Geography

Summary:

Understand the forces that shape our planet. On this BSc Geography degree, you will explore the physical processes that create and transform the Earth, from landscapes and oceans to climate systems.

You will study both human and physical geography, before focusing on physical geography as your degree progresses. From climate change to environmental hazards, you will examine real-world challenges and the science behind their solutions.

At Southampton, your learning extends beyond the classroom. Through fieldwork, laboratory study and advanced techniques, you will build the skills and experience to understand and respond to a changing world.

Key features of the course:

Take part in a compulsory residential field course, with locations such as Tenerife, included in your course fees, helping you develop as a researcher.

Expand your experience with optional overseas field courses across Europe, Southeast Asia and South Africa.

Shape your degree through flexible module choices, with the option to switch between BSc and BA Geography after your first year.

Develop practical and analytical skills using tools such as Geographical Information Systems, preparing you for a range of careers.

Join a university where 100% of Geography graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation, with 90% in professional roles (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025).

Partnership Projects:

Our Partnership Projects initiative gives you the opportunity to complete a Policy, Practice or Industry dissertation in collaboration with an external organisation.
You’ll work on a real brief set by the partner, applying your knowledge to a defined challenge.
Projects may include:
• ecological field studies
• social research into community sustainability initiatives
• identifying new locations for environmental or social charity work
Your research will focus on real-world issues and contribute to practical outcomes.

Student support:

Your Personal Academic Tutor will support you throughout your degree, helping you choose modules, plan your career and providing guidance when you need it.

You will also have opportunities to build your experience through internships, study abroad, a year in employment or by taking a minor, helping you shape your future.

Further information:

This course is open to UK and international applicants and is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society, recognising the quality and relevance of your degree.

We have a mix of physical and human geography modules with specialisation in physical geography in the higher years. From year 2 you will be able to tailor your degree with a range of optional modules not only from geography but from across the university, depending on your interest.

Year 1: An introduction to the foundation of Physical and Human geography topics, understanding global processes, landscapes, hazards alongside developing core study skills, basic research techniques and field experience.
Year 2: Develop key skills in GIS and remote sensing, as well as in fieldwork during your trip to Tenerife. Gain knowledge on various subfields of physical geography, such as climate change and tipping pints, coasts, and sustainability. You have the option to take two modules in human geography or from outside geography, covering a wide range of subjects.
Year 3: Specialise in aspects of geography of particular interest to you, including glaciers, deserts, rivers, nature-based solutions, as well as climate change, hazards, food security and health, alongside optional fieldtrips to International destinations. Delve into an independent research project to advance your enquiry in a specialised subfield of geography. You have the option to take two modules in human geography or from outside geography, covering a wide range of subjects.

The full list of modules is available on the course page on our website.

Your learning is delivered, and assessed, through a wide range of methods to ensure you develop a broad variety of skills that will set you up for success after graduation.

The learning activities for this course include lectures, classes and tutorials and coursework.

We’ll assess you through developing websites, essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations and written and practical exams.

Throughout, you'll be supported by a personal academic tutor, your peers, and have access to a senior tutor.