BSc (Hons)

Geography

L700

From glaciers to megacities, Geography is the study of the earth’s processes, both natural and human. As a subject it has the capacity to take you almost anywhere and field exploration is a major component of the course. Our BSc explores some of the most pressing issues facing the planet in the 21st century: climate change, pressures on the natural world and society and how these can be mitigated and managed.

World Map with several rolled up maps

Course overview

Geography at Winchester takes a hands-on, practical approach. You could be advising imaginary governments on globalisation, population growth, resource shortages, geopolitical instability and managing natural hazards. You could be planning and carrying out a day of surveying at a site subject to sea level rise and erosion threats, or gathering field samples to analyse past climates. Winchester is set on the edge of the South Downs National Park, just half an hour from the coast and an hour by train from London, and is perfectly placed to make the most of the diverse and beautiful landscapes that surround the city, for both fieldwork and for recreation.

Each year of study has a distinct emphasis. In Year 1 you receive a broad introduction to geography and geographical issues. You will acquire in-depth knowledge on the climate emergency and consequences for society and responses. In Year 2, you are encouraged to develop your geographical practice through specialised modules including the option for international fieldwork, laboratory and technology-based elements. You also have the option of  studying abroad for a semester during this year. The development of your skills is key, for example analysing geodata and becoming proficient in Geographic Information Systems as well as learning ‘cultural agility,’ the ability to understand and work across cultures and environments.

By your final year you will be ready to apply your expertise to understand complex geographical problems through original research and to understand the potential external impacts of your work. You will engage in critical thinking and more complex data analysis, building on your studies to date. Your third-year project enables you to work alongside our highly respected research academics and to showcase your skills to employers.

Throughout your studies, your future employability is a key priority and careers guidance is embedded into the course. The combination of real-world practical knowledge and the awareness of impact leads to Winchester Geography students becoming well-rounded, confident graduates ready to follow a range of career paths. Graduates can pursue a career in the following areas: government, the public, private and voluntary sectors, education, cartography and surveying, planning, environmental consultancy, nature conservation and sustainability.

Geography is based in the Department of Social Sciences.

Accreditation

This programme has been 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. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

Pre-approved for a Masters

If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time

Apply

L700

Typical offer

104-120 points

Fees

From £9,250 pa

Course features

  • Study the climate emergency and responses to it and how the natural world interacts with today’s changing society and how we can plan for the future
  • Geography graduates have a high rate of employability and have a wide range of career paths open to them
  • Variety of teaching and learning methods, including fieldwork, class seminars and workshops, laboratory and IT sessions and independent research
  • Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers)

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market. 

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures, seminars, practical workshops (IT and lab) and in the field, you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 276 hours
  • Independent learning: 924 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
  • Independent learning: 912 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 216 hours
  • Independent learning: 972 hours
  • Placement: 12 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course. 

Each year of study has a distinctive emphasis. Year one is concerned with the provision of fundamental geographical concepts, approaches and knowledge. Year two allows students to extend and deepen their knowledge of the subject and hone specific skills of research, fieldwork and communication. Year three allows students to explore the ways in which geography is relevant to the real world and to develop and apply their specific interests.

Across all the teaching in all years, there is an emphasis on the application of geographical theory, knowledge and skills to real world situations. This includes vocationally orientated work and that which has a social or environmental impact. Students are encouraged to get involved in the wider world through, for example, their project work plans.

Location

Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester and in the field.

Teaching hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 1 (Level 4)*:
  • 84% coursework
  • 12% written exams
  • 4% practical assessment
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
  • 87% coursework
  • 13% written exams
  • 0% practical assessment
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
  • 87% coursework
  • 13% written exams
  • 0% practical assessment

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Further information

For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.

