BSc Geography with Year Abroad
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Geography with Year Abroad, a geography degree focused on environmental systems and spatial analysis. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. The programme spans four years and incorporates an international study placement at an overseas partner institution during the third year. The first year establishes fundamental concepts through modules such as LC Applied GIS and Data Science, LC Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change, LC Fieldwork: Principles and Practice, and LC Research Design for Geographers and Planners. The second year builds advanced investigative and analytical abilities via modules including LI Field Research Skills for Human Geography and Planning, LI Field Research Skills for Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences, LI Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems, and LI Digital data capture and analysis. The third year is spent abroad studying geography at a partner institution. The final year centres on advanced specialized study and independent research.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A Level: AAB. IB: 6,6,5 32 points overall.. BTEC: We welcome students studying BTEC qualifications as an alternative to A levels, and accept BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate. Please contact us for further guidance.
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What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 56%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 70%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 57%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 40 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 8%
- Further study: 6%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 18%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 14%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 11%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 9%
- Teaching Professionals: 9%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 370 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 7%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 26%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 20%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) for the purpose of recognising the delivery of geographical knowledge, understanding, skills, approaches and attributes expected of high quality geography graduates.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- LC Applied GIS and Data Science
- LC Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change
- LC Discover Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES): Academic and Professional Futures
- LC Fieldwork: Principles and Practice
- LC Research Design for Geographers and Planners
- LC Societies, Space and Place
- LI Dissertation Labs for Human Geography and Planning
- LI Dissertation Labs: theory and practice for Physical Geography and Environmental Science
- LI Field Research Skills for Human Geography and Planning
- LI Field Research Skills for Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences
- LI Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems
- LI Cultural Geographies
- LI Development Geographies
- LI Digital data capture and analysis
- LI Ecological Systems
- LI Environmental Human Geography
- LI Environmental Pollution and Management
- LI Geological Natural Hazards
- LI Hydroclimatology: Climate and Water
- LI Hydrology and River Management
- LI Political Geographies
- LI Social Geographies
- LI Urban Geography
- LI Study Abroad (Geography)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geography with Year Abroad at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £29,500 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £45,000.
What do graduates of BSc Geography with Year Abroad at University of Birmingham do next?
84% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geography with Year Abroad at University of Birmingham?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Geography with Year Abroad at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 142 UCAS points.
Is BSc Geography with Year Abroad at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) for the purpose of recognising the delivery of geographical knowledge, understanding, skills, approaches and attributes expected of high quality geography graduates.
Does BSc Geography with Year Abroad at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Geography with Year Abroad at University of Birmingham?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.