BA Geography with Foundation
About this course
BA (Hons) in Geography with Foundation is a geography degree that starts with a one-year foundation year before the undergraduate programme. It is aimed at applicants from under-represented groups whose educational disadvantage or disruption prevents standard entry, and eligibility criteria apply. The foundation year is taught by tutors in Durham's Centre for Academic Development, covering how knowledge is constructed within the degree alongside metacognitive and independent learning skills, with progression to the first year of the geography degree on completion.
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
Entry criteria: Specific Eligibility Criteria Recommended Criteria for Mature Applicants (over 21 years) Applicants over 21 are likely to have achieved GCSE grade 4 in Maths and English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in these subjects. Essential Criteria for Younger Applicants (under 21 years) Applicants under 21 must have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher in Maths and English Language.
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What students say
Based on about 50 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 125 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 3%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 42 graduates who answered
- Working: 67%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 7%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 8%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 14%
- London: 27%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 110 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Geography with Foundation at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,000 and £48,000. The £38,500 median after five years is £6,500 more than the UK median for Physical geographical sciences.
What do graduates of BA Geography with Foundation at Durham University do next?
87% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Geography with Foundation at Durham University?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Geography with Foundation at Durham University?
The average entrant had 167 UCAS points.
Does BA Geography with Foundation at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Geography with Foundation at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.