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Geography: University of Birmingham

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Degree 
BA
Address
Geography: University of Birmingham, School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Subject
Geology Earth science and Geography
Duration 
3 years
Telephone 
+44(0) 121 414 5531/5543/5544
Fax 
+44(0) 121 414 5528
Website 
http://www.gees.bham.ac.uk



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When you read Geography at Birmingham, you combine a sound academic training with an insight into practical, social, economic and environmental issues. You refine perspectives and develop skills in a degree programme that encourages the use of imagination and observation to resolve real problems affecting real people.

This is one of the UK’s biggest geography departments, with a large number of staff offering a wide range of specialisms. Excellent facilities, including a large computer cluster, support your learning. There are well-equipped physical laboratories and a map library containing over 200,000 maps from all over the world.

You should note that there is no difference between our BA and BSc programmes – all modules are open to candidates for both degrees.

First year

The modular structure allows you maximum flexibility in developing your own interests without channelling you into decisive choices too early. In the first year you are exposed the main principles of human and physical geography, to global environmental issues, and various practical skills. You also explore the contemporary problems of Birmingham – our region becomes a real-world laboratory. Residential fieldwork in human and physical geography is a feature of the first semester.

Second year

You are now introduced to specialist techniques such as computer cartography and the use of databases and spreadsheets. You learn how to develop a research proposal, which may be the starting point for your dissertation in the final year. Training in more advanced fieldwork skills is provided by courses held in European centres. You also choose three optional modules in the different branches of geography.

Third year

In your final year you select from a wide range of modules that provide the more specialised knowledge and skills in the branches of geography that appeal to you. Single Honours students undertake a supervised dissertation on a topic of their own choice. One third-year module in Urban Social Geography offers a professional placement for part of one semester.

Year abroad

Joint Honours language students have a year abroad between their second and fourth years. Single Honours students can elect to do the same using the Erasmus scheme (for EU countries) or Universitas 21 for elsewhere in the world.

Teaching and assessment

We recognise that students respond to different methods of teaching. Various approaches are used – from the traditional lecture format to computer-assisted learning sessions. You meet regularly with academic tutors in small groups.

Essay and project work form a significant part of the assessment for all modules offered by the department. Alongside examinations, we also assess your seminar presentations, laboratory or practical reports and poster presentations.

Career opportunities

Geography graduates are valued by employers for their impressive range of skills and knowledge. You will have developed your abilities to collect and analyse data, to express yourself clearly and attractively in both written and oral forms, and to present information graphically.

Many of our graduates go on to further training in areas as diverse as housing management, environmental risk assessment, landscape design, transport planning, and teaching. Others follow academic research and become university teachers. However, the majority go directly into employment with commercial and industrial companies or local and national governments.

Your geographical knowledge is valued by employers in banking, surveying, recreational planning, the water industry, and international charities working on human and environmental problems in the developing world.

Entry requirements

  • Number of A levels required: 3
  • Typical offer: ABB–BBB
  • Required subjects and grades: A level Geography at grade A or B
  • General Studies: accepted
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 30–34 points including 6 at HL Geography

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

Contact details

For general information about open days

Main University Switchboard

  • Postal address: The University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT
    United Kingdom
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
  • Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

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