Geography BSc (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Environmental science and geography
- Undergraduate
Nurture your passion for our environment with Kingston University, ranked Top 10 in the UK for Geography in the Guardian University Guide 2026. This course is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education.
You are reading:
Explore our Earth’s rapidly changing environment
You will graduate with the foundational knowledge and skills you need to thrive in the workplace, whatever your career ambitions.
At our Penrhyn Road campus, you will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
- the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories
- the new £20 million John Galsworthy building with a range of teaching rooms and computing labs
- the award winning Town House, with a well-stocked library that boasts an impressive collection of texts, journals and online e-books/journals
- excellent social spaces, plus a large, fully equipped gym and fitness centre
The field trips have been brilliant. It's good to study at sites, rather than just through textbooks, and the trips are a great opportunity to get better acquainted with people on the course.
Field trips
Why choose this course
This course is concerned with understanding the Earth's environments and the global concerns of humanity. It offers a perfect balance of skills learning and practical fieldwork.
Subjects include globalisation, sustainable development, climate change and mitigation, social justice, cities and ruralities, resource management, geomorphology and geophysical hazards, oceans and atmospheres, environmental monitoring and biodiversity.
This course places a strong emphasis on the applied nature of geography. That is, we learn by ‘doing' geography. This means that your studies will be guided by real-world contexts and challenges, working in partnership with local authorities, community groups, international agencies, and NGOs, both in the UK and on fieldwork abroad. It will help you become an independent and critical thinker who can tackle real-world problems in your future career.
Below are the main field trips for the geography courses. Remember, they can vary from year to year according to circumstances and new opportunities.
Year 1: Weymouth, Dorset
On this four-day field trip to Weymouth, Dorset, staff will introduce you to the geographical setting and to the physical and human landscape. Here you will learn about the relationships between society and the environment and consider the ways in which we collect and analyse data to understand social and environmental issues.
Year 2: International fieldwork options
At the end of Year 2, students have opportunities to engage in optional fieldwork overseas during the summer (for at least two weeks), collecting data for their final year research projects. This is part funded by the Turing Scheme (UK government programme) and by the University. Recent summer fieldwork destinations include Almeria in Spain, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, South Africa and Chesapeake Bay in the USA.
Year 3: International fieldwork options
In Year 3, students have the chance to explore development issues in an international context. We are currently focusing on Malta, although previously we have focussed on Morocco and on South Africa. Students engage with local authorities and development agencies, NGOs, members of the business community and local people to explore key development challenges in this context.
Top 10 in the UK for Geography, The Guardian University Guide 2026.
100% of students were satisfied with the academic support they received (NSS 2025).
100% of students thought the course was well organised (NSS 2025).
Accreditation
The course is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education.
Course content
On this course you will study modules in geographical theory and research methods along with optional modules in the areas of Human Geography, Physical Geography, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) where you will learn about digital mapping and spatial analysis.
Year 1
Year 1 provides a foundation in human and physical geography. You gain an understanding of the Earth, its environments, and the global concerns of humanity. You'll also be introduced to a broad range of key transferable skills, including data collection and analysis, critical thinking and geographical information systems (GIS).
Year 1 (core modules)
30 credits
This module introduces key fundamental topics in physical geography, overviewing the various spheres of the Earth, associated processes and interaction. Themes are presented systematically as a cross-section of the Earth's physical structure: geological underpinning, Earth surface processes (introducing geomorphology, the pedosphere and hydrosphere), the atmosphere, and the biosphere.
Interwoven within these topics are lectures on associated environmental hazards, including geophysical hazards (e.g., volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis), atmospheric hazards (including hurricanes and tornadoes) and environmental and ecological hazards (including oil spills, and wildfires).
Processes behind these major natural and man-made environmental hazards will be described, with reasons provided for their occurrence and global spatial distribution. Detailed case studies from a variety of geographical regions will help to build a portfolio of examples, enhancing student knowledge of the processes, impacts and means of forecasting and mitigating against hazards becoming disasters.
The module introduces students to the application of environmental and geophysical knowledge and skills to real world challenges and potential discipline-related employment opportunities.
