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Geography BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

lush green landscape with trees in the distant with a the sunsetting

Explore the dynamic interactions of physical geography while developing the practical, technical and environmental skills needed to understand what shapes landscapes and climate through time.

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

F800

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

Your UCAS Guide

Download a prospectus

Register your interest

The information on this page is for 2026-27 entry and should be used as guidance for 2027-28 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Develop expertise in the interactions between society and the environment through fieldwork, research, GIS and data analysis.² Explore human and physical geography, with a focus on sustainability, climate change and urban development.

Hands-on fieldwork and research: fieldwork is embedded at every level, offering practical experience in a range of environments.²
Industry-standard facilities: access advanced labs, environmental monitoring equipment, and the Simulation Centre to develop real-world analytical and problem-solving skills.⁴
Industry-relevant curriculum: course content has a strong employability focus with the option for a placement year or studying abroad,² preparing you for a career in sustainability, urban planning or environmental management.

A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

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

Field trip opportunities: take part in local, national and international field trips, gaining experience in environmental monitoring, geospatial analysis and real-world problem-solving.²
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Training: gain essential GIS and remote sensing skills, with certification upon successful completion, helping to boost career prospects in geospatial analysis and environmental consultancy.⁴
Modern facilities and technology: access advanced GIS (Geographical Information Systems), remote sensing tools, UAVs and environmental simulation equipment, including the use of Coventry University’s Simulation Centre.⁴
Strong career and industry focus: develop in-demand skills for careers in environmental consultancy, GIS analysis, urban planning and sustainability, with opportunities for industry placements and study abroad.²
Flexible, supportive and inclusive learning environment: benefit from an industry-aligned course with the option to switch between geography pathways after the first year (subject to meeting progression requirements). Virtual fieldwork options and desk-based research cater to your needs and learning preferences.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

Geography BA (Hons)
Geography BSc (Hons)
Geography and Environmental Hazards BSc (Hons)

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

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

Water Worlds – 30 credits

Examine the diverse roles played by aquatic environments, focusing on their contributions to habitat provision. These include ecosystem services and biodiversity support across lakes, wetlands, rivers, estuaries and oceans.

You will explore:

physical properties (e.g., hydrology and geomorphology)
chemical properties (e.g., water chemistry and nutrient cycles)
ecological dynamics (e.g., biodiversity and food webs) that shape these environments.

Addressing both natural threats (e.g., climate change, natural disasters) and human-induced pressures (e.g., pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction) learn how these stressors impact the characteristics of aquatic ecosystems. A key focus is on the interplay between these threats. Examine their cumulative effects on aquatic systems across varying temporal and spatial scales. Investigate how these systems respond to climate change, sea-level rise, and human development. Develop strategies for effective conservation and sustainable management, considering both local and global perspectives via case studies and fieldwork.

Compulsory

Biogeography and Environmental Change – 30 credits

Explore the factors governing the spatial distribution (both current and historical) of species and the ecosystems they are part of.

This module combines understanding from evolutionary biology, geology, palaeontology and climatology to examine distribution patterns of organisms at local, regional and global scales. Learn about a range of controls on species distribution including geographical gradients such as elevation and latitude, and explore the application of Island Biogeography Theory to habitat patches within fragmented landscapes.

Get an introduction to a range of methods for reconstructing past environmental change and explore how climate change and human activity have affected ecosystems over timescales of thousands to tens of thousands of years. Consider how this knowledge can be used to predict potential ecosystem response to future changes.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real -world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

Quaternary Environments – 30 credits

Develop a critical awareness of future global climate change. Understand how studying the past helps predict changes in society and the environment. Study different types of evidence to understand when and how environmental changes and human activities occurred during the Quaternary period. Paleoenvironmental data is key to climate model development, which in turn is used to simulate Earth’s climate and the forces that affect it. Learn how to appraise the evidence used to develop and evaluate these predictive climate and environmental change models.

Compulsory

Applied Geomorphology – 30 credits

This module explores the dynamic processes that shape the Earth's surface and how these processes impact human activities and the environment. With a focus on geology and climate as the primary forces shaping geomorphology, this module examines how these elements influence landscapes, landforms, and impact ecological systems.

Study surface and subsurface geomorphological processes in diverse environments, including periglacial, arid, fluvial and urban landscapes, while investigating vegetation dynamics, soil formation and faunal impacts on terrain stability. The module includes practical applications in environmental management, conservation and landscape rehabilitation with geomorphological theory and techniques that are available when working in the field, laboratory or through remote sensing. Develop site models, assess ground stability and evaluate landscape evolution, addressing challenges such as erosion control, habitat restoration and sustainable land-use planning through spatiotemporal analysis.

Compulsory

Environmental Geoinformatics – 30 credits

Advance your skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and computational modelling and gain the skills needed to analyse complex spatial data.

Study the environment using geospatial technologies and theoretical frameworks. Learn how to build on using spatial data processing, analysis and visualisation.

Additionally, you will learn advanced techniques in geostatistics, automation, programming and modelling. Develop your analytics skills and ability to assess data accuracy. Take part in practical sessions, field data collection and engagement with published research.² Learn how to address environmental, ecological and sustainability challenges using geospatial technologies, preparing you for research or professional roles.

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 keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

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 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional 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 will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

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
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.

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 to HE	The Access to HE Diploma 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/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

South East Asia

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	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £20,800 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. As an indication, students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees. The University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. 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 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.

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.

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

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

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.

Take a virtual tour

Students in lab coats in the Geotechnics Laboratory

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.

Students working on computers in the laboratory

Computer Laboratory

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.

Students using the interactive screen in the simulation centre.

Simulation Centre

Our Simulation Centre uses an interactive screen and real-life scenarios to create a ‘virtual’ training environment. Role-play exercises are part of the course to help prepare you for situations in the workplace.

Facilities are subject to availability⁴. 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

Successful geography graduates possess several skills that are considered highly valued by employers, such as literacy and numeracy, experience in solving complex problems and developing solutions for multiple stakeholders, through the collection and analysis of information.

Where our graduates work

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the Environment Agency, environmental departments of local authorities, environmental consultancies such as Halcrow Group Ltd, 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.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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.

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How to apply

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

UK students

UCAS applications will open for this course from May 2026. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

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

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
EESU099

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 6565

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 memberships

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. For more information, read our visa advice page.

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 the 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. 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.

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 current 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes. 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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