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Geography and International Development at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

Birkbeck’s BSc Geography and International Development gives you the skills and knowledge to understand our changing physical and social environment, and how this impacts on the challenges facing our contemporary world, with a particular focus on international development. Led by leading researchers in the field, you will discover the multiple connections between space, place, culture, power and physical landscapes in which we live, addressing issues such as climate change, the causes and impact of global inequalities, and how we live together in an increasingly urban world. You will learn key geographical skills in your first year and then tailor your degree to your interests, by drawing from a range of option modules in the fields of:

  • international development
  • human and environmental geography
  • geographic information systems (GIS).
These modules cover a wide range of interconnected subjects from globalisation to food security, water resources to gentrification, and race and social justice to nature conservation. You will also complete a dissertation or a literature review in an area of special interest to you, furthering the development of important skills in data collection and analysis. There are many possible careers with a geography degree, and through a mix of UK-based, local and international field teaching you will acquire theory and knowledge, practical skills, and research and project management experience, all of which will enhance your employability. If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. This course has an evening timetable with lectures, seminars and classes taking place in the evening. There is also some weekend attendance and field trips. Highlights
  • We offer multiple approaches to the study of societies and cultures, human geography, and sustainability, poverty and development, as well as community and citizenship, at local, regional and global levels.
  • One of Birkbeck's unique strengths in this area is the breadth of research interests of our staff. Subsequently, we offer a very wide range of courses that reflect the disciplinary breadth of development and globalisation, while also allowing you to engage with other disciplines, such as anthropology and sociology.
  • You will be surrounded by committed fellow students from all cultures, backgrounds and career stages who are eager to share their experience and expertise with their peers.
  • We have strong links with the London International Development Centre, which can enhance your employability.
  • Ours is a vibrant research culture, powered by a shared passion for learning and intellectual engagement among our academics and students. We have a strong commitment to social justice, which informs and shapes much of our cutting-edge research.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in development NGOs, policy organisations, charities or corporate social responsibility. Possible professions include:
  • social researcher
  • charity officer
  • human resources officer
  • higher education lecturer
  • policy adviser.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Coursework and examinations. The final-year independent literature review or research project is assessed purely by project work.

How to apply

29Jan

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.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We welcome applications from applicants without traditional entry qualifications. We assess by interview and application your suitability for degree level study, taking into account the knowledge and skills that you have gained since leaving formal education. FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £7145 Year 1
Northern Ireland £7145 Year 1
Scotland £7145 Year 1
Wales £7145 Year 1
International £13545 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

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Geography and International Development at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS