Geography

The BSc Geography program at University College London offers students a comprehensive understanding of the physical and human processes shaping our planet. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students explore topics such as environmental systems, climate change, urban development, and sustainable resource management. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical abilities, and a global perspective, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in academia, policy, consultancy, and the environmental sector. Core modules cover key areas including geomorphology, atmospheric science, biogeography, GIS and remote sensing, alongside social and cultural geography. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced GIS labs and fieldwork opportunities, allowing for experiential learning and real-world application. The curriculum emphasizes independent research, data analysis, and problem-solving, encouraging students to engage with current geographic challenges. UCL’s location in London provides unique access to diverse natural and urban environments, as well as proximity to government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. The program also promotes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from environmental science, economics, and social sciences to address complex global issues. Graduates of the BSc Geography program at UCL are well-equipped for postgraduate study or entering a competitive job market, with skills in spatial analysis, environmental assessment, and policy development. Overall, this program aims to cultivate informed, environmentally responsible citizens capable of contributing to sustainable development and responsible stewardship of the Earth’s resources.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The Geography BA and BSc share core elements at the start, providing you with a strong geographical foundation on which to build. In year one you take two core modules and four optional modules, one of which can be outside the department.

In year two, compulsory modules are supplemented by six optional modules, including field research based courses, selected from a substantial pool. It is now possible to begin focusing on topics such as development geography, environmental and conservation management, urban geography, GIS and climate change.

Your dissertation is the main focus of year three. In this, you'll work with a relevant academic to develop an original piece of research on a topic of your choice. In addition you take further optional modules, which may include participation in exchange programmes with universities in Australia, Canada, Europe or Singapore.

Fieldwork throughout the programme can take place both in the UK and abroad, and it is also possible to base your dissertation on an overseas project. Recent destinations include Australia, Belize, India, Montserrat and Papua New Guinea. Financial support for overseas fieldwork may be available through expedition funds.

A levels

Grades

AAA-AAB

Subjects

Geography grade A required. For the Geography with Quantitative Methods stream, grade A in Mathematics is also required.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36-38

Subjects

A total of 17-18 points in three higher level subjects including grade 6 in Geography, with no score below 5. For the Geography with Quantitative Methods stream, grade 6 in Mathematics at higher level is also required.

Funding opportunities for the Geography undergraduate program at University College London (UCL) are diverse and aim to support students from various backgrounds. UCL offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid options to help alleviate the cost of tuition and living expenses. Prospective students can explore merit-based scholarships awarded on academic achievement, including the UCL Undergraduate Bursary Scheme, which provides financial support to students demonstrating financial need. Additionally, there are subject-specific awards for excellence in Geography, as well as international scholarships for non-UK students. UCL also participates in government-funded loan schemes, allowing eligible students to access loans for tuition fees and maintenance. The university's financial aid office provides detailed guidance on application procedures and eligibility criteria. Students are encouraged to apply early and to seek advice on external funding sources, such as national scholarship programs and private foundations. Furthermore, UCL offers work placement and part-time opportunities that enable students to earn income during their studies. The university's commitment to widening participation ensures that financial barriers are minimized, providing scholarship programs specifically designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds. Overall, financing a Geography degree at UCL involves a combination of university scholarships, government loans, external awards, and income-generating opportunities, making higher education more accessible and affordable for all qualified applicants.

The BSc Geography programme at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's physical features, human societies, and the complex interactions between the environment and society. This programme is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for addressing contemporary geographical issues such as climate change, urban development, environmental management, and global sustainability. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of topics, including physical geography, human geography, GIS and spatial analysis, environmental systems, and the social sciences underpinning geographical processes. The curriculum combines rigorous academic teaching with fieldwork, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Students benefit from access to UCL’s extensive facilities, including modern laboratories, GIS software, and a variety of field locations for experiential learning. The programme encourages critical thinking, data analysis, and research skills, preparing graduates to pursue careers in academia, government agencies, environmental consultancy, urban planning, and other sectors related to geographical sciences. UCL’s location in London provides unparalleled opportunities for engagement with urban environments, policy institutions, and research organizations, enriching the educational experience. The programme typically includes options for specializations or pathways, such as Physical Geography or Human Geography, enabling students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. A key component of the programme is a dissertation project, where students conduct independent research under supervision, demonstrating their ability to synthesize knowledge and produce original work. Overall, UCL’s Geography BSc is recognized for its academic excellence and practical relevance, making it a compelling choice for students passionate about understanding and addressing global geographical challenges.