GEOGRAPHY BSc/MA/MA(SocSci)

Geography is the study of the surface of the Earth as the site of human living and working. It considers the variability in physical and human landscapes, along with the interrelationships binding them together.

September start
Session dates
Geography BSc (Hons): F8004 year degree
Geography MA (Hons): L7024 year degree
Geography MA(SocSci) (Hons): L7004 year degree

Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
Degree options
Study abroad available

WHY STUDY GEOGRAPHY?

This degree programme is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences and the Royal Geographical Society
Our location:- a culturally and historically significant city, close to some of the most the spectacular landscapes in the world; gives us an unparalleled advantage in the study of both human and physical geography
Fieldwork is a fundamental part of studying Geography at the University of Glasgow, and all students undertake residential field classes in the Scottish Highlands and Mallorca, giving you a comprehensive learning experience
Find out more about what it's like to study in the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences: meet our students

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Geography can be studied as one of three different degrees in Arts, Science or Social Sciences. The Geography component of each degree is identical; the difference is additional subjects that can be taken in years 1 and 2. 

YEAR 1

You will explore an equal balance of physical and human geography themes including a world of resources, of development, of changing environments, a shrinking world, a world of conflict and a world of interactions.

YEAR 2

You will explore human and physical processes, examining environmental problems and their possible resolutions. You will be trained in statistical methods, geographic information systems (GIS), qualitative methods and laboratory analysis.

You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2, to pursue your interests and ensure maximum flexibility; see Flexible degrees.

YEARS 3 AND 4

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will study both core and optional courses. Core courses are related to advanced training methods such as data management, modelling, GIS, interviewing and interpretative methods and dissertation training. A range of optional courses complement the core courses. Some Environmental Geoscience optional courses may also be available to Geography students.

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

SPECIAL GLASGOW FEATURE

If you intend to continue to Honours, you will attend a week-long residential field course in year 2 to extend the field, laboratory and statistical skills introduced earlier by focusing on group projects, data collection, problem solving, and presentations. This training is developed in year 3 in a week-long overseas field class focusing on dissertation-related project work.

OUR INTERNATIONAL LINKS

You will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad. There are currently two options available: the Erasmus+ Programme and the International Exchange Programme. This will not add any time to your studies. See Study abroad.

Course details

Geography can be studied as one of three different degrees in Arts, Science or Social Sciences. The Geography component of each degree is identical; the difference is additional subjects that can be taken in years 1 and 2.

Arts students taking Geography in their first year should choose their additional courses from other Arts degree programmes.

YEAR 1

Core courses:

Geography 1: Living in a Changing World

You will explore an equal balance of physical and human geography themes including a world of resources, an underdeveloped world, a world of changing environments, a shrinking world, and a changing biosphere in a changing environment.

YEAR 2

Core courses:

Geography 2

You will explore human and physical processes, examining environmental problems and their possible resolutions. You will be trained in statistical methods, geographical information systems (GIS) and laboratory analysis using a mixture of fieldwork and our own IT and physical geography laboratories.

You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2, to pursue your interests and ensure maximum flexibility; see Flexible degrees.

YEAR 3 AND 4 

Core courses:

Geographical Techniques
Geographic Thought
Research Skills

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will study both core and optional courses. Core courses are related to advanced training methods such as data management, modelling, geographical information systems, interviewing and interpretative methods, dissertation training and development of key graduate attributes. A wide range of optional courses complement the core courses and allow you to build a programme around your particular interests. Some Earth Science optional courses may also be available to Geography students.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTSFOR ENTRY IN 2025

You should refer to the entry requirements for both subjects and the degree award when applying for a joint honours degree programme. The higher entry requirement (where applicable) and additional requirements must be met for both subjects.

Summary of entry requirements for Geography

SQA Higher entry requirements

Applicants to Geography BSc: 

BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
Typically offers will be made at AAAB by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
Additional requirements: Two Higher Science subjects at AA (AB or BA may be considered).

SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)

MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
MD40: AABB* (minimum requirement of ABB in S5)
Additional requirements: Two Higher Science subjects. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.

* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.

Applicants to Geography MA:

SQA Higher entry requirements

BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject at AA (AB or BA may be considered).

SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)

MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
MD40: AABB* (minimum requirement of ABB in S5)
Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.

* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.

Applicants to Geography MA(SocSci):

SQA Higher entry requirements

BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
Typically offers will be made at AAAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject or Mathematics at AA. (AB or BA may be considered).

SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)

MD20: ABBBB (also other target groups*)
MD40: AAABB* (minimum requirement of ABB in S5)
Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject or Mathematics. 
Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.

* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.

A-level standard entry requirements

All applicants

ABB – BBB
Additional requirements: 
Applicants to Geography (BSc): A-level Science subject at Grade B.
Applicants to Geography (MA/MA SocSci): A-level English or Humanities subject.

IB standard entry requirements

Applicants to Geography BSc:

32 (5,5,5)
Additional requirements: HL Science subject.

Applicants to Geography MA:

34 (6,5,5)
Additional requirements: English HL6 or Humanities HL6 with English SL6.

Applicants to Geography MA(SocSci):

36 (6,6,5)
Additional requirements: English HL6 or Humanities HL6 with English SL6.

Admissions guidance

Find out more about entry requirements and alternative qualifications

https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/entryrequirements/guidance/

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation certificates.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

176 overall, no subtest less than 169
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

70 overall with no subtest less than 60
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

7 overall with no subtest less than 6
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

School Qualifications

IGCSE English First Language, grade C
IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
A Level English, grade C
International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C