30 credits
Maps are tools for visualising spatial information to communicate pattern, processes, and the results of geographical analysis. This module explores the principles and practice of map design and production using Geographical Information System (GIS) software. Basic GIS principles are introduced, including data modelling, data quality, and simple analytical operations. The cartographic design process will be examined through the lens of the ‘map communication model’ (MCM) and graphic and cartographic design principles. The MCM will be critically evaluated in the modern context of interactive web maps, open source enabled self-production, crowdsourcing, personalisation, ‘big data’, and emerging AI technologies. Ethical and legal issues relating to data collection, linkage, copyright and attribution are explained. Digital literacy employability skills will be developed, and the module will provide a baseline for developing more advanced GIS and mapping skills in Levels 5 and 6.
30 credits
This module introduces you to key geographical theories and concepts and provides a foundation for future studies in human geography. The module provides a broad understanding of the relationships between human societies and a range of economic, cultural, social and political processes at a variety of scales. It examines case studies from different geographical contexts in both the global north and south.
The first part of the module will focus on global issues. Topics covered include demographic change, economic development, energy security, resource extraction, environmentalism and green politics, global governance and geopolitics. Here you will examine how these issues unfold unevenly across different geographical contexts.
The second part of the module will focus on place-based studies. Here you will examine how and why socio-cultural as well as political and economic configurations manifest as they do in different geographical locations.
The final part of the module explores issues of sustainability within the context of professional development and employability.
30 credits
This module explores the foundations for academic and professional success, introducing you to the higher education learning environment and supports your development as an effective, independent learners.
The module equips you with essential academic and research skills to thrive in professional environments. It encourages you to take ownership of your learning journey by developing competencies aligned with Kingston University Graduate Attributes and discipline-specific professional standards. Through weekly sessions, you will explore effective learning strategies, assessment for learning, and the role of feedback and critical self-reflection. You are introduced to key research methods including research design, qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Fieldwork is a central component, offering hands-on experience in geographical and environmental investigation.
Year 2
In Year 2, you'll deepen your knowledge of specialist topics in geography. You will also develop more advanced research, analytical and practical skills through field trips at home and overseas.
Year 2 (core modules)
30 credits
This is a core module for Geography students. In the first part of the module students will be trained in quantitative and qualitative data analysis. In doing so, they will learn how to collect, collate, analyse and critique qualitative and quantitative data. In the second part of the module students will build on the skills developed in TB1 in the execution of an interdisciplinary team based project.
30 credits
This module explores the physical science of Earth's hydrosphere and the atmosphere, key processes and principles, and associated hazards. Through a sculpted narrative, the module will take students on an investigative journey to explore land, ocean and atmosphere environments and their interactions, with a persistent focus on the impact of climate change on these systems.
Environments to be explored include the dynamic coastal zone (including beaches, saltmarshes, estuaries and deltas), rivers and drainage basins, oceans and ocean circulation, and the atmosphere. Hydrological and sedimentological processes will be considered, following a source to sink approach.
A variety of hydrospheric and atmospheric hazards will be considered throughout the module. These include riverine and coastal flooding, sea-level rise, and severe weather hazards associated with ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation), the Indian Ocean Dipole and the SE Asian Monsoon System. Fieldwork, GIS and remote sensing practical sessions are integral to this module; they provide real-world skills and training relevant to a wide variety of environmental science, hazards and geography careers. An embedded field trip will investigate hazards associated with environmental change in the Thames Estuary and explore appropriate mitigation and adaptive strategies to best manage this environment in the future.
30 credits
You will be trained in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, as well as Geographical Information Science (GIS). You will learn how to collect, manipulate, and interpret environmental and geospatial data using industry-standard tools such as SPSS, Envivo and ArcGIS. The module will develop practical skills in statistical interpretation of environmental datasets, as well as in coding and interpreting qualitative data. You will also develop practical skills in visualisation, mapping and interpretation of different datasets (e.g., land use, pollution, biodiversity). Emphasis will be placed on critical evaluation of data sources and analytical methods. The skills acquired will support you in making evidence-based decisions and applying your learning to project-based investigations, including fieldwork and research projects.