Recent employment destinations for our graduates have included:

  • Local Authorities
  • Environmental consultancy
  • Financial sector
  • Education
  • Further research and postgraduate training (including MSc and PhD)

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Global Risks 30 Credits

This module will introduce you to a range of social, political and environmental risks in the contemporary world. You will analyse specific types of risk, the way they are assessed by national and international organisations, impacts on the environment and society, and responses to them. Specific issues will include (but not be limited to) climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, population growth, financial risks and food security.                                                                 

People and Place in a Global World 30 Credits

The module introduces human geography through the lenses of the local and the everyday and primarily explores the contributions of social and cultural geography. It focuses on the relationships that people have with place in the contemporary world. It covers issues such as the meanings of place, the enduring nature and importance of place in a globalised world, the ways in which people experience and know places, the deployment of exclusive notions of place and the representation of place.                                                                

Physical Geography and Environmental Management 30 Credits

This module will introduce you to landscape and environmental change over millennial and shorter timescales, building an understanding of the links between physical processes and landscape form. It will then consider the ways in which environmental issues are managed at a variety of scales and the roles of the United Nations and other supranational organisations, governments, NGOs, business, local communities and individuals.                                                                

Geographical Skills and Techniques 30 Credits

This module provides the foundation for your final year project whether that will be in human, physical or environmental geography. You will learn both quantitative and qualitative methods that you will use to collect your data and then apply to that data to aid your analysis. You will become familiar with standard laboratory practices and consider how scientific data is conventionally reported. You will get a taste of working semi-independently and communicating your original research.                                                                 

Modules

Geographical Research Methods 30 Credits

The module is a foundation for final year projects whether they cover human, physical or environmental geography. In this module, you will learn both quantitative and qualitative methods that can be used to collect your data and then applied to that data to aid your analysis. You will get the opportunity  to work on a coherent collection of samples and/or undertake a small-scale field project using Earth and natural science approaches/techniques.                                                                

Fieldwork and field project planning 30 Credits

This module enables you to understand and demonstrate skills in research project design and successfully identify and undertake a small piece of independent project work within the UK and a group project abroad.                                                                

Environmental Geography and Development 30 Credits

This module takes a critical approach to issues of development and sustainable resource management at multiple scales, ranging from the global to the local. Through reference to diverse case studies and geographical contexts the module will explore links between development theory, policy and practice and their implications for the environment in the global south.                                                                

Year 2 Optional Modules Credits

Students can choose EITHER Option Module A or B that will run across semesters 1 and 2

Option Module A: Climate and Landscape Change

This module will enable you to gain a critical understanding of climate change processes and their products over timescales of millions to hundreds of years. You will evaluate critically proxy datasets that provide indicators of past environments by applying science techniques in a field and laboratory setting.                                                                

Option Module B: Diversity in Society: Race, Ethnicity and Migration  

This module introduces you to a comparative sociological study of race, racism, ethnicity and migration. The module examines the diverse forms of migration, such as labour migration, forced migration or displacement, as well as the social consequences of different forms of migration processes. In the second semester, the module traces the origins and development of the concept of race by exploring the importance of slavery and European colonialism in producing modern understandings of race and racial difference. It explores the role of race as a major source of social divisions and aims to show the significance of racism in the reproduction of structural inequalities and exclusions.

Race/ethnic categories vary significantly across time and place and it is crucial to explore national and global empirical examples to gain a critical understanding. Therefore, an important aspect of this course is its focus on the global dimensions and manifestations of racism, ethnicity and migration. The module addresses a range of contemporary debates related to ‘race’ and ethnicity such as racism, multiculturalism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, nationalism and national identity.                                                                

 

Optional

Geographical Research Methods 30 Credits

The module is a foundation for final year projects whether they cover human, physical or environmental geography. In this module, you will learn both quantitative and qualitative methods that can be used to collect your data and then applied to that data to aid your analysis. You will get the opportunity  to work on a coherent collection of samples and/or undertake a small-scale field project using Earth and natural science approaches/techniques.                                                                

Fieldwork and field project planning 30 Credits

This module enables you to understand and demonstrate skills in research project design and successfully identify and undertake a small piece of independent project work within the UK and a group project abroad.                                                                

Environmental Geography and Development 30 Credits

This module takes a critical approach to issues of development and sustainable resource management at multiple scales, ranging from the global to the local. Through reference to diverse case studies and geographical contexts the module will explore links between development theory, policy and practice and their implications for the environment in the global south.                                                                

Year 2 Optional Modules Credits

Students can choose EITHER Option Module A or B that will run across semesters 1 and 2

Option Module A: Climate and Landscape Change

This module will enable you to gain a critical understanding of climate change processes and their products over timescales of millions to hundreds of years. You will evaluate critically proxy datasets that provide indicators of past environments by applying science techniques in a field and laboratory setting.                                                                

