Human Geography

Drawing upon our internationally recognised research expertise in social, cultural, political and economic geography, our human geography degree explores the dynamic relationships between society, place, and space. From past events to future developments and from local changes to global trends, you’ll build up a wide-ranging understanding of how our society interacts with urban, social, cultural, political, and economic environments, gaining the tools to analyse and understand these complex connections.

You’ll start with a strong foundation in human geography before specialising in exciting areas like sustainable development, professional practice and social justice from your second year. Along the way, you’ll build essential skills in research, data analysis, and communication, getting ready to take on real-world challenges at local, national, and global levels.

Fieldwork is a key part of the course, with day trips around Manchester and the North West, plus residential field courses abroad, giving you hands-on experience in real-world geographical issues. The city serves as the perfect "city laboratory" for human geographers, offering opportunities to apply your learning while gaining practical skills that employers value.

The course provides the opportunity to create a career action plan and complete a professional development programme. You could choose to spend an additional year studying abroad or working on a placement in industry. Carbon Literacy training is also embedded into our curriculum, equipping you with in-demand skills and knowledge to tackle global challenges. You will also develop other key employability skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving, in interactive learning, laboratory, and fieldwork settings.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Fieldwork opportunities in the UK or overseas are available during each year of the degree.

• You can progress to our four-year study abroad route which, gives you the opportunity to study overseas during your third year, subject to availability.

• You also have the opportunity to transfer to our four-year placement route which, offers the chance to spend your third year working on a placement with a relevant employer – gaining the skills and experience that can boost your career prospects.

• We are proud to be a top five university for sustainability since 2013 (People and Planet League 2025).

• We’ve invested over £115 million to transform the way we teach and the way our students learn. The new Dalton building is equipped with dynamic learning spaces, world-class teaching and research facilities and collaborative study zones. This means you’ll graduate with the skills and experiences employers look for.

• We are a member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), promoting global sustainable development priorities.

• We offer free Carbon Literacy training in person and online to our students, to build understanding of sustainability and enhance employability.