30 credits
This module focuses on the ways in which geographers have examined the intersections between people, place and politics. In doing so, the module traces the shifting paradigms that have dominated the discipline and examines the multiple approaches now possible within geographical research and the methodologies that underpin them. Focussing on a range of topics, part student selected/part teacher selected, the module will explore the diverse ways that geographers working in different paradigms have approached the intersections between people, places and political power. Having developed a sound knowledge of geographical approaches in the first teaching block, you will then engage in a focussed examination of an issue using the approaches explored in the first teaching bock. In doing so, you will identify a topic of your choice and select disciplinary perspectives from which to examine it and which they will evaluate.
Optional professional placement year
The optional professional placement year between Years 2 and 3 includes a work placement or international exchange. The work placement gives an opportunity for paid work and valuable experience in a relevant professional environment.
The international exchange gives you an opportunity to travel, meet new people, build links in another academic environment and develop your geographical skills and knowledge.
We will keep in touch with you throughout your placement or year abroad, ensuring the skills and training you receive translate effectively into your studies and career aspirations.
Year 3/4
Your final year modules cover a wide range of topics. Your final year independent research project will reflect your personal interests and help you develop your employability skills. You can also choose to apply your knowledge and skills either in an overseas setting or more locally in London.
Final year (core modules)
30 credits
This module provides students with experiences in the design, preparation and execution of an independent and supervised programme of research. The module guides students to employ reflective learning techniques and to develop a variety of level-appropriate employability skills by engaging with their research project as academic research with commercial, policy or political value which requires effective dissemination and communication to a range of suitable audiences.
Employability skills developments are integral to the Research Project module. The specific nature of the research project chosen allows the students to target specific skills they wish to develop in their learning pathway and the project supervisors will work closely with the students to identify and articulate these skills and relate these to Future Skills.
15 credits
This module gives you a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes.
At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile. You will determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. In this process, you will be supported by a dedicated career coach, helping you explore a range of options that includes self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. Throughout the module, you will be given opportunities to engage with external mentors, to support reflection and to develop a professional network.
You will undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals, from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities outside the University that develop your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.
30 credits
This module introduces students to critical theories of development and challenges students to critically reflect on their value in real world situations. It also explores the relations within and between countries and the challenge of achieving sustainable development in the context of globalisation and climate change. The module includes substantial international non-European fieldwork and independent desk-based research.
Whilst it introduces theories of development, it is also an applied module which seeks to empower students to debate contemporary geographical issues within an international context.
Assessment seeks to engage students in critical appraisal of real world situations, and in strategic planning of interventions, so enhancing students' practical skills and employability.
30 credits
The module examines key issues relating to climate change in the areas of science, policy and society.
The science of climate change will be explored through an investigation of the climate system and an examination of indicators such as sea-level change and ocean acidification.
The influence of human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions will be explored, and future climate scenarios evaluated.
Applications of AI in climate modelling will also be assessed. You will learn to critically discuss models of future climate change and produce your own climate projections for the UK based on real data.
The module will examine local and national strategies to adapt to and mitigate against impacts of climate change. This will include investigations into adaptations in agriculture and the food industry, and an exploration of environmental and socio-economic challenges faced in urban areas. The module will investigate the current and future impact on coastal communities and habitats, with assessment of risks associated with sea level rise, coastal flooding and erosion. This will include a field trip to investigate coastal challenges in southeast England and explore mitigation and adaptation strategies that enhance resilience. Assessments will develop real-world skills and reflect upon KU Graduate Attributes.
15 credits
The module examines global water management challenges and sustainable options to seek their resolution. The module will develop the student’s understanding and critical evaluation of these challenges from several perspectives including the challenges associated with environmental, social and economic change. This will include the examination of issues such as water scarcity and climate change, concerns for water security, land use impacts, socio-political drivers for change and regional water management issues. The module will highlight a range of employability skills and challenge you to identify and value the transferability of these skills to the workplace and discuss cross-reference to the KU Graduate Attributes. These will include an assessment as learning activity that will develop fieldwork skills, design thinking and problem solving and the communication of environmental knowledge. Where appropriate, external speakers will contribute to the debates.
