Explore the relationship between human societies and the environments they inhabit with our BSc Geography (Human) with Professional Experience degree.
On this four-year course, you'll study the dynamics and differences in cultures, political systems, economies and landscapes, and discover the links between them.
Examine issues that are critical to our shared global future, including:
- climate change
- globalisation and international labour markets
- social deprivation
- water pollution.
You'll have the flexibility to decide where to focus your attention as your degree progresses, so you can adapt the degree to suit your interests as they evolve.
Your studies will equip you with essential subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills, including:
- qualitative and quantitative surveying techniques
- design and implementation of fieldwork and research projects
- teamworking, communication and leadership
- GIS (Geographic Information System) and remote sensing
- computer modelling
- cartography
- spatial analysis.
BSc Geography (Human) placement year
A key component of this degree is a year-long professional placement, which occurs between your second and final year. Placements can help enhance your employability and build your network.
Other opportunities include summer placements and the chance to work with partner organisations on research projects, with some of our recent students working with organisations such as:
- Thames Water
- Environment Agency
- Reading Borough Council
- Earth Trust
- Reading Buses
- West Berkshire Wildlife Group.
Visit the Geography and Environmental Sciences placements page for more information.
Your learning environment
At the University of Reading, you'll learn from internationally recognised academics in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. Our experts are researching issues of global importance, including:
- sustainability
- globalisation and development
- hydrology, landscapes and ecology
- paleoecology
- glaciology.
Our research expertise feeds directly into the topics you will study throughout your degree, giving you access to the latest developments in human geography. Current projects include neighbourhood regeneration, resilience and sustainability, food and consumerism in the media, and responses to epidemics in third world countries.
- Professor Hilary Geoghegan is leading the National Environment Research Council's £1.3m 'Community for Engaging Environments' project, which offers students the opportunity to get involved in professional research.
We'll support you to make a difference as you apply your lessons to what you're passionate about. Recent students have successfully campaigned for the University’s students’ union to stop using plastic straws, and participated in a community action group to improve public transport for local socially deprived areas.
- Read about Jack Abrey, a recent graduate who travelled to Madagascar with WaterAid and the Scouts to help improve access to clean water and safe toilets across the country.
You'll have opportunities to work on research projects within the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science and other departments across the University.
You can also join GeogSoc, a student-run society for geography and environmental science undergraduates. As one of the University’s largest student societies, GeogSoc is a great way to meet people, build your network, and participate in events like club nights, quizzes, and the annual summer and winter formals.
Field classes
One of the most popular components of our BSc Geography (Human) with Professional Experience are its field classes.
You’ll have the opportunity to travel throughout the UK and abroad, putting theory into practice and gaining valuable research and practical experience.
Recent field class destinations have included:
- Naples, Italy, where you can climb Mount Vesuvius and learn about the historical impacts and future evacuation plans for volcanic eruptions.
- Berlin, Germany, where you can explore neighbourhood spaces and social history.
- Crete, Greece, where you can research the relationship between human activity and the environment – and the impact of tourism in particular.
- Iceland, where you can study the geomorphology of the area, the history of the landscape, and aspects of the archaeological and cultural history of human activity on the island.
- Almeria, Spain, where you can investigate the geology, hydrology, and soils.
We are also developing additional field classes to Africa and Latin America.
Find out more about our field work:
- Rory Fitz-Gerald, a recent graduate, went on a field class to Crete and says that "getting out into the world and seeing first-hand what you are learning about is invaluable."
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year abroad at one of our partner universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, or across Europe. For example, recent destinations have included Melbourne, Australia and Ottawa, Canada.
In the autumn of your final year, you’ll also have the chance to study abroad for a term – either in the Netherlands (Groningen), Denmark (Aarhus), or Norway (Bergen or Svalbard). All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs.
Visit our Study Abroad website for more information.
Overview
Explore the relationship between human societies and the environments they inhabit with our BSc Geography (Human) with Professional Experience degree.
On this four-year course, you'll study the dynamics and differences in cultures, political systems, economies and landscapes, and discover the links between them.
Examine issues that are critical to our shared global future, including:
- climate change
- globalisation and international labour markets
- social deprivation
- water pollution.
You'll have the flexibility to decide where to focus your attention as your degree progresses, so you can adapt the degree to suit your interests as they evolve.
Your studies will equip you with essential subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills, including:
- qualitative and quantitative surveying techniques
- design and implementation of fieldwork and research projects
- teamworking, communication and leadership
- GIS (Geographic Information System) and remote sensing
- computer modelling
- cartography
- spatial analysis.
BSc Geography (Human) placement year
A key component of this degree is a year-long professional placement, which occurs between your second and final year. Placements can help enhance your employability and build your network.
Other opportunities include summer placements and the chance to work with partner organisations on research projects, with some of our recent students working with organisations such as:
- Thames Water
- Environment Agency
- Reading Borough Council
- Earth Trust
- Reading Buses
- West Berkshire Wildlife Group.
Visit the Geography and Environmental Sciences placements page for more information.
Learning
Your learning environment
At the University of Reading, you'll learn from internationally recognised academics in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. Our experts are researching issues of global importance, including:
- sustainability
- globalisation and development
- hydrology, landscapes and ecology
- paleoecology
- glaciology.
Our research expertise feeds directly into the topics you will study throughout your degree, giving you access to the latest developments in human geography. Current projects include neighbourhood regeneration, resilience and sustainability, food and consumerism in the media, and responses to epidemics in third world countries.
- Professor Hilary Geoghegan is leading the National Environment Research Council's £1.3m 'Community for Engaging Environments' project, which offers students the opportunity to get involved in professional research.
We'll support you to make a difference as you apply your lessons to what you're passionate about. Recent students have successfully campaigned for the University’s students’ union to stop using plastic straws, and participated in a community action group to improve public transport for local socially deprived areas.
- Read about Jack Abrey, a recent graduate who travelled to Madagascar with WaterAid and the Scouts to help improve access to clean water and safe toilets across the country.
You'll have opportunities to work on research projects within the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science and other departments across the University.
You can also join GeogSoc, a student-run society for geography and environmental science undergraduates. As one of the University’s largest student societies, GeogSoc is a great way to meet people, build your network, and participate in events like club nights, quizzes, and the annual summer and winter formals.
Field classes
One of the most popular components of our BSc Geography (Human) with Professional Experience are its field classes.
You’ll have the opportunity to travel throughout the UK and abroad, putting theory into practice and gaining valuable research and practical experience.
Recent field class destinations have included:
- Naples, Italy, where you can climb Mount Vesuvius and learn about the historical impacts and future evacuation plans for volcanic eruptions.
- Berlin, Germany, where you can explore neighbourhood spaces and social history.
- Crete, Greece, where you can research the relationship between human activity and the environment – and the impact of tourism in particular.
- Iceland, where you can study the geomorphology of the area, the history of the landscape, and aspects of the archaeological and cultural history of human activity on the island.
- Almeria, Spain, where you can investigate the geology, hydrology, and soils.
We are also developing additional field classes to Africa and Latin America.
Find out more about our field work:
- Rory Fitz-Gerald, a recent graduate, went on a field class to Crete and says that "getting out into the world and seeing first-hand what you are learning about is invaluable."
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can apply to study for a year abroad at one of our partner universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, or across Europe. For example, recent destinations have included Melbourne, Australia and Ottawa, Canada.
In the autumn of your final year, you’ll also have the chance to study abroad for a term – either in the Netherlands (Groningen), Denmark (Aarhus), or Norway (Bergen or Svalbard). All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs.
Visit our Study Abroad website for more information.
Entry requirements A Level BBB | IB 30 points overall
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
GV1TGE | Techniques in Geography and Environmental Science | DR Mike Simmonds |
GV1HGT | Theories and Debates in Human Geography | DR Eirini Saratsi |
GV1CIG | Contemporary Issues in Human Geography | DR Filippo Menga |
GV1HGI | Introducing Human Geography | PROF Avril Maddrell |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | DR Federico Faloppa |
LS1GL | Globalization and Language | DR Tony Capstick |
GV1QS | Introduction to Quaternary Science. | PROF Nicholas Branch |
GV1E1 | Soils in the Environment | DR Steve Robinson |
GV1D | Hydrology | DR Hong Yang |
GV1DE | Our Dynamic Earth | DR Hazel McGoff |
GV1C | Climatology | DR Maria Shahgedanova |
GV1EI | Environmental Issues | DR Alan Howard |
GV1GS | Geomorphology | DR Alison Macleod |
GV1B1 | Introduction to Environmental Science | DR Hazel McGoff |
GV1BGE | Biogeography and Ecology | PROF Frank Mayle |
AR1EMP | Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Rome | PROF Roger Matthews |
AR1SOC | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology | DR Thomas Grisaffi |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | DR Yiorgos Gadanakis |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MS Sandra Preciado |
AP1ID2 | International Development: Global and Local Issues. | DR Garth Holloway |
AP1A02 | Introduction to Agricultural and Food Systems | |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | MRS Jackie Baines |
