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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Geography
Combine theory, fieldwork and projects to understand global and local processes in the production of physical and human geographies.
Course Overview
-
L790 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
Study the interaction between human societies, the natural processes of the earth and their impact on the global and local environment.
As part of your course, you’ll:
- Complete a range of both human and physical geography modules, exploring topics such as natural hazard management, climate change, hydrology and environmental science
- Benefit from a personal tutorial programme, laboratory work and field trip opportunities
- Combine theory about the physical nature, characteristics and environment of the world and human interactions with practical experience
You’ll learn in an engaging environment designed to foster your analytical and methodological skills and support your development into an individual, autonomous and reflective learner.
Field trips
Off-site visits will enable you to gain an understanding of real-world issues and examples in geography, using locations for conducting fieldwork to develop competence in practical research skills and apply theoretical concepts to a specific place.
You’ll evaluate the implementation of spatial, cultural, economic and environmental policies, gain an awareness of cultural differences, tolerance and develop a sense of place.
Trips will also enable you to practise identifying problems, consider solutions, gather data and collect information while you learn generic and transferable skills such as team working and observation.
Expert practitioners
Our specialist teaching team includes research-active academics and professionals whose expertise will help shape your learning.
Employability and placements
We have an excellent network of employers who will be able to offer relevant experience to help you develop employability and personal skills to help prepare you for employment. We also offer a work placement module to hone your personal, professional and employability skills.
External visits
Physical and human geography field trips represent an important part of the teaching and learning approach. You’ll gain an understanding of real-world issues and examples in geography, using locations for conducting fieldwork to develop competence in practical research skills.
Why study Geography at Leeds Beckett University
- Field trips that will help you gain an understanding of real-world issues and develop competence in practical research skills
- A work placement module that will hone your personal, professional and employability skills
- A personal tutorial programme to look after your academic and pastoral needs
- A collaborative approach to learning
- An excellent network of employers who will be able to offer relevant job experience
The 15 minute Neighbourhood Dr Karen Horwood, senior lecturer in planning and geography at Leeds Beckett University, talks through her mission to help the next generation of planners make decisions that take concerns around gender and climate change into account when planning and developing cities.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
Gain an understanding of how to apply principles of sustainability to cities and the other urban places we live in, learning how cities are dealing with the threat of climate change. You will take a field trip to a European city to examine how the city has incorporated aspects of best practice in its attempt to adopt elements of sustainable urbanism.
Through case studies of a series of contemporary events and media prominent in the public domain, you will learn the importance of the geographical discipline in understanding the world we live in.
Learn, practice, and explore some of the fundamental study skills that you will be using on a daily basis during your time at Leeds Beckett. You will build employability skills which will continue to be developed through your year two placement module, ensuring you are in the best possible position to embark on a successful professional career when you graduate.
Gain an understanding of the origins of the earth, and of key environmental systems, such as the atmosphere. You will study concepts of geomorphology to understand the origins of the earth’s landforms and how landscapes evolve in the context of long-term environmental change.
This module provides an introduction to environmental science and global environmental issues, with particular reference to the science underpinning the control of air, noise and water pollution.
Examine the impact of global, national and local urban policies on the development of cities and how they are shaped both physically and environmentally.
This is an applied project-based module. You will build on some of the core geographical and planning content from Semester 1 and learn to apply this knowledge in the context of two fieldwork projects.
What you'll learn
Develop your employability skills through a ten-week work placement supported by a series of taught sessions. You will build subject specific, graduate employability and intellectual and cognitive skills, develop your professional skills and learn how to reflect on what transferable skills you need for your chosen career.
Develop an understanding of the theoretical background to the carrying out of research and foster the practical skills to be able to carry out research in the social sciences using a number of different research methods.
With increased population, human activities and other natural impacts such as climate change transforming the environment, it is important to understand the factors that determine the abundance and distribution of species and their interactions in their environment. This module covers a range of fundamental topics in ecology, focusing on processes at different scales (individual, population, community and ecosystem). You will examine case studies which employ ecological principles to global challenges such as food security and biodiversity loss.
Building on the knowledge you have gained during the Sustainable Places and City & Society modules; you will explore how changing complex urban problems are addressed in the UK and internationally through policy and practical responses.
This module builds on the year one Introduction to Physical Geography module to examine earth surface processes and geomorphology in more detail. You will cover key geomorphological concepts and look at the relationship between earth surface processes and landforms. You will also gain hands-on experience of a number of earth surface processes as you carry out a small-scale field-based research project.
Explore the causes of natural hazard vulnerability (e.g. in relation to flood risk), conducting fieldwork and gathering evidence to evaluate key strategies in natural hazard management. You will be introduced to key theories and frameworks and use these to evaluate a range of alternative pathways to climate change adaption.
