Program Overview

Human Geography (BSc)

Overview

The Human Geography (BSc) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of space and place in shaping economic, social, cultural, and political activity at different scales and across different cultural contexts.

Why Study This Course

• Enhance your skills with software including GIS (Geographic Information System) and Edina digimap mapping.
• Professionally recognized, accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS).
• Field-based studies through field visits and field study modules.
• Opportunity for a year abroad to gain global experience.
• Placement opportunities to develop skills, confidence, and connections.

Subject Area

• Subject area: Geography (human) and planning
• UCAS code: L700
• Next intake: September 2026
• Duration: 3 years
• Mode: Full time

Accreditations

• Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Entry Requirements

A Level

• AAB-BBB
• 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

• 34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects.

Baccalaureate Wales

• From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3), which will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate).

GCSE and Other Essential Requirements

• English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent.
• GCSE Maths grade C/4 or equivalent qualification.

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

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

Additional Costs

• The year 2 residential field study experience is fully subsidised.
• The final year field-study visits are currently subsidised (approximately two thirds of the cost) by the School.

Course Structure

• This is a 3-year full-time degree, containing compulsory and optional modules.
• You'll need to earn 120 credits a year.

Year One

• Introduced to the key dimensions of Human Geography.
• Develop essential skills to support your degree studies.

Year Two

• Builds on the foundations provided in the first year, looking in more depth at the history of geographical thought and the cultural, development, environmental, economic, political, and social sub-fields of human geography.
• Optional and subsidised field study visit.

Year Three

• Explores the broader relevance of geography to policy and society.
• Conduct your own research and produce an extended report through the compulsory dissertation module.

Learning and Assessment

• Our approach is based on a commitment to provide the highest quality teaching.
• Typically, you'll study 6 modules per year and will receive 12 hours of guided study per week.
• Assessment methods include essays, presentations, portfolios, and creative assignments.

Careers and Placements

• We are committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions.
• Typical examples of roles open to geographers include logistics, retail management, economic analyst, aid worker, charity officer, human rights officer, and more.
• There is a 4-year professional placement option available for this programme.

Fieldwork

• Each academic year offers a subsidised field study visit.
• 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, which often encompasses UK and overseas destinations.