UCAS code L7K4
Studying Geography and Planning will help you to look and think about the world differently. It offers a unique insight into how our towns, cities and rural areas develop, and how you can support these changes. Our Geography and Planning BA (Hons) programme blends the problem-solving nature of our planning degrees with an understanding of geographical concepts and processes that shape our knowledge of the world around us. With a pioneering approach to planning and regeneration, Liverpool is an ideal location to study how our world in changing.
Our Geography and Planning BA programme draws equally from both disciplines, with some flexibility, offering an interdisciplinary and varied degree programme.
The programme provides you with knowledge of the challenges facing modern society, the means to interpret diverse phenomena, and an understanding of the conceptual and philosophical arguments surrounding human interactions with the environment.
Students are supported to acquire and enhance their oral, written, and visual communication skills and engage in group-based problem solving and practical work, gaining skills that are readily transferable to the workplace.
This course was designed as part of a suite of strongly-related programmes, and core modules in years one and two are shared between planning programmes and Geography BA (Hons). This allows students to transfer between these courses in the first two years of study should their interests or career aspirations change.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
The first year of study introduces you to the foundations of both geography and planning, covering a number of key issues in geography including climate change, globalisation, and sustainability and the fundamental features of the UK planning system, and an awareness of the broad social, economic and environmental context in which contemporary planning issues arise. You will be supported to acquire and enhance your oral, written and visual communication skills and engage in group-based problem solving and practical work, gaining skills that are readily transferable to the workplace.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
In year two, principles, theory and skill levels are central components of our teaching to enable you to develop and engage deeply with module material. For example, you will gain further understanding of geographic theory, social statistics, strategic planning and place making. You also continue to develop critical thinking and communication skills to enable you to analyse material and communicate ideas effectively. You will also explore key areas such as planning law and governance, planning and property development, and the research skills needed to prepare for your Year 3 dissertation.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RETHINKING NATURE: ENVIRONMENTAL KNOWLEDGE, SCIENCE AND SOCIETY (SOES270) | 15 |
| SOCIAL AND CULTURAL GEOGRAPHIES (SOES275) | 15 |
| GIS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES (SOES277) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Year three offers you flexibility and choice to tailor your degree to your interests and developing expertise in both geography and planning. You are able to select modules that challenge you, enable you to explore areas of specialist knowledge and develop previous learning, as well as continue to develop your analytical, communication and research skills. You will also complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice and you have multiple field class options to choose from.
Students choose from the following optional modules.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTERNATIONAL PLANNING STUDIES (SOES305) | 30 |
| DISSERTATION (SOES306) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Our teaching blends academic insight with real‑world experience, reflecting the School of Environmental Sciences’ Learning and Teaching Strategy and the expectations of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).
Students learn through lectures, seminars, and tutorials that develop critical thinking, analytical abilities, and academic confidence. Guided readings and digital resources support independent study, while personalised tutorials in the early years and dissertation supervision in the final year provide tailored academic support.
Experiential learning is central to the programme. Fieldwork, live briefs, and client‑focused projects enable students to apply both environmental and planning knowledge in real contexts and develop essential professional and research skills. Independent learning is progressively developed, ensuring graduates are well prepared for careers across environmental and planning sectors.
Assessment within our planning programmes is designed to support student learning, encourage critical thinking, and ensure academic rigour and relevance to contemporary planning practice. Aligned with the Liverpool Learning Framework’s focus on authentic, applied learning, the programme offers a diverse and inclusive assessment strategy.
This approach caters to different learning preferences, promotes well-rounded skill development and cultivates critical, reflective, and academically strong individuals capable of independent thought and ethical judgment. Students therefore have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and professional attributes across various formats and real-world contexts.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
All of our programmes benefit from the expertise of our academic staff who are leading global discussions in spatial planning, planning economics, and environmental assessment and management. This means you will benefit from research-led teaching, bringing the latest planning theory and practice into the classroom Teaching takes place in a number other world-leading facilities within the University campus. Students spend their days mixing classroom learning with hands‑on activities—site visits, guest-talks, and group projects. This varied routine helps them connect planning theory with real environmental challenges
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
This interdisciplinary course has a strong vocational focus, preparing graduates for a wide range of planning and geography careers. If you wish to continue your education beyond your undergraduate degree we also offer a range of postgraduate degrees, including:
Career paths taken by our recent graduates include:
Our recent graduates have found employment with the following: