Program Overview

Human Geography and Planning (BSc)

Overview

The Human Geography and Planning (BSc) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the main geographical trends in the world today, along with the analytical skills needed to study spatial change. The program fosters an understanding of the changing nature of spaces and places, the relationship between society and space, and the role of the state.

Why Study This Course

• Enhance your skills: Develop your technical and practical skills with software including GIS (Geographic Information System) & Edina digimap mapping.
• Field-based studies: Field visits and field study modules to apply learning to real-world contexts and develop practical skills.
• Define the future: Gain the knowledge and motivation to tackle global challenges, transforming our world and improving where and how we live.
• Placement opportunities: Develop the skills, confidence, and connections to accelerate your career.
• Year abroad: Gain global experience and broaden your horizons by studying abroad with the 4-year course option available after enrollment.

Subject Area

• Subject area: Geography (human) and planning
• UCAS code: LK74
• Next intake: September 2026
• Duration: 3 years
• Mode: Full time

Entry Requirements

We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:

• A level: ABB-BBC
• Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer.
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.
• Baccalaureate Wales: From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3).
• GCSE and other essential requirements: You must have or be working towards English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent.
• English language requirements:
  • GCSE: Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
  • IELTS (academic): At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
  • TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
  • PTE Academic: At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
  • Trinity ISE II/III: II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits. III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island, or overseas.

• Fees for home status:
  • Year one: ｣9,535
  • Year two: ｣9,535
  • Year three: ｣9,535
• Fees for overseas status:
  • Year one: ｣24,700
  • Year two: ｣24,700
  • Year three: ｣24,700

Course Structure

This is a 3-year full-time degree. Year 1 modules are compulsory. Years 2 and 3 contain compulsory and optional modules. You'll need to earn 120 credits a year. Modules are usually worth 20 credits, although some are worth 10 and the final-year dissertation is worth 30 credits.

• Year one: Introduced to the core areas of geography and planning.
• Year two: Builds on year one, looking in more depth at research methods, the history of geographical thought, and the core practical disciplines of planning.
• Year three: Explores the broader relevance of geography to policy and society. Through the compulsory dissertation module, you will conduct your own research and produce an extended report.

Learning and Assessment

Our approach is based on a commitment to provide the highest quality teaching. As far as possible, we aim to teach in small groups because we believe this encourages a more positive learning environment between staff and students and among students themselves.

• Assessment methods: A range of assessment methods are used, including essays, presentations, portfolios, and creative assignments.
• Skills practiced and developed:
  • Knowledge & Understanding: Explain the historical, philosophical, and contemporary components of human geography, appraise a practical issue or problem for investigation, and explain the nature of the planning system.
  • Intellectual Skills: Synthesise, analyse, and critically review scholarly work, compose a convincing argument, and demonstrate respect for equality of opportunity, social and cultural diversity.
  • Professional Practical Skills: Presentation skills, design, and demonstrate a self-critical approach to becoming a reflective practitioner.
  • Transferable/Key Skills: Perform different methods of effective communication, demonstrate critical thinking and writing skills, identify team-working skills, and perform effective self-management.

Careers and Placements

We are committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions, providing you with the skills, curiosity, and confidence to make your mark in your chosen field. There are numerous exciting and varied career opportunities open to graduates of this degree program.

• Career prospects: Graduates occupy key positions in a range of public, private, and third sector organizations, including national and local governments, business consultancies, sustainable energy centers, environmental agencies, housing strategy companies, construction, and surveying.
• Placements: We offer an RTPI-accredited version of this program that you can transfer onto following enrollment and subject to module selection.

Fieldwork

Each academic year offers a subsidized field study visit which allows you to research and investigate a live issue/case study, on location. In year one, these field study visits are local to the Cardiff city region. In year two and three, you can opt for a residential field study visit, often encompassing UK and overseas destinations.