Geography BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Geography students on a field trip in Gambia.

Examine the dynamic relationship between society and the environment, blending geography, fieldwork and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to develop analytical skills for careers in planning, environmental consultancy and international development.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

L700

Start date

September 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

The information on this page is for 2025-26 entry and should be used as guidance for 2026-27 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

This Geography course is ideal for those looking to explore the interactions between people and the environment, covering topics that address many of the contemporary global challenges that we face.

Gain a strong foundation in physical and human geography, exploring how environments and societies interact.
Develop skills in fieldwork, data analysis, GIS, and research methods to investigate real-world geographical issues.
Prepare for diverse careers with opportunities in environmental management, urban planning, sustainability and community development, supported by practical learning and industry insights.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Integrated fieldwork: embedded at every level of the course, including local, national, and international trips, providing hands-on experience in diverse environmental contexts.²
Advanced facilities: access industry-standard resources, such as our immersive simulation centre and environmental-simulation equipment, enhancing practical learning and research capabilities.⁴
Geospatial expertise: gain comprehensive training in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, equipping you with highly sought-after technical skills applicable across various industries.⁴
Career development: choose an optional sandwich year for industry placements or studying abroad, providing valuable real-world experience and enhancing employability.²

Studying a Geography degree

Matthew Hoult is a second-year geography student at Coventry University. Find out about his experiences, highlights and his opinions of studying the subject.

Read Matthew's story

Matthew Hoult standing with two lecturers looking over a water tank

What you'll study

Study global challenges like climate change, urbanisation and sustainability through fieldwork, GIS mapping, and policy analysis. Develop skills in data interpretation, spatial analysis, and critical thinking while engaging with real-world case studies.

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

Field and Research Skills for People and Environments – 30 credits

Learn essential fieldwork, research and data analysis skills to investigate the environment and society. Engage with academic research, evaluate data sources and apply ethical considerations to data collection. This involves collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative field data, working with secondary datasets and using basic descriptive statistics to summarise findings.

Develop spatial analysis skills by integrating field data with GIS and remote sensing techniques. Learn how to apply these skills in real-world geographical and environmental scenarios.

Compulsory

Dynamic Earth and Society – 30 credits

This module introduces you to the intricate and dynamic relationships between the natural world and human activity. Investigate the rates and drivers of environmental and societal change, beginning with the origins of the universe and progressing through time, with a focus on the Anthropocene and future trajectories.

Collect evidence to understand environmental change and degradation, examining both natural processes and human-induced factors such as climate change, land-use change, biodiversity loss, pollution, population pressures, global inequality and resource depletion.

The module emphasises the importance of multi- and interdisciplinary approaches in understanding and managing environmental change. It fosters critical engagement with contemporary environmental, socio-cultural and political issues and should equip you with a comprehensive understanding of these complex issues

Compulsory

The Human Environment – 30 credits

In this module, you will engage with and assess real-world complex contemporary issues. Develop the skills to examine global and local challenges through different analytical lenses, learning to understand and interpret them from multiple perspectives. This module gives a foundational understanding of how human activity shapes and is shaped by the physical and built environment, illustrating how social dynamics are influenced by geographical processes on various scales—from local communities to global systems.

Covering key themes such as the economy, society, and development, you will explore these topics through real-world case studies, deepening your comprehension of the interconnectedness of human and environmental processes. Develop your ability to evaluate problems, challenge assumptions and think independently by critically engaging with contemporary issues from different perspectives.

A core focus is on questioning established ideas—whether personal, cultural, or academic—thereby cultivating a habit of intellectual curiosity and scepticism. Gain subject-specific knowledge and research skills guided by expert staff, while developing transferable skills like critical thinking, teamwork and time management.

Compulsory

Fundamental Earth Processes – 30 credits

Get a broad introduction to the physical environment, exploring the dynamic processes that shape the Earth's surface and influence ecological patterns (both in-class and in-field). The module examines interactions between atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, considering how these systems operate across different spatial and temporal scales.

Develop an understanding of how landscapes evolve, how climatic and atmospheric processes influence environmental conditions, and how ecosystems respond to physical and biological forces. Emphasis is placed on recognising patterns in the natural world, interpreting spatial (and in-field) data, and appreciating the complexity of Earth's interconnected systems. This foundational knowledge will support further study in physical geography and related environmental disciplines.

Compulsory

In your second year, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with society, culture and space, climate change and development, culture and change, amongst others.

