Program Overview

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BSc Geography (F800)

2026 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Join a university ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and Environmental Studies' research (analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning (UK top ten for 'Geography and Environmental Science', Complete University Guide 2025).

In year one you will receive an overview of physical and human geography and develop a range of geographical and scientific skills. The remaining years are organised around specialist units from physical and/or human geography.

Physical geography units cover a wide-ranging exploration of Earth's dynamic processes, emphasising a multidisciplinary approach to studying the natural environment. You will delve into topics such as climate change, glaciology, and hydrology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected and societally relevant systems shaping our planet.

Human geography units provide in-depth study of cultural, economic, and social geography, emphasising the importance of theory and methods for analysing contemporary geographical problems and policies. Topics range from economic development, urbanisation, and global politics to inequalities of health and contemporary social theory.

You will also develop skills in the use of specialised computer software, statistical analysis, and data collection in the field. Field trips and practical work are key components of the course. There are UK residential field trips in year one, and in year two there is typically an overseas field trip.

The skills that you acquire throughout your studies will be applied in a self-directed dissertation project in year three.

Think Big bursaries of £3,000 are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.

Accreditations

Our Geography BSc is accredited by RGS.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAA
• A-level contextual offer: ABB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 3 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: F800)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £30400 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

The course structure consists of core units, plus a range of optional units. Optional units are organised into a number of overarching themes, which progress from year one, into year two, and then into the final year. The themes are currently Cities and Societies, Cryosphere, Earth's Climate, Geographic Data Science, Geohumanities, Nature and Environment, Oceans and Life, Political Economies and Mobilities, and Water and Environment.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• AAA in any subjects, or AAB in three specified subjects. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.

A-level contextual offer

• ABB in any subjects, or BBB in three specified subjects. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.

BTEC

• DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, or 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including three specified subjects. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, or 31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including three specified subjects. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.

European Baccalaureate

• 85% overall, or 80% overall with 8.5, 8.5, 8.0 in three specified subjects. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA, and Standard Higher: AAAAB, or Advanced Higher: AB in two specified subjects, and Standard Higher: AAABB. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Science, Humanities or Social Sciences (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above.

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Geography can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level C.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Related courses

• MSci Geography with Innovation
• BSc Geography with Study Abroad
• BSc Geography with Study Abroad in a Modern Language

Related Subjects

• Geology