14Jun
UndergraduateDurham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
Geographical science is leading the way in tackling global challenges, from climate change to environmental risk mitigation. Studying this research-led modular degree in physical 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 BSc degree begins with a broad foundation, during which you are introduced to both human and physical geography. Year 1 commences with three compulsory modules and fieldwork. In the second and third years, our modules lead progressively to increasing specialised content focused on the cutting-edge of physical geography and environmental research. There is also the opportunity to study integrated modules that span the human/physical geography interface and optional overseas fieldwork. 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 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, but also want to leave your options open, 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 (BSc) 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. Handling Geographic Information provides students with essential skills in acquiring, modifying, analysing and displaying geographical data. Examples of optional modules: Carbon and Biogeochemical Cycles Glaciers and Glaciation Handling Geographic Information Managing River Catchments Mountain Landscapes Reconstructing Environmental Change. 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: Alpine Landscapes and Processes Iceland: Field Research in Glacial Environments Mountain Hazards Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience Oceans Past and Present River Dynamics Sea Level Change and Coastal Evolution The Arctic.
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. We believe your portfolio of work should be something you carry with you and are proud to showcase after graduation.
How to apply
31Jan
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:
- F800
- 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 - AAA - A*AB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AAAAB
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 37 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) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, D3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD
T Level
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level BBB/ABC (or equivalent) to include Geography or a science subject. 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
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
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 |
Additional fee information
There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE