BSc Geography (Human and Physical)

Explore our natural and human worlds – and the complex relationships between the two – with our BSc Geography (Human and Physical) degree.

By combining your study of human and physical geographies, you can explore a hugely diverse range of topics. For example, you can examine:

• the differences and dynamics of political systems and cultures
• sustainable development of urban spaces
• the way the natural environment responds to – and recovers from – change.

This three-year course also offers you the chance to help address issues critical to our shared global future, including:

• climate change
• natural disasters
• social inequalities
• poverty.

At Reading, our geography research feeds directly into our teaching, so you’ll study current topics of interest in the field. You’ll also work with internationally renowned academics, whose projects investigate topics like neighbourhood regeneration, resilience and sustainability, food and consumerism in the media, and responses to epidemics in developing countries.

You will also 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 learning environment

You’ll learn from internationally recognised academics in the University of Reading’s Department of Geography and Environmental Science. In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students studying BSc Geography (Human and Physical) said that teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things. Our experts are researching issues of global importance, including:

• sustainability
• globalisation and development
• hydrology, landscapes and ecology
• paleoecology
• glaciology.

Develop technical laboratory skills to help apply your knowledge in areas such as modelling, surveying and measurement, and technologies such as GIS (Geographic Information System) and remote sensing.

We’ll support you to make a difference as you apply your lessons to what you’re passionate about. For example, recent students have campaigned successfully 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 and Physical) degree are its field classes.

All of our compulsory field classes are heavily subsidised by the Department, and the cost of the first-year Southern England class and second-year Scotland class are included in your fees.

We currently offer field classes to:

Year one

• Southern England - study a range of social, cultural, economic and environmental issues.

Year two

• Stirling, Scotland - expand your knowledge of geomorphology, environmental change and nature restoration.

Year three

• Berlin, Germany - explore neighbourhood spaces and social history.
• Iceland - study volcanic processes and glaciology, energy resources, and the history of the landscape.
• Nanjing, China - improve your understanding of approaches used to address a range of environmental issues.
• Southern England and Wales - explore the inter-relationships between a range of social, economic and environmental problems.

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 semester – 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.

Placements with BSc Geography (Human and Physical)

Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for placements during your degree. Opportunities include year-long and summer placements.

You’ll have opportunities 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.

You can also choose to spend a year on a professional placement (between your second and final year) with our four-year BSc Geography (Human and Physical) with Professional Experience degree.