Modules

Advanced Geospatial and Field Techniques – 30 credits

Advance your ability to design and conduct independent research using more advanced fieldwork, statistical, laboratory and geospatial techniques. Engage with academic research, justify methodological choices and apply advanced data analysis methods. This includes statistical testing and the integration of quantitative, qualitative, and spatial data. GIS and Remote Sensing skills will also be developed, with a focus on processing, analysing and evaluating spatial data within broader analytical frameworks.

Assess the effectiveness of geospatial techniques and produce high-quality outputs to support research and decision-making in environmental and social contexts.

Compulsory

Climate change: Science, Society and Solutions – 30 credits

Explore climate change as both a scientific phenomenon and a societal challenge through topics like enhanced greenhouse effect, future climate projections, and impacts on human, natural and managed systems, with a focus on sustainability. Evaluate mitigation and adaptation strategies alongside the role of policy, governance and market-based mechanisms in shaping global responses. Investigate climate change communication, such as media influence on public opinion and consumer behaviour, and societal and health impacts, such as economic challenges, climate justice and social equity.

The module combines scientific, technological, policy and community-led approaches to tackling climate challenges. It aims to equip you with the analytical skills to assess and contribute to effective, evidence-based solutions for a sustainable future.

Compulsory

People, Planet and Profit – 30 credits

Examine the complex interplay between economic growth, sustainability and social equity within international development. Explore the structural inequalities that shape development outcomes with a focus on the Global South, including the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by marginalised communities. Study the role of sustainability in creating fair and resilient futures.

Explore how global systems, governance and policies contribute to social disparities and degradation. Examine alternative models that integrate sustainability with economic and social well-being. Address global challenges that range from food insecurity, political instability and health pandemics. Analyse how these crises exacerbate existing inequalities, posing significant barriers to sustainable development.

Compulsory

Society, Culture and Place – 30 credits

Broaden your understanding of contemporary social and cultural geographies. Explore notions of identity, social and cultural difference. Discover how geographies and identities are created. Engage with research and case studies at different geographical scales. Learn about different perspectives that explain contemporary geographies of social and cultural change.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

The final year of this course aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from previous years. You should develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with feminist geography and gender, humans and hazards, and global and comparative field studies, amongst others.

Modules

Power, Resistance and Justice – 30 credits

Examine the dynamics of power, marginalisation and social justice in the UK. Explore how historical and contemporary structures shape social and economic inequalities. Engage with key theories of power and identity, helping you to understand how oppression operates across different spheres of British society. The module uses case studies to teach you how systemic inequalities are maintained and resisted. Explore the impact of UK government policies, media representation and legal frameworks in reinforcing or challenging marginalisation. Topics include racial disparities in policing and the criminal justice system, the impact of austerity on working-class communities and the role of grassroots activism in advocating for social and environmental change. Explore how climate change disproportionately affects marginalised communities, intensifying existing inequalities through issues such as fuel poverty, air and water pollution and the uneven impacts of extreme weather events.

Compulsory

Humans and Hazards – 30 credits

Examine the anthropological causes and implications of natural and environmental hazards globally. While natural phenomena serve as the primary catalysts for these events, their intensity, frequency and impact are often influenced by human actions, both deliberate and unintentional.

Research highlights significant disparities in how individuals, communities, and nations experience natural hazards, with factors such as geographical location, social class, gender, age, ethnicity and sexuality playing a crucial role. The module explores environmental change and cultural disparities, considering strategies for enhancing the resilience of marginalised and vulnerable communities while critically assessing the roles of professionals and local populations in this process.

This module interrogates the role of theoretical constructs such as social capital and community resilience in shaping both immediate responses to and long-term recovery from potential disaster events. Explore the extent to which public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives foster a culture of preparedness.

Compulsory

Circular Economies and Sustainability – 30 credits

This module teaches the historical rise of consumption, and the social issues and ecological limits of contemporary consumer culture. It examines what alternative ethical and sustainable consumer economies can look like through key areas of focus. Evaluate commodity chains, circular economies and closed-loop systems, where materials are prevented from becoming waste and evaluate their sustainable potential across industries. Understand the environmental importance of product longevity, repairability and recyclability and examine the sustainable potential of practices such as maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling and composting.

The module will introduce you to the principles of systems thinking, how it can provide an approach to addressing sustainability challenges and its potential limitations. Build a solid understanding of the concepts and key principles associated with systems thinking and the circular economy, and how they can be used to ensure more sustainable production and consumption.

