Geography BSc (Hons)
Study level: Undergraduate
This Geography BSc (Hons) course will cover the comprehensive understanding of the complex reciprocal relationships between human societies and the physical components of the Earth.
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
6 years part-time
Course code
F800
Start date
September 2023
Course overview
The aim of this course is to provide you with the opportunity to develop applied knowledge and understanding of physical environments.
You will understand the evolution and significance of distinct places and the inter-relationships between people and the environment.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why you should study this course
- The Geography BSc (Hons) course has fieldwork embedded at every level, including at least one mandatory residential field trip2 to enhance their applied geographical skills.
- We aim for you to experience international mobility at least once during your studies through a mandatory international field trip. You will be required to contribute to the costs2 of the mandatory international field trip, the precise amount of which will vary year to year and be dependent on location and the availability of University subsidies. The cost of this mandatory field trip is to be confirmed. Please revisit this page before applying.
- There is a strong career/employability focus throughout the course, which is manifested in the four-year sandwich degree, where the third year offers the option of a year in industry or study abroad2, based on our long experience of organising placements with a wide range of professional contacts.
- You will acquire basic capabilities in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), a key skill sought by many employers. All students receive a certificate of GIS training on successful completion of an appropriate exercise.
- You will have access to laboratories to develop quantitative analytical skills. You will also utilise the Simulation Centre4, which enables geographical and environmental phenomena to be visualised in a safe setting that allows students to grasp issues and implications.
Accreditation
Accreditation1 for this course is being renewed as we are making some changes to our modules. This exciting new course is subject to approval from Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).*
Watch the video below to get a taste of one of our field trip experiences.
What you'll study
This course has a common first year
The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.
If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).
Common first-year courses
- Geography BA (Hons)
- Geography and Environmental Hazards BSc (Hons)
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). Field trips, which occur in each year, provide an opportunity to contextualise classroom-based learning and develop practical skills through real-life application. In addition to the residential field trips, you will have the opportunity to undertake a range of day trips to gain practical experience of applying your knowledge2.
This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.
Teaching contact hours
We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which includes:
- On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
- Group work
- Self-directed learning
- Work placement opportunities2.
The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 14-15 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 11 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake approximately 30-35 hours of self-directed study per week depending on the demands of individual modules. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods can include:
- Formal examinations
- Phase tests
- Essays
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
- Exams
- Individual Assignments
- Laboratories
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 using case studies from overseas and your lecturers will draw on case studies related to their research from around the world. For example, previous cohorts have considered ecological monitoring and management in southern Africa and in the case of South America looked at the impacts of dams on natural river flows, biodiversity, infrastructure management and flood risk.
There are exciting international field trips2 in your second and final year. Our students will have the opportunity to travel abroad to gain field skills to better understand biogeography and ecology, and different natural hazards. Final year students will also be provided with the opportunity to travel abroad to investigate topics such as flooding, ecological succession, habitat management, evidence of land movement over time, and environmental reconstruction from sediments.
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | £9,250 per year | Request fee information |
International | £19,850 per year | Not available |
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.
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.
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:
- Optional international field trips: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)
Other additional costs
- Mandatory international field trips: Typically between £200 and £400 per trip
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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 government's 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
The faculty’s Engineering and Computing Building and Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning. Our Sir John Laing Building also houses a variety of industry-standard labs and equipment4.
- 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.
Careers and opportunities
Successful geography graduates possess several skills that are considered highly valued by employers, as skills include literate and numerate, experience in solving complex problems and developing solutions for multiple stakeholders through the collection and analysis of information.
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- The nature, practical value and application of geography and the earth sciences and their 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.
- Nature, mitigation and management of contemporary environmental problems and hazards.
On successful completion, you will 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 together with data collection and associated investigative and analytical skills.
- Recognise the moral and ethical issues involved in debates and inquiries.
- 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.
Successful geography graduates possess several skills that are considered highly valued by employers, as skills include literate and numerate, experience in solving complex problems and developing solutions for multiple stakeholders through the collection and analysis of information.
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates are working for the Environment Agency, environmental departments of local authorities, environmental consultancies, such as Halcrow Group Ltd and Middlemarch Environmental, the Met Office, the Metropolitan Police, various research institutes and utility companies, such as Severn Trent Water. Others have gone on to pursue postgraduate study, teacher training and other professional qualifications.
Further study
You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the 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.
How to apply
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UK students
Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 can apply for this course through UCAS from 6 September 2022. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
-
International students
International codes:
EECU126Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 should apply directly to the university.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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Disclaimers
1Accreditations
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). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
*In the event that there is any delay in obtaining approval, we will run Geography BSc (Hons) for 2022-23 which has already been accredited by Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 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.
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.
4Facilities
Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2022/23 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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.
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