Geography

Core themes of the Geography degree programme at Durham University include the study of the Earth's physical features, human societies and their environments, and the complex interactions between them. This course offers students a comprehensive understanding of geographical processes and encourages critical thinking about global and local issues such as climate change, urban development, resource management, and sustainability. Throughout the programme, students engage with a diverse range of topics, from geomorphology and climate systems to cultural landscapes and economic geography. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, including fieldwork, data analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This approach prepares graduates for a variety of careers in environmental consulting, urban planning, government agencies, international development, and research. Students benefit from Durham’s distinguished academic faculty, who are experts in their fields and often involved in cutting-edge research. The programme emphasizes a global perspective, encouraging students to consider the interconnectedness of natural and human systems across different geographical scales. Opportunities for field trips, internships, and collaborative projects are integral parts of the course, enhancing experiential learning and employability. The programme is geologically, environmentally, and socially aware, fostering a nuanced understanding of how geographical issues impact communities and ecosystems worldwide. Graduates leave with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, enabling them to contribute effectively to addressing some of the critical challenges facing our planet. The course is suitable for students with a broad interest in the physical, human, and environmental aspects of geography, and provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study or professional careers in related fields.

Content

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Human Geography: Space and Place in a Changing World
• Introduction to Geographical Research (BA)
• Physical Geography.

Optional modules

Choose two optional modules from:

• Environment and Society 
• Geographies of Crisis
• Understanding Earth’s Challenges
• Module(s) offered by another department, subject to approval.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Social Research in Geography (includes compulsory residential fieldwork in the UK)
• Theory and Concepts in Contemporary Human Geography.

These form the required foundation for your Dissertation in the third year.

Optional modules

Choose three modules (the modules may vary from year to year but this is typical of the range):

• Environmental Processes and Governance 
• Geographies of Development
• Political Geography
• Social and Cultural Geography
• Urban Geography
• Economic Geography
• Climate Change: Geographical Perspectives
• One module from the BSc list or from another department (with permission and subject to timetables).

Year 3

Compulsory module

•  Dissertation (individual Research Project).

Optional modules (120 credits from the following):

(the modules may vary from year to year but this is typical of the range):

20 credits

• Urban Change in Europe (Berlin fieldtrip)
• The Arctic (Norway fieldtrip)
• Territory and Geopolitics (Jerisalem fieldtrip)
• Geographies of Energy Transition (Cape Town fieldtrip)
• Geographies of Difference and Identity
• People, Participation and Place
• Politics/Space– Drawing Lines, Writing the World
• Philosophy and Geography
• Natural Hazards in a Vulnerable World.

10 credits

• Cities and the Governing of Climate change
• Post-colonialism and Development 
• Spaces of Health and Well-Being
• Everyday Economies
• Waterworlds and Wellbeing
• Geographyies of Everyday Life
• Geographies of Contemporary Unfree Labour
• Geographies of Memory: Power, Place, Identities
• Geographies of Money and Finance
• Urban Governance.

Study Abroad

You will have the opportunity to study abroad during second year where we have exchange programmes and this can be a rewarding experience that is highly valued by employers. The latest information is as follows:

• National University of Singapore
• University of British Columbia
• Queen's University, Canada
• University of Otago, New Zealand.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact us for more information or atgeography.admissions@durham.ac.uk
• Geography is accepted as a science subject
• We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer
• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Centre offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.
• Please consult the University website for required evidence of English language proficiency
• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing of the Geography program at Durham University is structured to provide both domestic and international students with flexible options for funding their studies. Tuition fees vary depending on the student’s residence status and the specific year of entry. For home students, the annual tuition fee is approximately £9,250, which is consistent with the standard rate set by the UK government for undergraduate courses. International students typically pay higher tuition fees; for the Geography program, this is around £18,000 per year, reflecting the premium placed on international education.

Students are encouraged to explore a variety of funding opportunities, including government-supported loans, scholarships, and bursaries. The UK government offers student loans to cover tuition fees and living expenses for eligible home students, which can be repaid after graduation based on income levels. Durham University also provides a range of scholarships and bursaries to attract high-achieving students, including the Durham University Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, which offers partial fee waivers, and subject-specific awards for excellence in geographical studies.

For international students, there are merit-based scholarships such as the International Undergraduate Scholarships, which can cover a portion of tuition fees and are awarded based on academic performance in application materials. Additionally, students are advised to seek external funding sources, including government-sponsored scholarships, private grants, and sponsorships specific to their home country. The university has an international financial aid office that provides guidance on available funding options, application procedures, and deadlines.

Students are also encouraged to consider part-time employment opportunities on campus or nearby to supplement their income during studies. Durham University’s Career & Employability Centre offers resources and support in finding part-time work, internships, and placement programs relevant to geographic studies. Furthermore, students can apply for support through the Durham University Hardship Fund in cases of financial difficulties, which provides short-term assistance to mitigate unforeseen expenses.

Overall, the financing structure of the Geography program at Durham University is designed to facilitate access to a high-quality education through a combination of university-specific financial aid, government loans, external scholarships, and personal funding strategies. Students are advised to review the university’s official website and contact the admissions and financial aid offices early in the application process to ensure they are aware of all available opportunities and to secure necessary funding for their studies.

Geography at Durham University offers a comprehensive and distinctive approach to understanding the complex relationships between people, places, and environments across the globe. This program is designed to equip students with a wide range of skills including spatial analysis, critical thinking, and empirical research methods, enabling them to analyze contemporary issues such as climate change, urban development, and sustainability. The curriculum integrates physical and human geography, providing a holistic perspective that emphasizes both natural processes and socio-economic factors influencing geographical patterns.

Students benefit from Durham’s outstanding academic staff who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant and innovative. The program offers various modules, covering topics such as geomorphology, climatology, environmental management, cultural geography, and global development. Hands-on fieldwork is a central component of the degree, with opportunities for students to participate in field trips both within the UK and abroad, gaining practical experience and developing strong observational and analytical skills.

Durham University boasts excellent facilities for geography students, including dedicated laboratories, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) suites, and access to digital mapping technologies. The department encourages an interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaborations with other departments such as archaeology, ecology, and environmental science. This enhances students’ understanding of the interconnectedness of geographical topics and prepares them for diverse career paths.

Graduates from the Durham Geography program go on to pursue careers in environmental consultancy, urban planning, conservation, geographic information science (GIS), teaching, and research, among others. The program also offers opportunities for postgraduate study, including MSc and PhD research degrees. The vibrant student community and strong links with industry and academic institutions provide valuable networking opportunities and practical experience through internships and placements.

Overall, Durham’s Geography program combines academic rigour with practical application, aiming to develop well-rounded graduates capable of addressing some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges faced today. The university’s rich heritage, coupled with a global outlook and focus on research-led teaching, makes it an excellent choice for students interested in exploring the dynamic and vital field of Geography.