Geography with Study Abroad in a Modern Language

Bristol has a well-established reputation for geography teaching and learning. We are 11th in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science in the Complete University Guide 2026, and ranked first in the UK for Geography and Environmental Studies research (THE analysis of REF 2021).

Our BSc Geography with Study Abroad in a Modern Language degree has the same basic structure as BSc Geography. You'll also have the exciting opportunity to spend your third year at a partner university abroad, studying in the language of your host country.

In your first year, you'll get a broad overview of physical and human geography, while building a toolkit of scientific and geographical skills. From year two, you'll move on to specialist units that let you dive deeper into the areas of physical and/or human geography that inspire you:

• Physical geography units cover a wide-ranging exploration of Earth's dynamic processes. You'll take a multidisciplinary approach to studying the natural environment and you'll tackle big topics such as climate change, glaciology and hydrology. You'll also get a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected and societally relevant systems that shape our planet.

• Human geography units provide an in-depth study of cultural, economic and social geography. They also emphasise the importance of theory and methods for analysing today's geographical problems and policies. Topics range from economic development, urbanisation and global politics, to health inequalities and contemporary social theory.

Throughout the course you'll develop skills in the use of specialised computer software, in statistical analysis, and in data collection in the field. You'll also take language units to prepare you for studying abroad.

Field trips and practical work really bring the course to life. In year one there are UK residential field trips, and you'll usually take part in an overseas trip in year two.

Your third year abroad is tailored individually to you, and you'll study in the language of your host country. We currently have exchange agreements with universities in Bonn, Grenoble, Lyon, Granada and Valencia. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.

In your final year, you'll apply all the skills that you've acquired throughout your studies to complete a self-directed dissertation project.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Royal Geographical Society