Option Module B: Diversity in Society: Race, Ethnicity and Migration  

This module introduces you to a comparative sociological study of race, racism, ethnicity and migration. The module examines the diverse forms of migration, such as labour migration, forced migration or displacement, as well as the social consequences of different forms of migration processes. In the second semester, the module traces the origins and development of the concept of race by exploring the importance of slavery and European colonialism in producing modern understandings of race and racial difference. It explores the role of race as a major source of social divisions and aims to show the significance of racism in the reproduction of structural inequalities and exclusions.

Race/ethnic categories vary significantly across time and place and it is crucial to explore national and global empirical examples to gain a critical understanding. Therefore, an important aspect of this course is its focus on the global dimensions and manifestations of racism, ethnicity and migration. The module addresses a range of contemporary debates related to ‘race’ and ethnicity such as racism, multiculturalism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, nationalism and national identity.                                                                

 

Modules

Dissertation 30 Credits

The dissertation/project is the largest single piece of work you will undertake at undergraduate level. It is the pinnacle of your academic studies, providing you with the opportunity to study a geographical topic of interest to you on which your will produce a report.                                                                

The Natural World and Conservation 30 Credits

This module provides a historical background and ecological foundation to enable you to understand the factors controlling species distributions and how species interact with each other and their environment. The module also investigates the impact that humankind has on biodiversity that will be examined through the lens of conservation. We will explore the causes of biodiversity loss and how conservation efforts can slow or reverse declines in species numbers and population abundances.                                                                

Year 3 Optional Modules Credits

Students can choose EITHER Option Module A or Option module B that runs across semester 1 and 2 and EITHER Option Module C or Option Module D in semester 1 and EITHER Option Module E or Option Module F in semester 2. 

Option Module A: Resource Competition and Development in the Global South 

More information coming soon.. 

Option module B: Drylands: Processes, change and population mobility

Drylands cover 40-50% of Earth’s terrestrial surface and are home to around 2 billion people. This module will introduce students to the factors that contribute to the global distribution of drylands. The environmental processes (chemical, physical and biological) that operate in deserts, what the controls on these processes are, and their temporal and spatial dynamics will then be explored in detail. We will look at how humans have adapted to live in these harsh conditions through time and how mobility is central to this. The course will conclude by examining the effects of climate change on deserts and exploring what the future may hold for the humans and other species that live there.                                                                

Option Module C: Managing Environmental Hazards

This module is global in scope, covering a wide variety of natural and man-made hazards and how they can be managed. Learning is based around a series of contemporary regional case studies.                                                                 

Option Module D: Critical Geopolitics

This module explores the history and current concerns of geopolitics, examining a range of contemporary geopolitical issues from a spatial perspective. It will use a variety of contemporary and historical case studies to illustrate and explain the development of different intellectual traditions of thinking about geopolitics. The course encourages students to develop a critical understanding of the key perspectives and debates surrounding the relationship between geopolitical ideas, space and the practice of international politics; the ability to critically assess the production of geopolitical knowledge, and in particular the inter-relations between formal, practical and popular geopolitical ideas and practices; and an ability to apply key concepts in critical geopolitics to critically evaluate and explain a range of contemporary geopolitical issues.                                                                

Option Module E: New Geographies of Crime

This module considers the geographies of a variety of forms of crime occurring within multiple environments across different scales; from local / volume crime, through forms of organised crime such as drug production and cybercrime, environmental crime and crimes of the powerful. It is global in its perspective, developing a comparative perspective through the critical examination of crime in the global South and recognising the contingencies in definitions of crime within different spatial contexts. The module critically explores the history of geographical approaches to crime and advocates an expanded, multidisciplinary approach which recognises the illicit and illegal as central elements of many mainstream economic, political and environmental processes in a global age. The module is delivered through a blended learning approach with online materials preceding practical classroom based sessions.                                                                 

Option Module F: Environmental Hydrology

This course will give you a detailed understanding of the science of hydrology as it relates to the development of landforms through fluvial processes. Groundwater hydrology will also be covered, with an emphasis on the relationship between geology, climatic zone and history. The catchment will be the fundamental unit of study, with the application of hydrology to society a principal theme (e.g. water resources and the effect of climate change). By the end of the course you will understand processes operating at a variety of space and time scales, including basic river hydraulics and groundwater flow principles.                              

