Communities, Cultures, Climates, and Costs. How do these four things influence the world we live in?

This Geography course will teach you to understand the economic, cultural, social and political processes that influence key contemporary issues. Your first year will incorporate a broader understanding of geography, with a specific focus on human geography for the remainder of your course.

From your second year you can choose modules specific to your own interests and career aspirations, and you will be taught by our team of leading academics who boast a range of interlinked specialisms.

In addition to annual field trips in the UK and Europe, you will also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement, study abroad or a combination of both to further your skills and understanding.

Why choose Northumbria to study BA Geography?

Top Department: Geography & Environmental Science is ranked Top 40 in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2024.

How will I be taught during my BA Geography degree?

This course’s focus is on human geography, allowing you to advance your understanding and appreciate the value of a human-centred analysis of contemporary global change.

You will explore the ways in which political, cultural, social and economic forces interact in specific places, developing the necessary skills to formulate research questions and select appropriate methods of inquiry and analysis.

BA Geography covers a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, visits and fieldtrips. Teaching is also supported with learning resources such handouts, online lectures, books and other materials which are made available via our e-Learning Portal.

How is this course assessed?

You will be assessed not just on what you know but also the new skills you will have acquired, which include GIS, visualisation, geophotography, reflexive practice and presentation skills.

Staff operate an open door policy allowing you easy access to the team and provide regular feedback on all assessed work.

Who teaches the BA (Hons) Geography course?

When you join the BA Geography course you will be taught by our research-active academic team who combine their vast subject knowledge with high quality teaching and support.

All of our teaching team hold doctorates or extensive experience in their respective fields. They are experts in a broad range of specialisms including migration, labour and identity, austerity and inequalities, ‘race’ and racism, environmental justice, mobilities and environmental issues, urban regeneration, tourism, ageing and retirement migration, rural change, low-carbon lifestyles, geographies of crime, emotional geographies, feminist methodologies and creative industries.

All of our staff are approachable, enthusiastic and committed to your learning experience, supporting you through every step of your degree.

You will also benefit from our academics’ memberships with professional bodies and relationships estabilished with third party organisations.

View all staff profiles

Where will I learn throughout my degree?

Northumbria University boasts industry-leading facilities to enhance your learning experience throughout the duration of your degree.

Our campus encompasses a range of learning spaces specifically designed to allow you to get up close and learn using state-of-the-art equipment and software. This includes a Qualitative Research Suite, social spaces and a dedicated resource centre and learning space for geographers - The Hub. Other on-site facilities include The Zone, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Throughout your course you will undertake individual and group projects, visiting a variety of regional, national and international locations to learn and practice investigative field work methods. Project work will also allow you to explore and reflect on issues ranging from globalisation to housing

mployability is embedded within BSc Geography from the start, ensuring you leave with skills that are transferrable and applicable to a working environment.

Northumbria University’s BA Geography graduates are highly valued by employers thanks to our leading facilities, course options and the reputation of our research-active academics.

This course will prepare you for a wide range of specialist roles, including careers within planning, teaching, the civil service, charities, geographic data analysis, international development and the environment and renewable energy sectors.  Many of our graduates move into graduate training programmes, local and national Government and postgraduate study.

Does Northumbria University offer work placements for Geography?

A work placement is the ideal way to gain experience in your chosen career and will enable you to apply what you have learnt in the lecture theatre and lab in the real world. Typically, students will opt for a year in industry or study abroad between their second and final year.

If you opt to take a placement year during your studies, you will be able to work alongside, and learn from, professionals in the Geography field, building up vital networking contacts and developing key skills such as time management, communication, problem solving and self-management.