Program Overview

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Geography BSc Honours

The Geography BSc Honours course at Newcastle University is designed to equip students with the specialist skills needed to address pressing global challenges. This flexible degree is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society.

Course Overview

The course explores the natural environment and the key challenges faced in moving towards a more sustainable world. Teaching is informed by the research of world-leading academics and spans the breadth of the discipline. Students can tailor their degree to their interests and do not need to decide between human and physical geography to apply.

Quality and Ranking

• Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 40 for Geography - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 - Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research - Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development - Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Top 125 for Social Sciences - Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

This degree has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). Accredited degree programs contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education.

Modules and Learning

The course is divided into stages, each lasting one academic year. Students complete modules totaling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Stage 1

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Becoming a Geographer
  • Interconnected World
  • Introduction to Physical Geography
  • Mapping a changing world: GIS for Geographers
• Optional Modules:
  • Physical Geography Field course: Landforms, processes and field techniques
  • Environment and Society
  • Coasts and Communities: Human Geography Fieldwork

Stage 2

• Compulsory modules depend on the pathway chosen (Human Geography or Physical Geography).
• Optional modules include:
  • Ireland Field Course
  • Key Methods for Human Geographers
  • Political Geography
  • Economic Geography
  • The creative and knowledge-based economy: Berlin field course
  • UK field course research project
  • Research Design and Planning for Physical Geographers
  • Global Environmental Change
  • Key Methods for Physical Geographers
  • Exploring Everyday Political Geographies in a Divided City: Nicosia Field Course
  • Research Design and Planning for Human Geographers
  • Geohazards and Risk
  • Social and Cultural Geography
  • Urban Geography
  • Urban Sustainability: Barcelona Field Course
  • Glacial Environments
  • River Catchment Dynamics
  • City of Crisis, City of Hope: Amsterdam field course
  • Humans vs Nature in the Netherlands (Netherlands Field course)
  • War and Memory: Bosnia and Herzegovina Field Course
  • Between Two Unions: Ireland Human Geography Field Course
  • Career Development for second year students

Stage 3

• Compulsory Module:
  • Dissertation
• Optional Modules:
  • Geopolitics
  • Local and Regional Development
  • Student Exchange Semester 1
  • Polar Environments
  • Mountain Environments
  • Past and Present Climates
  • Geographies of Race and Nation
  • Migration, Bordering and Solidarities
  • Humanitarianism and Health Inequalities
  • The Politics of Difference and Identity
  • Rivers and Deltas
  • Geographies of Global South Cities
  • Geographies of Housing
  • Career Development for final year students

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching methods include tutorials, lectures, laboratory work, IT lab sessions, seminars, fieldwork, and independent study. Assessment methods include coursework, dissertation or research project, essays, examinations, group work, presentations, projects, reflective reports, and seminar tasks.

Facilities and Environment

The School of Geography, Politics and Sociology is based in the Henry Daysh Building and Geoscience Laboratories, which offer modern laboratories and workshops, and a range of facilities and specialist equipment.

Opportunities

• Work placement: Students can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organization in the world, receiving University support to secure their dream placement.
• Study abroad: Students can choose to study abroad as part of their degree, either for a whole year between Stages 2 and 3 or for semester 1 of Stage 3.

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: ABB including at least one science-related subject.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points with one science at Higher Level grade 6.
• Other qualifications: Considered on an individual basis.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Home students: Tuition fees for the academic year 2026 have not yet been confirmed.
• International students: £25,800 for the first year.
• Scholarships: Available for EU and international students, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Open Days and Events

The University hosts open days and events throughout the year, providing opportunities for prospective students to meet staff, explore the campus, and discover what it's like to study at Newcastle University.

How to Apply

Applications are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). International students can also apply through an agent. NA