This module provides an introduction to remote sensing and the types of data generated, with consideration given to digital image acquisition, land observation satellites such as Landsat and the use of LIDAR for terrain mapping. You will cover data import into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and consider the range of geographical and environmental applications to which it can be put.
What you'll learn
Use the research methods, techniques and skills you have gained during your degree to carry out a sustained piece of research that examines current issues or problems in the fields of human geography and/or planning.
Explore the physical processes that operate within coastal environments at a range of temporal and spatial scales, covering such issues as coastal geomorphology, sea-level change, societal interaction with coastal environments and near-shore environments. You will study theoretical aspects of coastal environments as well as engaging with more practical activities.
Study our frozen planet and consider how it is changing in response to a warming climate. The cryosphere plays an important role in the Earth system by driving, as well as responding to, global-scale changes. This module will address contemporary distributions of snow cover, sea ice, glaciers, and ice sheets. You'll explore the primary processes that control changes within the cryosphere, identify feedback mechanisms and engage with current research debates. Your numerical modelling skills will be developed to assess changes within the cryosphere and forecast its future evolution. A critical examination of this data will lead you to an understanding of the uncertainty in predictions of glacier extents, water resources and sea level rise.
Option modules may include
Examine the emerging policy debates about the ways cities are and should be evolving. You will focus on key dynamics, including the urban form of cities and the pressures of population growth, sustainability, governance and the search for global competitiveness.
Explore the different spaces and geographies of consumption, in terms of place identity, networks of retail and consumption, and commodity chains on a local, national and international level.
Examine the main trends and challenges facing cities, as well as the range of alternative practices which are being discussed within academic literature and experimented with directly by urban inhabitants.
Study the scale and impact of biodiversity loss, conservation theory, and approaches for measuring and monitoring ecosystem changes. You'll examine different environmental organisations and the roles they play in conserving and mitigating against biodiversity loss.
Develop your critical understanding and knowledge of heritage conservation theory and practice and its relation to urban regeneration and renaissance in the UK.
Examine the relationship between women and the built environment, thinking about women as designers, planners and builders. You will also look at the spaces inhabited by women, those designed for them, and those adopted by them.
Develop a critical understanding of the theoretical, technical and legal principles underpinning policies and strategies for controlling the impact of pollution on the environment and public health.
Examine some of the key global challenges that governments face in an increasingly borderless world. You'll focus on three key areas: the threats of cross-border conflicts, the vulnerabilities of the existing global economy that exploits cheap labour and poverty, and the growing health concern of transmission of disease across borders.
Water is crucial for human civilisation. The supply and use of water are threatened by climate change and human use. The supply and distribution of water as a sustainable resource is changing rapidly; you will explore both the threats to water management and some of the projects and solutions that offer sustainable management strategies at local and global levels.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Year 2 international trips form part of the optional International Field Trip module and are a compulsory requirement of passing the module, alternatively you could complete a local field trip
- Year 3 international field trip as part of optional modules
Optional Costs
- Year 1 European field trip forms part of Sustainable Urbanism, but passing the module is not dependent upon the trip
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Year 2 international trips form part of the optional International Field Trip module and are a compulsory requirement of passing the module, alternatively you could complete a local field trip
- Year 3 international field trip as part of optional modules
Optional Costs
- Year 1 European field trip forms part of Sustainable Urbanism, but passing the module is not dependent upon the trip
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Our BSc (Hons) Geography allows you to study both human and physical geography before you specialise in your third year. If you want to understand the built environment and natural processes of the earth and their impact on the global and local environment, this course is for you.
Dr David Haigh
Head of Subject
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Careers Fair Our School holds a Careers Fair which is attended by over 25 major employers from the Civil Engineering, Construction, Architecture and Planning sectors giving you the opportunity to secure graduate roles, placements and part-time employment.
Career Prospects
As a graduate of this course, you will be primed for the workplace. In addition to your practical experience you will have a range of subject-specific expertise and transferable skills at your fingertips. A variety of roles will be open to you including cartography, environmental consultancy, working for charitable or third sector organisations, and research. You will also have the knowledge and skillset for positions across nature and environmental management, town and country planning, international development housing and resource management.
- Sustainability officer
- Property management and planning
- Market research
- Teaching
- Environmental consultant
- Geographical information systems officer
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
BSc (Hons) Geography & BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Science at Leeds Beckett University Find out more about the BSc (Hons) Geography & BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Science courses at Leeds Beckett University. Hear from both students and staff as they take part in a field trip at Meanwood Park.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
