About Geography, BA (Hons) - at Newcastle University

Course Overview

Our Geography BA Honours degree offers an extremely flexible study programme.

At a Glance

UCAS Code
L701

UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21

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Degree Awarded
BA Honours

Course Duration
3 Years

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Entry Requirements
A Level: AAB-ABB
IB: 32-35 points

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Opportunities
Study abroad

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You can select from a wide range of topics spanning human and physical geography, such as:

• geopolitics and uneven development
• the effect of social and economic change
• climate and environmental change
• natural hazards

You will enjoy fieldwork in both the UK and abroad, with field visits in locations such as Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen and Cyprus.

A dissertation in your third year enables you to showcase your skills to employers by conducting your own research alongside our highly respected research staff.

Highlights of this degree

Quality and ranking

Quality and ranking

Geography at Newcastle is highly regarded. We rank in the top 10 universities in the UK in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017. We also achieved a 94% overall student satisfaction score in the National Student Survey 2016.

Geography at Newcastle ranks 10th overall in the UK for research (Research Excellence Framework 2014) and 42nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is a particular focus of Geography at Newcastle, which integrates experiential learning ('learning by doing') at every Stage.

Newcastle is located in a geographically rich region, bringing to life topics such as industrial change and the conservation of rivers, wetlands and coastal areas under climate change.

There is fieldwork embedded through the degree, including day excursions.

In the second year, you undertake a field course elements of economic, political and social geography from a choice of residential and non-residential destinations, currently including:

• Berlin
• Borneo
• Copenhagen
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Ireland
• the American Southwest

Find out more about geography fieldwork at Newcastle in the Geography section of the School's website.

Our research reputation

Our research reputation

Throughout its near 90-year history, Geography at Newcastle has developed a leading international reputation for research.

We are ranked 10th overall in the UK for research (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

All of our academic staff are active researchers, contributing to a vibrant research environment that you will be part of.

Our research engages with the key societal, economic and environmental challenges of our time, focusing on real-world challenges such as climate change, natural hazards, economic development and sustainability.

Through our insightful, research-informed degrees, you will graduate with a highly developed understanding of the changing world around us and the specialist skills to address the key societal, economic and environmental challenges facing us today.

Expeditions and study abroad

Expeditions and study abroad

Expeditions

We encourage you to organise your own expeditions. Previous Newcastle University expeditions have been carried out in a wide range of countries including:

• Brazil and Peru
• Iceland, Greenland and Norway
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya and Ghana
• Tibet
• the Philippines

See the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology's website for details of previous expeditions by our students.

The University Expedition Committee may be able to provide funding towards a student-led expedition to carry out research.

You may also apply for funding from The Sonia Stonehouse Expedition Fund (SSEF) to assist with overseas fieldwork, as part of your compulsory dissertation in physical or human geography.

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the chance to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study exchange abroad.

Stage 2 students can undertake a five-month exchange at one of our partner institutions in Europe (some of which teach in English) or beyond (eg America, Australia, and Singapore).

Facilities and support

Facilities

As a geography student at Newcastle, you will be based in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology.

We have a series of state-of-the-art laboratories plus lecture theatres and learning spaces:

• Geomorphology Laboratory
• Cosmogenic Isotope Laboratory
• Spatial Analysis Laboratory
• Chemistry Laboratory

Support

To help you get the most out of university life, you'll have access to a range of support, including:

• a personal tutor throughout your degree
• a student mentor in your first year

You'll also benefit from our:

• extended induction programme, to help you quickly settle in to our lively community of staff and students
• activities and events run by our student-run society, GeogSoc

Teaching and assessment

Study at the cutting edge

The research findings of our staff are integrated into the curriculum of our degrees, allowing us to offer you an extremely broad range of topics at the forefront of current issues in geography.

We focus on real-world challenges such as climate change, natural hazards, economic development and sustainability, so you are prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

Teaching methods

All of our geography courses enjoy a high level of staff and student interaction, including:

• tutorials
• lectures
• laboratory work
• seminars.

All modules also require a considerable amount of independent study, culminating in a dissertation under expert supervision in Stage 3.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed by a combination of examinations and course work.

Course work may include reports, essays, presentations and data analysis.

Find out more

Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module. More information about each module including specific assessment methods, credits and contact hours, can be found in the Course Details section.

Visit our Teaching & Learning pages to read about the outstanding learning experience available to all students at Newcastle University.

BA or BSc?

BA or BSc?

We offer geography as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.

Your choice of programme depends on the subjects you studied at A level (or equivalent):

• if you have taken a science A level (or equivalent) you will be eligible to study the BSc
• if you have not taken a science A level (or equivalent) you will be eligible to study the BA

Students on both degrees can choose from the same range of modules.

Student profile

At Newcastle we benefit from being taught at the forefront of new academic research from the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies (CURDS). Few universities can offer such extensive research-led teaching.

Hugh, Geography BA Honours

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Opportunities
Study abroad

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact Newcastle University to find course entry requirements.

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