Geography

The BSc Geography programme at University College London offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the physical and human aspects of the Earth's environment. Designed for students passionate about understanding the complex interactions between natural systems and human activities, this programme provides a rigorous academic curriculum grounded in the latest research and innovative methodologies. Throughout the course, students will engage with a broad range of topics including climate change, urban development, environmental management, GIS and remote sensing technologies, and the socio-economic factors shaping different regions across the globe. The programme emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling students to analyze spatial data, interpret geographic patterns, and develop sustainable solutions for real-world issues. Students benefit from UCL's outstanding facilities, including cutting-edge laboratories and fieldwork opportunities that enhance experiential learning. The programme also encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary approaches, and active engagement with current global challenges such as biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and urban resilience. With options to specialise in areas such as Human Geography, Physical Geography, or Environmental Science, graduates will be well-equipped for careers in academia, government, environmental consultancy, urban planning, conservation, and international development. The diverse and vibrant academic community at UCL fosters collaborative learning, enabling students to connect with experts and peers from around the world. Regular seminars, workshops, and field trips provide additional platforms for practical application and professional development. Graduates of this programme will develop a nuanced understanding of geographic processes and a set of transferable skills highly valued across numerous sectors. Upon completing the programme, students will be prepared to contribute meaningfully to addressing some of the most pressing environmental and societal issues of our time.

Students follow a programme of study that introduces them to the philosophy of education, epistemology, curriculum theory, pedagogical methods including fieldwork, cognitive psychology and child development, assessment, pedagogical content knowledge for the geography curriculum and contemporary education issues.
This theoretical study is combined with teaching practice, which consists of one placement in the autumn and one in the spring/summer. Fieldwork is undertaken in both London and the Lake District.

Students undertake two level 7 (Master’s-level) modules of 30 credits each, totaling 60 credits. These can be carried forward onto full Master’s programmes at the IOE.

The Secondary PGCE consists of three core modules: two Master’s-level (level 7) modules, which are assessed through written assignments, and the Professional Practice module, which is assessed by the observation of practical teaching in placement schools.

Completion of the Professional Practice module and the two level 7 (Master’s level) modules (60 credits) will result in the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). Completion of the Professional Practice module and one or two level 6 (undergraduate/Bachelor’s level) modules, will lead to the Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PgCE).

Core modules

• Secondary Geography: Developing Teaching and Learning (30 Master's-level credits)
• Secondary Geography: Learning in a Wider Context (30 Master's-level credits)
• Professional Practice

Placement

Students will spend most of their time (120 days) in schools, working with geography mentors who provide support during two school placements. We are fortunate to have a good choice of schools with whom we work, with many outstanding mentors and strong geography departments.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered via keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days at the IOE, as well as time spent in placements. Assessment is by practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks.
Students will also record their progress in a Career Entry and Development Profile statement. This will form part of an ongoing portfolio charting the student's continuing professional development.

First degree

Normally a minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in Geography, or a Geography-related degree. Successful applicants with a degree closely-related to geography are frequently required to attend a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course in the summer preceding the start of the PGCE. These are usually 8-12 week courses designed to help non-geographers develop a better understanding of the discipline and subject knowledge of the curriculum. For students starting in September 2017 we are currently recommending the courses offered by University of Sussex, University of West of England or Manchester Met University.

A levels

Geography at grade C required if the first degree subject is not Geography.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C.

School experience

Prospective students must complete a minimum of five days of school experience before they can be enrolled on the Secondary PGCE. This may involve observations, work experience (e.g. as a teaching assistant or cover supervisor), or voluntary work. Applicants must have a minimum of one day's school experience before interview; some subjects will be looking for significantly more than this. Applicants must ensure that their school experience is relevant in helping them to prepare for the Secondary PGCE, during which Student Teachers are placed in a wide range of schools across London and the South East.

DBS and Occupational Health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The total cost of these checks is £125. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults. 

Skills tests

All applicants must successfully complete professional skills tests in literacy and numeracy before they can enrol. 

The Geography undergraduate program at University College London offers a range of financing options for both domestic and international students. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residency status, with UK students benefiting from lower rates compared to international students. For UK residents, the annual tuition fee for the program is approximately £9,250, while international students are charged around £23,160 per year. These fees are subject to annual increases and are payable in full or via installment plans.

In addition to tuition fees, students should consider living costs, which include accommodation, food, transportation, and study materials. UCL provides estimated living expenses of approximately £1,200 to £1,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices. Students can access a variety of financial support options, including government loans and grants, such as the Student Loan Company (SLC) loans for UK residents. These loans can help cover tuition fees and living costs, with repayment starting after graduation when income exceeds a certain threshold.

International students may be eligible for scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs offered directly by UCL or external organizations. UCL's international scholarship schemes are competitive and aim to support students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities, including country-specific scholarships and private funding sources.

UCL also offers work placement schemes and part-time work options on campus to help students supplement their income during their studies. The university has careers services providing guidance on earning opportunities, CV writing, and interview preparation. Payment plans and financial advice services are available to assist students in managing their finances effectively throughout their degree.

Students are advised to start financial planning early, ensuring they are aware of all potential costs and support mechanisms. Funding applications typically open well before the academic year begins, and detailed information regarding eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines can be found on UCL's official website. Overall, financing the Geography program at UCL requires consideration of tuition fees, living expenses, and available financial aid, with numerous resources designed to support students throughout their academic journey.

The Geography program at University College London (UCL) offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationships between people and environments across the globe. The program explores diverse geographical phenomena, including physical landscapes, human societies, and the interactions between them. Students have access to cutting-edge research facilities and are encouraged to develop critical thinking and analytical skills through a combination of lectures, seminars, fieldwork, and project-based learning. UCL's Geography Department benefits from a prestigious academic reputation and strong links with industry, policy agencies, and international institutions, providing students with valuable opportunities for internships, research projects, and networking. The program covers fundamental topics such as urban development, environmental management, climate change, geopolitics, cultural landscapes, and spatial analysis. It prepares graduates for a variety of careers in sectors like environmental consultancy, urban planning, development agencies, and academia. Students are supported by a distinguished faculty of experts in fieldwork, GIS, environmental science, and social geography. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to address contemporary global challenges. Many courses involve field trips and practical exercises, covering locations both within the UK and internationally, fostering hands-on training and real-world experience. The course offers flexibility with optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the discipline. UCL’s location in central London provides unparalleled access to a vibrant city environment that acts as a living lab for urban geography and social sciences research. The program encourages international perspectives and collaborative projects, reflecting the dynamic and interconnected nature of geographic issues worldwide. Overall, the Geography program at UCL is designed to produce versatile graduates capable of critical inquiry, innovative problem-solving, and leadership in addressing environmental and societal challenges at local and global scales.