BSc Geography with Study Abroad (09F4)

2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and environmental studies' research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning (UK top ten for 'Geography and Environmental Science', Complete University Guide 2024).

This four-year course has the same basic structure as BSc Geography but you will spend your third year studying geography and other subjects at an English-speaking university abroad.

In year one you will receive an overview of physical and human geography, and develop a range of geographical and scientific skills. The remaining years are organised around specialist units from physical and/or human geography.

Physical geography units cover a wide-ranging exploration of Earth's dynamic processes, emphasising a multidisciplinary approach to studying the natural environment. You will delve into topics such as climate change, glaciology, and hydrology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected and societally-relevant systems shaping our planet.

Human geography units provide in-depth study of cultural, economic and social geography, emphasising the importance of theory and methods for analysing contemporary geographical problems and policies. Topics range from economic development and global politics to inequalities of health and contemporary social theory.

You will also develop skills in the use of specialised computer software, statistics and data collection in the field. Field trips and practical work are key components of the course. There are UK residential trips in year one and in year two there is typically an overseas field trip.

Your third-year abroad will be arranged on an individual basis. We currently have exchange agreements with universities in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland and the US. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.

The skills that you acquire throughout your studies will be applied in a self-directed dissertation project in your final year.

Accreditations

Our Geography with Study Abroad BSc is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (RGS) so as a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA in any subjects, or AAB in three specified subjects. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.
ABB in any subjects, or BBB in three specified subjects. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.

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DDD in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, or 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including three specified subjects. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, or 31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including three specified subjects. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
85% overall, or 80% overall including 8.5, 8.5, 8.0 in three specified subjects (see below). Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.
Advanced Higher: AA, and Standard Higher: AAAAB, or Advanced Higher: AB in two specified subjects, and Standard Higher: AAABB. Specified subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Computing; Design and Technology: Product Design 3D; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Human Biology; Information Communication Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physics; and Statistics.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Humanities or Social Sciences (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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