course content for year 3
Course content for year 4
Course units for year 4
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 | GEOG30132 | 20 | Optional |
Energy, Society and Space | GEOG30202 | 20 | Optional |
Our Frozen Planet | GEOG30222 | 20 | Optional |
Peatlands Under Pressure | GEOG30231 | 20 | Optional |
Dryland Environments: Past, Present and Future | GEOG30531 | 20 | Optional |
Understanding GIS | GEOG30551 | 20 | Optional |
Critical Geographies of Difference | GEOG30621 | 20 | Optional |
Wildlife in the Anthropocene | GEOG30702 | 20 | Optional |
Governing Urban Transformation | GEOG30802 | 20 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 16 course units for year 4 | |||
Display all course units for year 4 |
What our students say
Without geography and James Evans' sustainability field course, I would never have learned about urban agriculture. What's more, the transferrable skills I gained, and the knowledge of cities, economics, and sustainability, are all things I need for both my jobs.
Read more about Gareth's experience in his student profile.
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 computer labs.
The University's Main Library is the largest university library system in the UK (apart from the copyright libraries) and has many different working spaces.
It is home to the University Map Collection, which comprises about 100,000 map sheets of every part of the world.
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.
See facilities for more information.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Our geography graduates have excellent employment prospects. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in areas including:
- environmental management;
- planning;
- business development;
- education;
- consulting;
- marketing, media and communications;
- project management;
- research.
Top employers of our geography graduates include Accenture, HSBC, Manchester City Council, Network Rail, PwC, Sky, the BBC, and the Environment Agency.
Our employability support and events ensure you will 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