Compulsory

Undergraduate Research Project – 30 credits

Develop your research and investigative skills by scoping, designing and conducting an independent research dissertation under the supervision of academic staff experienced in the field.

Module content aims to improve your understanding of problem identification, reviewing literature and research design, and the development and implementation of appropriate methods. You will be supported to conduct research independently and to plan, manage, and conduct research within an appropriate context.

This includes the development of an understanding of:

research design and methodology
ethical considerations of research
health and safety concerns (including, where appropriate, risk assessments)
research methods for technical, scientific and social science investigations
project management
data collection, interpretation and analysis
report writing.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

You will be taught by experienced, qualified teaching staff who bring professional and research expertise into their teaching (staff may be subject to change).

The mandatory field trips provide an opportunity to contextualise classroom-based learning and develop practical skills through real-life application. These mandatory trips occur in each year, they could be in the UK or abroad, but incur no extra cost to you. Additionally, we aim to give you opportunities to undertake a range of optional day and UK-residential trips, to gain practical experience of applying your knowledge² (see the 'Fees and funding' section for more information).

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams
individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Geography is a global subject and international themes are core to our teaching. As such, much of our teaching relies on the use of case studies from around the world; your lecturers will often draw on examples related to their research, such as child-headed households in post-conflict Rwanda (staff may be subject to change).

There are exciting international field trips² throughout the course, at no extra cost to you. Our students have previously had the opportunity to visit Berlin to explore themes such as memory, conflict and reconciliation. Final year students have previously had the opportunity to explore The Gambia in West Africa to experience first-hand the workings of village communities and the challenges they face in education and health. Students were given strategic briefings by government officials, investigate the relationship between trade, aid and development and conduct fieldwork in rapidly urbanising environments throughout the duration of this trip.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	29 points
Access Grades	To include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Your studies will be centred in high-specification learning environments that benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, industry-standard equipment, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of courses.

Geotechnics Laboratory - Contains triaxial cells, direct shear box apparatus, a dimensional compression oedometer, California Bearing Ratio apparatus, soil classification equipment and Marshall test apparatus for asphalt mixes.
Computer Laboratory - This computer laboratory is equipped with access to ArcGIS for mapping and geographical information systems. It is also equipped with Petrel/Eclipse software for oil and gas reservoir simulation and calculation.
Informal Study Areas - Our open access spaces provide you with informal computer access to all the specialist software required for your studies. There are bookable spaces where you can meet with academics or work in small groups.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you should have knowledge of:

the nature, practical value and application of human geography and its concepts, methods and techniques
the constitution and character of space, place and landscape
concepts of spatial and temporal scale, variation and change in the human and physical worlds
reciprocal relationships between physical and human aspects of environments and landscapes
patterns, processes and consequences of uneven development, difference and inequality
the relationship between place, society and culture
nature, mitigation and management of contemporary environmental problems and hazards.

You should be able to:

plan, design and execute a piece of rigorous research or enquiry using appropriate methods and strategies of acquiring, interpreting and analysing information
conduct field and laboratory work effectively utilising data collection and associated investigative and analytical skills
recognise the moral and ethical issues involved in debates and inquiries
think critically and analytically about the world around you
show awareness of how skills and training can be applied to work of a geographical nature
observe, contextualise and analyse information through field and laboratory studies (including computational)
demonstrate a range of transferrable professional skills including intellectual and problem-solving skills; effective teamwork; initiative and responsibility for your own learning and development; self-reflection; time management and personal organisation, including working to deadlines and excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.

Successful geography graduates should possess a range of skills that are highly valued by employers. They should be experienced in solving complex problems and developing solutions for multiple stakeholders through the collection and analysis of information. As such, excellent employment prospects should be available to graduates.

Where our graduates work

Recent examples of graduate employers include Transport for London, KPMG, Barclays Bank, Grays Travel, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Football in the Community, Urban and Transport Planning, Network West Midlands, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Concern Universal and various graduate training schemes, including that of the Civil Service.

Further study

Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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How to apply

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UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
EECU127

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and membershipsons

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Your next steps

Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Geography BA (Hons)

Course overview

Rated Gold Overall

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

Studying a Geography degree

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

International experience opportunities

Entry requirements

Other qualifications and experience

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

Further study

Discover Phoenix+

How to apply

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