Program Overview

---

BSc (Hons) - Geography (with integrated foundation year)

Course Overview

Geographers explore the global challenges that face both humanity and the planet in the 21st century. Based on both our Carlisle Fusehill Street campus (integrated foundation year only) and Ambleside campus in the heart of the Lake District, you will embrace the mix of natural and social science and humanities that create the diversity and exuberance we call geography. We will explore the differences and dynamics between culture, political systems, economies and landscapes; but you will also evaluate these as contested spaces that can be viewed through multiple lenses.

Our location allows us to embed high-quality fields, laboratory, geo-spacial and archive work. Residential field-courses at every level take you beyond the Lake District and UK placing your learning in a global context. You will become an effective practitioner with a unique intellectual curiosity and the ability to observe and critically reflect on the world around you.

On this course you will...

• Following your foundation year, study geography at the University of Cumbria in the Lake District, the UK's only university campus in a UNESCO World Heritage Site – unbeatable natural surroundings that enable you to live your geography degree.
• Be taught by experienced lecturers who conduct international research that informs your studies and future career progression.
• Have access to up-to-date technology used in the modern workplace, including advanced Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing.
• Learn to solve large global challenges and local issues like small-scale flood management, boosting your problem-solving skills.
• Develop technical, analytical, and interpretative skills through your studies to boost your employability.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Carlisle - Fusehill Street
• Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
• UCAS Code: F811
• Delivery Style: In-Person
• Course Duration: Full-time: 4 Years
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BSc (Hons)

What our students say

• "I love the course offered up here, there’s a great mix of modules covering a very broad range of topics. Plus, it’s a very cool location to get the chance to study in!" - Oliver Fox, Geography
• "Upon visiting the Lake District campus located in Ambleside, I knew it was the place for me! The course offers a unique hands-on learning experience where students can gain valuable employable skills through fieldwork which often takes place right on your doorstep." - Sarah Hilton, Geography

Related Courses

• BSc (Hons) - Geography
• BSc (Hons) - Environmental Science

Course Structure

What you will learn

We have designed our geography course so you get the opportunity to bring together human, physical and environmental geography. Not only will it give you a breadth of academic knowledge and plenty of hands-on field work, it can be the start you need to shape your successful career.

Throughout your foundation year, you'll begin your studies by exploring wider science and environment practices, settling into university practices, and developing foundational skills needed to progress further.

Our broad spectrum of modules means that alongside physical and environmental geography, you’ll gain a deep knowledge of human geography - looking at the complex issues facing society today and in the future.

Plus, you'll live and learn close to the shores of Windermere Lake, on our friendly Ambleside campus in the stunning Lake District, where you'll be surrounded by a picturesque patchwork of more than 150 lofty peaks, 16 lakes, an abundance of rivers - all home to unique habitats and wildlife.

Modules

Our programme explores many of the key grand challenges that face both humanity and the planet in the 21st Century, for example: climate change and its implications; inequality and difference at individual to global levels; and valuing the ecosystem services we derive from the Earth system. Through your studies, you will develop a progressively more sophisticated understanding of geographical thinking within four broad, interconnected thematic strands.

These four themes are developed through a variety of compulsory and optional modules with an increasing level of choice available as you progress through your studies, enabling you to specialise and follow your own interests as you develop as a Geographer.

Year one

• Essential University Skills 1
• Essential Biology
• Scientific Investigation
• Essential University Skills 2
• Environmental Sciences
• Dynamic Earth

Year two

• Global Challenges
• Geographical Techniques
• People and Place
• Environment and Resources
• The Earth System
• Ecological Knowledge, Interactions and Change

Year three

• Research Design
• Valuing the Environment
• Environmental Change: Past Present Future
• Geographical Information Systems
• The Catchment: Summit to Sea (Optional)
• Culture, Identity and Place (Optional)
• Rural Economy and Society (Optional)
• Habitats and Ecosystems (Optional)

Year four

• Dissertation
• Researching Environmental Change: Field-course
• Science and Politics of Climate Change
• Creative Cultural Geographies (Optional)
• Upland Resource Management (Optional)
• Cold Environments (Optional)
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (Optional)
• Aquatic and Catchment Resource Management (Optional)
• Contemporary Global Conservation (Optional)

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

Throughout your degree, you will learn through a blend of extensive field and laboratory work (including use of GIS).

For example, in your first year, you will know the essentials of environmental sciences.

In your second year, you will have the opportunity to participate in a range of half-day, full-day, and short residential fieldwork experiences that explore the fundamentals of Geography.

As you move into the third year, we deepen your knowledge through more investigative exercises so that you may appreciate the complexities of the real world, and learn to recognise the diversity of approaches to ‘doing’ Geography, including a longer residential field trip outside the region.

By your final year, you will be undertaking independent field research for your dissertation as well as participating in an overseas research-focused field trip exploring what it means to be a Geographer within a global and international context.

How you will be assessed

Throughout your programme, your theoretical knowledge and practical skills will be assessed through a range of methods. These may include:

• Fieldwork and laboratory reports
• Roleplay to simulate real-world situations
• Essays or reports
• Group-work.

Assessment schedules are posted online at the beginning of the year. Some assessments will require individual work, while others will include working with classmates in small groups.

Entry Requirements

• 48 UCAS Tariff Points
• GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade 4/C or above
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and Adult Literacy and Numeracy are also accepted

Qualifications

• A-levels: A – must have studied Geography or Environmental Science at level 3
• T-levels: P (D or E) All subjects are accepted for entry to this course
• Access to HE: 45 Credits at Pass – Environmental Science based
• CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: D - Science based
• OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: PPP - to include Geography or Environmental Science
• Scottish Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points to include Geography or Environmental Science
• Irish LC Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points to include Geography or Environmental Science

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Selection Criteria

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to Forensic Science. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• 2025 - 2026: £9,535 - UK, £14,900 - International
• 2024 - 2025: £9250 - UK, £13,575- International

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

Fees for integrated foundation year are as stated.

For information about funding, please visit our undergraduate funding page.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

• Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.
• Books and Journals: Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.
• Stationery: Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.
• Clothing and Equipment: You’ll be spending a lot of time out in the field, so it’s important to consider weatherproof items such as coats and trousers and sturdy walking boots. You’ll need a rucksack, ideally with a waterproof cover and plenty of warm, outdoor clothing. You might want to bring a thermal flask and a lunchbox for when you are out in the field.