CL1TR | Texts, Readers, and Writers | PROF Eleanor Dickey |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
EC118 | Economy, Politics and Culture in the Roman World | PROF Ken Dark |
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
GV2PPY | Professional Placement Year | DR Rob Batchelor |
GV2RTS | Research Training for Geography and Environmental Science. | DR Mike Simmonds |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ML2GF | Science, perversion, and dream in global fantastic literature | DR Daniela La Penna |
ML2UNR | Unity, Nationalism and Regionalism in Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
MM270 | Practice of Entrepreneurship | DR Norbert Morawetz |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
FT2WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Simone Knox |
GV2ASD | Analysing Social Data | PROF Steve Musson |
GV2CIP | Culture, Identity and Place | DR Yaw Adjei-Amoako |
GV2ER | Energy Resources | DR Alan Howard |
GV2CSR | Corporate Social Responsibility Consultancy | MR Jim Ormond |
GV2FCN | Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 3 | DR Filippo Menga |
GV2FCC | Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 2. | PROF Nicholas Branch |
GV2FCB | Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 4. | PROF Mike Goodman |
GV2GIS | Geographical Information Systems | DR Jess Neumann |
GV2H1 | Geographies of Development | DR Sally Lloyd-Evans |
GV2HY | Hydrological Processes | PROF Andrew Wade |
GV2HAZ | Natural Hazards | DR Alison Macleod |
GV2MES | Monitoring the Earth from Space | DR Kevin White |
GV2PLA | Summer Placement | DR Rob Batchelor |
GV2MPL | Summer Micro-Placement | DR Rob Batchelor |
GV2POP | Population Geography | DR Sylvie Dubuc |
AR2M8 | Medieval Europe: power, religion and death | DR Gabor Thomas |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | PROF Timothy Duff |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | PROF Annalisa Marzano |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF Barbara Goff |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | MR George Mason |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | DR Shalini Sinha |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Severin Schroeder |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
MT2CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Brandon Beomseob Park |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ML3IC | Identity and Conflict in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML3LP | Language and Power | DR Federico Faloppa |
MM302 | Entrepreneurial Project | MR Keith Heron |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LW3CRY | Criminology | PROF Paul Almond |
GV344 | Culture and Development in Africa | DR Yaw Adjei-Amoako |
GV3DPE | Dissertation (Year of Professional Expereince Students) | DR Shovonlal Roy |
GV3DSA | Dissertation (Study Abroad Students) | DR Filippo Menga |
GV3ER1 | ERASMUS Exchange Programme | DR Filippo Menga |
GV3DLA | Drugs, Development and Democracy in Latin America | DR Thomas Grisaffi |
GV3DLE | Dryland Environments. | DR Kevin White |
GV3AP | Air Pollution: Effects and Control | DR Hong Yang |
GV3CC | Climate Change | DR Maria Shahgedanova |
GV3CPS | Consumption, Politics and Space | PROF Mike Goodman |
GV3TRC | Tropical Rainforests, Climate & Lost Civilisations | PROF Frank Mayle |
GV3WAT | Water Politics | DR Filippo Menga |
GV3JLD | Global Justice, Labour and Development | DR Sally Lloyd-Evans |
GV3HCP | THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF HERITAGE AND CULTURAL PROPERTY | DR Alanna Cant |
GV3IFC | Iceland Expeditionary Fieldclass | DR Stuart Black |
GV3PFF | Preparing For Floods | PROF Hannah Cloke |
GV3ESM | Ecosystems Modelling | DR Shovonlal Roy |
GV3ER3 | ERASMUS Exchange Programme | DR Filippo Menga |
BI3BI8 | Neurobiology | DR Nandini Vasudevan |
BI3EF7 | Urban Ecology | DR Phil Baker |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | PROF David Marshall |
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250* per year
New international students: £19,500 per year
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Placement Year fees
If you spend a full year on placement – including professional and research placements and industrial experience – you’ll pay a discounted tuition fee for that year.
For more information, please contact placements@reading.ac.uk.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
Careers with BSc Geography (Human) with Professional Experience
Geography arms you with the ability to see the big picture. The intellectual, technical and team-working skills you develop during your degree are sought by employers – and 95% of our graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2017/18, based on first degree responders from geography and environmental science).
Your degree will provide the subject-specific and transferable skills required in a variety of careers, including wildlife conservation, renewable energy, urban and transport planning, and roles in the environmental and agricultural sectors. Your communication skills and desire to make a difference might lead you to work in the public sector, teaching, or for local or national government.
Recent BSc Geography (Human) graduates have gone on to work for organisations including:
- Citibank
- Good Energy
- Innovate UK
- Jacobs
- Mitchells & Butlers
- Thames Teachers.
Geography is very tailor-made. I now have a degree relevant to everything I’m interested in and that’s something I love about it. It’s very 'you'.
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