The United Kingdom is one of the three best countries to study Geography. As a result, studying geography in the United Kingdom will give you a perfect foundation to kickstart your career in geography. Studying geography in the United Kingdom will equip you with transferable skills that will be useful to you in various industry sectors. You can utilize the skills in sectors such as agriculture, business, conservation, engineering, politics, tourism, and urban planning. Additionally, you will gain knowledge in the various specialisations of geography.
However, to be able to study geography in the United Kingdom, you need to prepare early enough. Firstly, you need to ensure that you have the right qualifications that are needed by universities in the United Kingdom.
In this piece, I will walk you through the qualifications and documents that are needed for studying geography in the United Kingdom.
Requirements for Studying Geography in the United Kingdom
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A levels
You need to have a minimum of two A-levels or its equivalent to study geography in the United Kingdom. However, some universities and courses will require at least three A-levels. You should have a minimum of A in subjects such as Physics and Mathematics.
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GCSE
You need to have at least a grade of C4 in your GCSE results. This should include subjects such as Mathematics and English. Additionally, it would be best if you also had science subjects such as Geography, Chemistry or Physics. Furthermore, you must demonstrate a broad general education.
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International Baccalaureate
You must have obtained at least a grade 6 or 7. These should include subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography, geology, psychology, environmental science, or environmental studies. Generally, you need to have at least 39 in your overall points.
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BTEC
Most universities will accept this certificate and will not require you to have studied a specific subject. Therefore, you must have a minimum of D in a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
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Admissions Test
Some universities may require you to write tests as part of the admission requirement. You may be asked to write tests such as the Graduate Record Examination(GRE). However, the GRE is for those seeking admission to postgraduate courses. You need to verify from your choice of university if you need to write any test.
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English Language Proficiency
International students are required to take an English Language Proficiency Test. Different universities have the preferred test that they use for screening. You can take tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score for IELTS is 7.0 with a 6.5 minimum in each component while TOEFL Score is 92 overall with a minimum of 20 in all elements. However, you need to verify from your school of interest to know the test you can take.
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Have a Bachelor’s Degree
If you are applying for a postgraduate degree, you need a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to geography. Additionally, you should have a minimum of second-class upper honours.
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Submit Academic Transcripts
You need to submit your academic transcripts during your application. Your transcripts should contain all the courses you studied as well as the grades. Additionally, your transcript must be submitted in the English Language.
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Letters of Recommendation
You need to have at least three recommendation letters. It should consist of 2 academic and 1 professional letter. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected.
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Personal Statement
You have to write a personal statement or essay stating why you wish to study geography in the United Kingdom. This is important whether you are studying for an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree. This personal statement is a crucial requirement for admission. You should also discuss your career goals and how your academic and personal background has prepared you to study geography.
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Resume/CV
If you are applying for a postgraduate course in geography, you need to submit a CV. This CV should contain your area of interest as well as your achievements. Additionally, it should contain your work experiences.
How to Apply
You need to complete the UCAS application online. Secondly, postgraduate courses will require you to apply through the university’s application portal.
Duration
The duration of studying geography in the United Kingdom varies based on the program you want to apply for. Generally, the duration for obtaining a bachelor’s degree is between 3-4 years. Secondly, the duration for obtaining a master’s degree is one to two years.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for studying geography in the United Kingdom varies based on the university you apply to. Additionally, International students pay higher tuition fees. The average tuition fee ranges between £17,000 to £36,000 per year.
Universities in the United Kingdom that Offer Geography
- University of Cambridge, England
- University of Oxford, England
- Imperial College London, England
- University College London, England
- University of Manchester, England
- Newcastle University, England
- University of Leeds, England
- University of Edinburgh, Scotland
- Durham University, England
- University of Sheffield, England
- University of Bristol, England
- King’s College London, England
- University of Nottingham, England
- University of Southampton, England
- London School of Economics and Political Science, England
- University of Birmingham, England
- University of Reading, England
- Cardiff University, Wales
- University of Glasgow, Scotland
- University of Liverpool, England
- Lancaster University, England
- University of East Anglia, England
- University of Exeter, England
- Loughborough University, England
- University of Warwick, England
- University of Aberdeen, Scotland
- Queen Mary University of London, England
- University of Sussex, England
- University of York, England
- Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland
- University of London, England
- University of Leicester, England
- Cranfield University, England
- University of Strathclyde, Scotland
- University of Surrey, England
- Swansea University, Wales
- University of St Andrews, Scotland
- University of Bath, England
- Ulster University, Northern Ireland
- University of the West of England, England
In Conclusion, you must check the requirements for each university before you submit your application. Some universities have specific requirements that you must fulfill before you gain admission. Therefore, you must verify these requirements first. Additionally, you should also submit your application early before the deadline. Kindly contact us if you have any further questions or require assistance.
Good luck!
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