Interested in studying a Geography BSc (Hons) degree, but feel that you lack the appropriate science background or have a non-standard academic background? Our foundation year programme has been designed for you.
Introduction
Your foundation year (year zero) is spent at Carmel College, after which your studies will transfer to the main University campus. Carmel College is located in St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus. The College offers small class sizes and high standards of academic achievement.
During your foundation year you will gain a solid grounding in a range of science subjects including geography and mathematics and will have a choice of chemistry, physics, information technology, or biology modules.
On completing the foundation year, you will choose modules from the Geography BSc (Hons) programme and be based at the main University campus.
For further information on studying a year zero programme at Carmel College, please see the Carmel College website.
A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. Fieldwork is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.
Find information about what essential and optional modules you will need to take during your Year Zero at Carmel College to progress to your chosen University of Liverpool degree programme in our guide to progression routes
What you'll learn
Skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level
A variety of learning methods and assessment tasks
Valuable theoretical knowledge
Shape your degree with flexible programmes and choice of modules from year one
Fieldwork opportunities from year one
Socio-cultural, political, and physical landscape evident within the city region
Accreditation
The Geography BSc (Hons) programme is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year zero
Your first year (year zero) is based at Carmel College, St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus. The programme, which is moderated by University staff, comprises introductory modules in geography, mathematics and one module chosen from chemistry, physics, information technology, and biology.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
To help you meet the intellectual and practical challenges of studying Geography, our programmes are taught using a student centred approach, involving a range of learning experiences. These include:
Small tutor groups (typically eight students) through all years
High levels of field-based learning within the UK and abroad
An emphasis on active, problem-based learning (‘learning by doing’)
Hands-on experience of cutting-edge laboratory technologies in physical geography
Innovative GIS, statistical and qualitative research methodologies and community consultation in human geography
Supervised independent and group project work, including (for Single Honours degrees) a final year independent research-based dissertation supervised by a dedicated expert in the field.
A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and fieldwork. The fieldwork is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective students with disabilities on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.
How you're assessed
Assessments are designed around developing skills and styles of communication that will be relevant to future employers. So, in addition to exams and essays, you will also undertake assessments that include computer-based exercises, oral presentations, policy briefs, field projects, and research reports. Single honours Geography students complete a compulsory 10,000-word dissertation in their final year on a topic of their choice. This is your opportunity to develop skills as an independent academic researcher, supported on a one-to-one basis by an expert in the field.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
In year zero, you course will be taught at Carmel College, St Helens. From year one, day-to-day teaching takes place in the Central Teaching Laboratory (CTL) and Roxby Building on the University of Liverpool campus. The CTL houses industry-standard equipment, including one of the few staffed map collections in the country, containing over 100,000 maps, 600 atlases, and access to digital data. Your course will be delivered by the Department of Geography and Planning.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
I picked geography because of the breadth of the subject. It's one of the few subjects where you can develop an understanding of contemporary social science alongside cutting-edge natural science. Geography is applicable to pretty much every aspect of life. In third year in particular, you get a lot of elective modules with a very broad spectrum and can really satisfy your intellectual intrigue.
Geography is a subject that bridges the social and physical sciences. Those studying geography develop transferable knowledge and skills which open up a wide range of career opportunities.
By the time you graduate you will have developed core research skills in human geography, including surveying, interviewing and innovative community liaison techniques stand students in good stead for a range of employment destinations.
You can explore the following work experience opportunities:
Internships during the course of their degree.
Work-based dissertation – which combines the final year independent research project with a placement in industry.
Students can also continue their studies at postgraduate level and PhD study with opportunities to apply for funding from a range of organisations, including the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) and NERC (Natural Environment Research Council).
Geography is a subject that bridges the social and physical sciences. Those studying geography develop transferable knowledge and skills which open up a wide range of career opportunities.
Work experience opportunities
We encourage students to undertake work experience and internships during the course of their degree. Our students can also select a work-based dissertation, which combines the final year independent research project with a placement in industry.
Students can also continue their studies at postgraduate level and PhD study with opportunities to apply for funding from a range of organisations, including the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) and NERC (Natural Environment Research Council).
90% of geography and planning students from the University of Liverpool are in work and/or further study 15 months after graduation.
Discover Uni, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,535
Foundation year fee
£7,500
Year in industry fee
£1,850
Year abroad fee
£1,385
International fees
This course is not available to international students.
This course is not available to international students who require a visa to study in the UK. However, if you're a 'home' student and you've lived outside of the UK, you'll need to complete a fee status questionnaire as part of your application. We'll then assess your fee status and in some cases, home students who've lived outside of the UK may be required to pay the international fee rate. Check your tuition fee status on our webpages.
Following the foundation years, standard course fees apply.
The UK full-time tuition fee and foundation year fee shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. We are currently awaiting confirmation of whether the year abroad fee and year in industry fee will change, so the fees shown are for 2024/25. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. For Geography students, the cost of compulsory field classes and laboratory work is included, but additional costs such as a laptop, books, or equipment should be considered. Optional field classes in year three will incur additional costs ranging from approximately £800-£1300 depending on location.
A typical offer is likely to be CDD at A level, in related subjects. Students with alternative A level combinations are welcome to apply but should expect to be made higher offers.
You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.
T levels
T levels considered in a relevant subject and specialism.
All applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language, Mathematics and two Sciences (any two of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, or Core and Additional Science/Dual Science acceptable). Applicants over 21 can be considered on GCSEs alone.
International qualifications
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
