Learn how people, places and societies shape one another in this BA Human Geography degree. You’ll explore how social, cultural and economic influences affect how people live and work across the world, with a clear understanding of development, identity and difference.
On this 3 year course you’ll learn how geographers explain patterns of change in communities and across regions, then apply this knowledge through research, field experience and project work.
You'll explore human geography topics like:
inequality
migration
labour markets
economic development
globalisation
health and wellbeing
social justice
Learn from leading experts
You’ll be taught by researchers from a top UK geography department, whose work influences global debates on sustainability, health and wellbeing, urbanisation, AI, migration and politics. Their expertise will give you valuable insight into how geography shapes the world.
Urban research and community fieldwork abroad
Your learning will combine theory with hands-on exploration of real places and communities. You’ll investigate human geography using different concepts, approaches and ways of collecting data, guided by tutors working in political and economic geography, global development and urban studies.
Field activities and applied learning run throughout the degree.
You’ll take part in:
an optional residential field course in a European city such as Amsterdam, included in your course fees
optional fieldwork in European, south-east Asian and south African locations
local urban research activities and independent projects in each year of study
These experiences will help you understand how societies adapt and change. They will also develop your practical skills as a researcher and support your future employability.
Support and community
You’ll receive dedicated support throughout your studies. Your personal academic tutor will help you choose modules, plan your workload and explore your career goals.
You can also:
take a paid internship or a year in employment
study abroad at one of our partner universities
You’ll join a welcoming academic community, with our student running events and activities throughout the year to help you feel supported and involved.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. ¸£Àû×ÅÆ¬ out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, your offer will be; BBB and Grade A in the EPQ.
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme: Grades BBC
or
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with minimum 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
or
BTEC
RQF BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma. DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in an A-Level subject. D in the Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from 2 A-level subjects.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
BTEC Extended Diploma must be in a relevant subject area
QCF BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma. DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in an A-Level subject. D in the Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from 2 A-level subjects
BTEC contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
or
Show more entry requirements
Access to HE Diploma
Irish Leaving Certificate
Scottish Qualification offers
Cambridge Pre-U
Welsh Baccalaureate
T Level
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, or which 30 must be a Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.
Access Offer Contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3
Irish Offer Contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer where grade D3 can be used in lieu of grade A or M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels or AB from 2 A levels and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Preferred subjects are Geography, Biology, Psychology, Economics, Sociology, Environmental Science, Geology and Politics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
An overall distinction with grade A in the core element in the Science T-Level
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) and Mathematics at minimum grade 4/C.
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
IELTS score requirements
overall score
6.5
reading
6.0
writing
6.0
speaking
6.0
listening
6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. ¸£Àû×ÅÆ¬ out more about:
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
On this course you'll get an in-depth look at human geography from core modules that all students take. You'll also be able to choose from a range of optional modules from:
human geography
related subjects such as politics, sociology, social statistics, economics and demography
other subjects, such as modern languages
You'll get to carry out a research project in your second and final year. You'll be able to take on personal fieldwork or create a research documentary in the UK or abroad. You'll develop your topic with a member of staff who will guide you as your supervisor. You'll start the project in your second year, and complete it in your final year.
Year 1 overview
This year gives you an academic foundation in human geography. This includes statistical and computing skills.
You'll learn about geopolitics, borders and societies, all essential aspects of our human world.
You'll also attend an in-depth, residential field course in Southampton's cultural quarter, looking at human geography topics.
There is a wide choice of optional modules from subjects such as sociology, politics, anthropology and modern languages.
Year 2 overview
You'll take core modules in human geography research and choose optional modules to specialise in areas like:
urban geographies
global economies
wellbeing
cultural geographies
You’ll get training in research techniques which will set you up to excel in your third year independent research project.
The highlight of this year is a residential trip to Amsterdam, where you'll learn about topics such as housing, urban change and inequalities. This trip is covered by your tuition fees.
Year 3 overview
You'll have advanced options to choose from, whether urban geography, social justice or migration fascinates you. During this year you'll get a sense of cutting-edge issues, and have the option to travel further afield, to Berlin and either Cambodia or Namibia.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. ¸£Àû×ÅÆ¬ out why, when and how we might make changes.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Rishika Mukhopadhyay is the course leader.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Communication
Teamwork
EDI leadership
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, , is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. ¸£Àû×ÅÆ¬ out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.