                                 

Optional

Dissertation 30 Credits

The dissertation/project is the largest single piece of work you will undertake at undergraduate level. It is the pinnacle of your academic studies, providing you with the opportunity to study a geographical topic of interest to you on which your will produce a report.                                                                

The Natural World and Conservation 30 Credits

This module provides a historical background and ecological foundation to enable you to understand the factors controlling species distributions and how species interact with each other and their environment. The module also investigates the impact that humankind has on biodiversity that will be examined through the lens of conservation. We will explore the causes of biodiversity loss and how conservation efforts can slow or reverse declines in species numbers and population abundances.                                                                

Year 3 Optional Modules Credits

Students can choose EITHER Option Module A or Option module B that runs across semester 1 and 2 and EITHER Option Module C or Option Module D in semester 1 and EITHER Option Module E or Option Module F in semester 2. 

Option Module A: Resource Competition and Development in the Global South 

More information coming soon.. 

Option module B: Drylands: Processes, change and population mobility

Drylands cover 40-50% of Earth’s terrestrial surface and are home to around 2 billion people. This module will introduce students to the factors that contribute to the global distribution of drylands. The environmental processes (chemical, physical and biological) that operate in deserts, what the controls on these processes are, and their temporal and spatial dynamics will then be explored in detail. We will look at how humans have adapted to live in these harsh conditions through time and how mobility is central to this. The course will conclude by examining the effects of climate change on deserts and exploring what the future may hold for the humans and other species that live there.                                                                

Option Module C: Managing Environmental Hazards

This module is global in scope, covering a wide variety of natural and man-made hazards and how they can be managed. Learning is based around a series of contemporary regional case studies.                                                                 

Option Module D: Critical Geopolitics

This module explores the history and current concerns of geopolitics, examining a range of contemporary geopolitical issues from a spatial perspective. It will use a variety of contemporary and historical case studies to illustrate and explain the development of different intellectual traditions of thinking about geopolitics. The course encourages students to develop a critical understanding of the key perspectives and debates surrounding the relationship between geopolitical ideas, space and the practice of international politics; the ability to critically assess the production of geopolitical knowledge, and in particular the inter-relations between formal, practical and popular geopolitical ideas and practices; and an ability to apply key concepts in critical geopolitics to critically evaluate and explain a range of contemporary geopolitical issues.                                                                

Option Module E: New Geographies of Crime

This module considers the geographies of a variety of forms of crime occurring within multiple environments across different scales; from local / volume crime, through forms of organised crime such as drug production and cybercrime, environmental crime and crimes of the powerful. It is global in its perspective, developing a comparative perspective through the critical examination of crime in the global South and recognising the contingencies in definitions of crime within different spatial contexts. The module critically explores the history of geographical approaches to crime and advocates an expanded, multidisciplinary approach which recognises the illicit and illegal as central elements of many mainstream economic, political and environmental processes in a global age. The module is delivered through a blended learning approach with online materials preceding practical classroom based sessions.                                                                 

Option Module F: Environmental Hydrology

This course will give you a detailed understanding of the science of hydrology as it relates to the development of landforms through fluvial processes. Groundwater hydrology will also be covered, with an emphasis on the relationship between geology, climatic zone and history. The catchment will be the fundamental unit of study, with the application of hydrology to society a principal theme (e.g. water resources and the effect of climate change). By the end of the course you will understand processes operating at a variety of space and time scales, including basic river hydraulics and groundwater flow principles.                              

                                 

Entry requirements

104-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

A-Levels: BC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)

BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4

T Level: Merit in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

300-320 International points required

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

2025 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. 

 

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Throughout your studies, your future employability is a key priority for us and careers guidance is on hand. Our Geography graduates have the analytical and research skills to secure roles within the Government, the public, private and voluntary sectors, teaching, cartography and surveying, planning, environmental consultancy, nature conservation and sustainability.

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Student with careers staff member
"The modules were just really appealing and there was so much variety between human and physical geography." Ellen, Geography graduate

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18 January 2025