Geography Undergraduate FAQs

Answers to our most frequently asked Geography Undergraduate questions are just one click away. You may then be pointed to additional information to expand on the answer.

If you still can't find an answer to your burning question - simply drop us an email and someone in the team will respond Ask Us Anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BA & BSc Geography?

What are the entry requirements?

Should I apply with predicted grades that are less than the typical offer?

Do I need Geography A Level?

Is a science subject required for the BSc degree?

Which combination of subjects should I choose at A Level (or equivalent)?

Will it help my chances if I study four subjects at A Level?

Can I take a gap year between school and university?

Are there opportunities for overseas trips?

Can I transfer between degree courses or particular modules?

What are the career opportunities for geography graduates?

How important is it to undertake extra-curricular activities?

Which college should I apply for?

What is the difference between BA & BSc Geography?

The BA focuses on Human Geography, and the BSc has more of a focus on Physical Geography. However, if you want to continue to study both aspects of Geography, then on both programmes you can take module(s) from the other programme and global challenges modules that combine Human and Physical Geography. These global challenges modules address contemporary issues such as climate change, natural hazards, and environmental governance.

Recruitment to each degree course is treated separately, and so please carefully consider your choice when applying.

Further information: BA Geography | BSc Geography

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What are the entry requirements?

Most applicants will receive an offer based on three A Level subjects, which is typically A*AA for the BA and AAA or A*AB for the BSc.

Neither offer includes General Studies or Critical Thinking, nor do we make offers based on EPQs.

For Scottish Higher applicants the requirement is AAAAB and for Scottish Advanced Higher it is AAA. For those on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme the requirement is 37 points.

Further information: Entry requirements BA Geography | Entry requirements BSc Geography

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Should I apply with predicted grades that are less than the typical offer?

Yes. We would encourage you to apply. We do sometimes make offers that are less than our standard offers, and Durham University runs a contextual offer scheme that makes guaranteed reduced offers to applicants that meet certain criteria. We also occasionally accept ‘near miss’ applicants who have just missed their offer.

In addition to your academic grades, we may also take into account your range of academic and non-academic achievements, and any indicators of potential. 

Further information: BA Geography | BSc Geography

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Do I need Geography A Level?

No. Most applicants do have Geography A Level (or equivalent). However, sometimes applicants have not had the opportunity to study Geography or have changed their interests, and combinations of subjects without Geography are also suitable.

Regardless of whether you have studied Geography, we are looking for enthusiasm and excitement about the discipline and this should be evidenced in your Personal Statement.

Further information: Undergraduate Study

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Is a science subject required for the BSc degree?

We require you to have studied Geography. If you haven’t studied Geography, then one science subject is required instead.

Further information: BSc Geography

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Which combination of subjects should I choose at A Level (or equivalent)?

We do not advise applicants on which A Level subjects to choose and do not expect all applicants to have studied the same subjects.

Many different subjects are suitable preparation for a Geography degree. Applicants might want to explore links between their subjects and Geography in their Personal Statement.

We realise that when selecting their subjects applicants will also want to consider what might offer the best chance of an A or A*.

Hear what our students have to say about their experiences: Student Voices

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Will it help my chances if I study four subjects at A Level?

We do not have any preference between those who have studied 3 or 4 A Levels. We do not advise applicants on which and/or how many A Level subjects to choose and feel it is important that the applicant takes responsibility for their choice of subjects.

Further information: BA Geography | BSc Geography

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Can I take a gap year between school and university?

Yes, it is possible to make a deferred entry through UCAS. It is not easier or more difficult to gain a place this way. You can also apply once you have your A level (or equivalent) grades.

Further information: BA Geography Entry Requirements | BSc Geography Entry Requirements

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Are there opportunities for overseas trips?

Yes. There is a compulsory Level 1 trip to Portugal for BSc students, and compulsory residential UK fieldtrips for all students in Level 2.

At Level 3, students can opt to take an overseas residential trip. We currently running fieldtrips to the Artic, Berlin, Chicago, Rotterdam, Iceland, Israel, Nepal, Norway, and Switzerland.

Students can also apply to study abroad, spending an additional year between Levels 2 and 3 with one of Durham University’s partner institutions which include: National University of Singapore, University of British Columbia, Queen’s University Canada, University of Otago, New Zealand, University of Hong Kong, University of Melbourne.

You may also want to complete a placement year which is a unique option for our students in which they gain professional experience in an area that aligns to their career aspirations. This may be completed at home or abroad.

Further information: Fieldtrips | Study Abroad | Placements

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Can I transfer between degree courses or particular modules?

Maybe. To maintain the student experience, we have a quota for each degree course. A small number of transfers between BA and BSc and vice-versa may be permitted at the end of Level 1, but this depends on space and is not guaranteed.

You register for upcoming modules ahead of the start of the academic year. If you wish to change one or more modules, you must seek advice from the department(s) concerned within the first two weeks of Term 1.

If you are permitted to change modules or degree programme, it is your responsibility to catch up the work that you have missed.

Further information: BA Geography | BSc Geography

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What are the career opportunities for geography graduates?

Both Geography graduates and Durham graduates have great employability records compared to other disciplines and many other institutions. The prospect for Durham Geography graduates is therefore excellent!

Our Department has been ranked 1st for Geography in the 2025 Good University Guide produced by The Times/Sunday Times. This included a score of 94.4 for graduate prospects, the highest for our subject in the UK.

Geography is popular with employers because of the mix of literacy, numeracy and data analysis and presentation skills.

As well as specific vocational jobs, a Geography degree provides a springboard into diverse areas such as administration, management, planning, finance and banking, marketing, research and education. Many students take further training for planning or legal professions, or enrol on higher degrees.

Further information: Employability

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How important is it to undertake extra-curricular activities?

Extra-curricular activities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, are not essential qualifications and would never be included in an offer. We are aware that everyone has different opportunities available to them, and we do not look for any particular activities.

Use your Personal Statement to draw attention to experiences from any part of your life that have helped develop your passion for Geography.

Evidence of a deep commitment to your local area is just as important as international experiences. We would not advise applicants to take part in extra-curricular activities at the expense of academic success.

And remember, their are plenty of activities and groups to get involved with once you are here at Durham.

Further information: Student Life

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Which college should I apply for?

There are a wide variety of Colleges from which to select a preference, but all colleges will provide a good base for studying Geography. Please visit Durham University Colleges for a full list. All are within easy walking distance of the Department.

Each College has its own social, musical and sporting activities.

Ask any Durham student for advice and they are bound to tell you that their college is the best!

Further information: Colleges and Student Experience | Student Voices

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Be social. Be informed. Be a part of Durham Geography.