Science Foundation Year
Would you like to study one of our science degrees but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc(Hons) course?
You can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.
International students: direct application
Are you an international student? Have you decided Kingston is the place for you? If so, you can apply for this course directly, rather than having to go through UCAS.
I have found the atmosphere and lecturers at Kingston very friendly and supportive. I've especially liked the lectures on dynamic earth movements, tropical climates, deserts, and Arctic and Antarctic regions.
What career opportunities does this course offer?
Graduates from this course go on to work in a wide range of areas, such as local government, retail, human resources, finance, insurance, ICT, education and research. Many graduates progress to postgraduate studies.
Future Skills
Our Future Skills programme is embedded within all our undergraduate courses and throughout the whole Kingston experience. These skills will help you to become a future-proof graduate by equipping you with the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills. You’ll also understand how to demonstrate and articulate to employers how these future skills give you the edge.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials. It may also include placements, project work, workshops, workshops in computer labs, and laboratory workshops.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 23% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 25% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 3: 25% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 53%; exams 24%; practical 23%
- Year 2: Coursework 68%; exams 14%; practical 18%
- Year 3: Coursework 78%; exams 22%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
Studying Geography at Kingston University has been such a fulfilling experience. Not just on the academic side of things, but also University life at Kingston in general. I have also found some of the lectures really stimulating and thought provoking.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| £10,050* | |
| Foundation Year: | £10,050 |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2027/28): | £To be confirmed |
| Year 2 (2028/29): | £To be confirmed |
| Year 3 (2029/30): | £To be confirmed |
| Year 4 (2030/31): | £To be confirmed |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed in our Fees and Funding section. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
*For full-time programmes lasting more than one academic year, a tuition fee is payable for each academic year of the course.
Your annual tuition fee covers your first attempt at all modules required for that academic year. Any re-study or repeat of modules will incur additional charges, calculated according to the number of credits taken.
Home students (UK): Tuition fees are subject to inflation-linked increases in line with government policy. Updated fees will be confirmed in line with the maximum fee cap set by the Government or the Office for Students (OfS) for each academic year. This means your fee may increase for each academic year of study, but only up to the maximum amount permitted for that year.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
International students: Full-time taught international student fees are subject to an annual increase, which is published in advance for the full duration of your programme.
| Fee category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| £9,790* | |
| Foundation Year: | £9,790 |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2026/27): | £19,200 |
| Year 2 (2027/28): | £19,900 |
| Year 3 (2028/29): | £20,700 |
| Year 4 (2029/30): | £21,500 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed in our Fees and Funding section. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
*For full-time programmes lasting more than one academic year, a tuition fee is payable for each academic year of the course.
Your annual tuition fee covers your first attempt at all modules required for that academic year. Any re-study or repeat of modules will incur additional charges, calculated according to the number of credits taken.
Home students (UK): Tuition fees are subject to inflation-linked increases in line with government policy. Updated fees will be confirmed in line with the maximum fee cap set by the Government or the Office for Students (OfS) for each academic year. This means your fee may increase for each academic year of study, but only up to the maximum amount permitted for that year.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
International students: Full-time taught international student fees are subject to an annual increase, which is published in advance for the full duration of your programme.
| Fee category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| £9,535* | |
| Foundation Year: | £9,535 |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2025/26): | £18,500 |
| Year 2 (2026/27): | £19,200 |
| Year 3 (2027/28): | £19,900 |
| Year 4 (2028/29): | £20,700 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are above.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed in our Fees and Funding section. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
*For full-time programmes lasting more than one academic year, a tuition fee is payable for each academic year of the course. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £20 to £40 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations – Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Specific courses may require uniforms, specialty clothing, or specific equipment like lab coats and safety shoes. Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
The most exciting part of the degree so far has been the field trips – taking part in activities such as hill walking, investigating plant species and looking at weather impact on various regions.
Next year I have been accepted to participate in an exchange programme in the US. This is another great opportunity offered by Kingston University and I can't wait to experience life and study over there.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
