Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Available in clearingHuman Geography and Planning
Study a combination of social, economic, and cultural geography with urban and local planning. You'll learn how sustainable development can work.
Course overview
-
L7KK -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
Accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), this course allows you to study a range of contemporary themes within human geography, including:
- Globalisation
- Sustainability
- Identity
- The diversity of human living
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Learn about the role that planning plays in helping to shape our cities and towns and make them better places for us to live
- Engage with live projects through a wide range of field trips, from half-day site visits in Leeds to week-long field trips further afield. This will give you the opportunity to apply your classroom learning in the real world
- Be entitled to free student membership of the RTPI
Professional links
Many of our academics are active in or have previous experience of working in planning practice, and guest lecturers provide further professional links. This also leads to opportunities for hands-on experience via participation in real-world projects and consultations.
Study abroad
You'll have the chance to study abroad for one semester - usually in your second year - and you can choose from a wide selection of universities. Popular choices include Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, and the University of San Diego in America.
Why study the BA Human Geography and Planning course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Fantastic placement opportunities
- A number of UK based field trips fully paid for by the school
- Industry experienced expert teaching team
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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
72
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
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
72
points required
48 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.
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.
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 4 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.
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.
Modules, teaching and learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study – the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
What you'll learn
Studying a series of contemporary events and prominent media, you'll learn the importance of the geographical discipline in understanding the world we live in. You'll be encouraged to make connections between key geographical theories and concepts, and the real world.
This module provides you with an introduction to the institutional and legal framework for spatial planning and a review of key challenges. You'll benefit from lectures and seminars led by external professionals.
Examine the impact of global, national and local urban policies on the development of cities and how they are shaped both physically and environmentally.
Work together in a group to develop a masterplan for the sustainable development and regeneration of an existing settlement in the Leeds district.
Develop a range of skills that combine geographical theory and its practical application through fieldwork projects. You'll be introduced to research techniques and approaches used in geographical research. You'll also learn basic analytical skills in GIS and apply these to a research project.
What you'll learn
Examine the tools available for environmental evaluation, policy and regulation, and the different contexts in which they operate. You'll evaluate the impact of policies for the economy, society and the natural environment.
Reflect on the arguments for and against spatial planning and discuss a range of theoretical approaches to the role of planning in different contexts.
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.
Explore the importance of place and places in our everyday lives. You'll analyse existing built environments and review the urban design principles which can help create good quality sustainable places. You'll also evaluate the qualities of existing places and spaces and the work of key urban design theorists and practitioners.
Evaluate strategies for housing delivery and gain an understanding of the complex relationship between housing markets, economic policy and human wellbeing.
Develop your employability skills through a ten-week work placement supported by a series of taught sessions. You'll 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.
What you'll learn
Build an understanding of the role planners play within a complex planning policy making system. You will look at the wider political context within which planning operates and reflect on the impact this has on the role of the planner.
Work with peers from other professional disciplines across the subject of built environment, including project management, architecture and landscape architecture, to generate proposals for the redevelopment of a prominent site within Leeds.
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.
Option modules may include
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.
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.
Discover the multiple and frequently contested ways of understanding, representing and communicating social space and place. You will examine a number of key issues through the concept of the geographical imagination.
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.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to 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
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Student membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Travel insurance for field trips will be included in the cost of your tuition fees.
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 (£20 non-refundable deposit). You'll need to pay for your flights, which are dependent on departure airport, time of booking and flight extras (£100). You'll also need to pay for your travel to and from the airport in your destination country. Your accommodation will be organised by the school and included in the cost of your tuition fees. Alternatively, you could complete a local field trip if you're unable to attend the international excursion.
Optional Costs
- Your year 1 European field trip forms part of the Sustainable Urbanism module (£140 non-refundable deposit) and you'll need to pay for your subsistence. Passing the module is not dependent upon taking part in the trip.
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course. You'll 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.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
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.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Student membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Travel insurance for field trips will be included in the cost of your tuition fees.
Essential Costs
- Year 2 international trips form part of the optional International Field Trip module and are a compulsory requirement of passing the module (£20 non-refundable deposit). You'll need to pay for your flights, which are dependent on departure airport, time of booking and flight extras (£100). You'll also need to pay for your travel to and from the airport in your destination country. Your accommodation will be organised by the school and included in the cost of your tuition fees. Alternatively, you could complete a local field trip if you're unable to attend the international excursion.
Optional Costs
- Your year 1 European field trip forms part of the Sustainable Urbanism module (£140 non-refundable deposit) and you'll need to pay for your subsistence. Passing the module is not dependent upon taking part in the trip.
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course. You'll 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.
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.
Learning how and what we plan for in the built environment shapes everyone's lives. It is this that makes this course unique as you balance geographical theory and policy-led applied responses to global and local problems.
Dr David Haigh
Head of Subject
Career prospects
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.
Career Prospects
The skills and knowledge you will acquire during the course, including generic research and analysis skills and those specifically related to geography and planning, will equip you for a career in a wide range of fields. These include planning, either in local government or in the private sector, regeneration, the environmental sector, property development, heritage, market research, retail management and more. Like many of our graduates, you could also go on to postgraduate study or train to be a teacher.
- Urban Planner
- Commercial Surveyor
- International Development Worker
- Sustainable Housing Officer
After successfully completing my undergraduate degree at Leeds Beckett, staying on to study a masters seemed a natural choice. The modules looked amazing and the course offered a clear pathway to my ultimate goal of becoming a chartered town planning consultant. I'm now confidently moving forward in my career and plan on becoming a licentiate member of the Royal Town Planning Institute after I graduate.
Maria Dychala
Senior planner Peacock & Smith
Student view Hear from students Kate Errington and Scarlett Gaukrodger about what they enjoy most about studying Human Geography, and the skills and opportunities the course has given them.
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.
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
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
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Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping, and parks - we've got it all. Leeds city centre has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK*.
*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
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