Course summary
Looking to tackle real-world challenges, from climate change to conflict and social inequalities? Studying this research-led degree in human geography will help you develop the necessary skills and experience you’ll need for a broad range of employment opportunities. Our flexible study programme at one of the world’s leading centres for geographical research puts you in control. The Geography BA course begins with a broad foundation, during which you are introduced to both human and physical geography. In the second and third years, our modules lead progressively to increasing specialised content focused on the cutting-edge of human geography research. There is also the opportunity to study integrated modules that span the human/physical geography interface. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four. In the final year, you will undertake your own geographical research project. There is no such thing as a typical Geography career but if you want to make sure that you are highly employable with a variety of transferable skills, that prepare you for the global challenges of the 21st century, then Geography is a great choice.
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: Human Geography: Space and Place in a Changing World introduces the core concepts of human geography along with the approaches used to understand these concepts in response to specific societal challenges. A variety of case studies is used to illustrate the content. Introduction to Geographical Research covers a variety of methods for research and analysis used in human geography and how to select the appropriate methods for a range of geographical contexts. Physical Geography covers a broad range of interlinking themes in physical geography, using scale, from global to local, as the organising framework. Examples of optional modules: Planet Under Pressure Geographies of Crisis Introduction to Climate Change. Year 2 Core modules: Social Research in Geography provides the skills needed for good research design, interpretation, presentation and evaluation of research findings. You will acquire practical experience through residential fieldwork in the UK. Theory and Concepts in Contemporary Human Geography gives an introduction to the key schools of thought in human geography and highlights the role of these theoretical developments in the contemporary social science debate. Examples of optional modules: Climate Change: Geographical Perspectives Economic Geography Geographies of Development Political Geography Social and Cultural Geography Urban Geography. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a year abroad or placement) Core module: The Dissertation is a substantial piece of independent geographical research. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic in greater depth and present your findings and conclusions. Examples of optional modules: Berlin: Culture, Politics and Contestation Chicago: Sites of Global Change Geographies of Difference Geographies of Energy Transition Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience Politics and Space Territory and Geopolitics The Arctic Theory and Geography.
Assessment method
Along with a final-year dissertation, modules are assessed by a diverse range of coursework, including essays, field work reports, practical's, presentations and posters and some may also have an examination.
How to apply
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.
EU
Wales
England
International
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L702
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - A*AA
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*DD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 38 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D2, D3, D3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - D*DD
T Level
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level ABB (or equivalent). To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £28250 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
International | £28250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE