Geography (Human) - BSc (Hons)

Are you curious about the human world and the different ways we inhabit our planet? Explore the dynamics of human behaviour, social inequalities, and global challenges in our Geography (Human) BSc programme. Our contemporary curriculum offers hands-on experience that is essential for your career progression, featuring engaging projects in our laboratories, immersive fieldwork, and valuable industry placements. By the time you graduate you’ll have a robust portfolio of skills, opening doors to exciting careers such as geospatial data analyst, international development worker, or town planner. 

Year of entry

Course type

  • Single Honours

Location

Subject area / School

UCAS code

  • L701

Duration of study

  • 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Why study Geography (Human) at Keele University?

Geography at Keele is Top 5 in the UK for student positivity* NSS 2024 (Broad-based universities) *based on overall student satisfaction, which is an average score across 27 questions asked in the NSS
Top 10 in England for Geography (Guardian University Guide, 2025)  
Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic natural environment to perform fieldwork
Assessment is by coursework, with no formal exams
International year and work placement options
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Studying Geography, Geology and the Environment at Keele

Hear from our students and staff – who share their personal experiences of studying and teaching at Keele.

View video transcript >

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Fieldwork

Fieldwork opportunities are integrated into our programme and immerse you in real-world situations. They allow you to apply both theoretical knowledge and practical skills while providing essential hands-on experience and developing and refining the skills required for a career in the industry. Activities include day field courses where you can practice key research and fieldwork skills, with trips to places such as Trentham Monkey Forest to investigate issues surrounding land use and tourism, or exploring ‘contested landscapes’ of the Lake District. You’ll also have the option to undertake an international field trip to further enhance your skills, our current location is Geneva and the French Alps.

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele TEF Gold 2023

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

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Our local area

Keele is located in an area full of fascinating human and physical geography where you can study the interaction of people and the natural environment. In a rural setting, we are well placed for excursions into the fluvial countryside of Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, the Coast of North Wales and the Lake District. Situated on the drainage divide between the Irish Sea and the North Sea, we are in an area of glacial deposits left behind by the last British Ice Sheet. Evidence of glaciers, glacial lakes and meltwater floods is still clear in our local landscape. Plus, we are closely situated to the historic industrial area of the North Staffordshire Potteries, and the Apedale heritage area, which combines some of England’s oldest industrial history with some of its most current environmental initiatives.

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Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Spend a year in industry

A work placement year between years two and three of your degree is a fantastic way to gain industry experience, helping you to stand out in the competitive job market. Employers seek to recruit individuals with high-level knowledge and skills in geography who also understand the workplace. Placements provide an insight into what it is like to work in a specific area of the industry and allow you to familiarise yourself with the professional working environment and enable you to apply the skills and theory you’ve been learning. Alternatively, you could choose our optional flexible work placement module to gain further practical experience.

Study abroad

In between years two and three of your degree, you can choose to spend a semester or year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enable you to experience different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
T Level: Merit

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBB in three A Levels.

Contextual Offer: BCC in three A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer: DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Distinction in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in one A Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BC in two A Levels, or
Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and AB in two A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Merit in any T Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

555 in three Higher Levels or 30 points.

Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels or 28 points.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

122 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBCC in five Highers, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCC in three Advanced Highers.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

73% in the Gaokao.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 70% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.2 overall average in the Abitur.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

80% in the Esame di Stato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18 / 86% in the Apolytirion.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 15.5 in a Secondary Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diplomas.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

444 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBB in three Advanced Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Malaysia - STPM

BBB in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBB in three H2 Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

European Baccalaureate

72% overall.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB and a C in EAP English Language module and grade B in EAP for Law courses.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBB in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBB in three Advanced Level subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Joe, Geography

"Studying geography gave me a wide range of knowledge and skills. Showing some of the work I had done at Keele, especially my dissertation, played a key role in getting a job with a company that I am really interested in."

Joe, Geography

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Sustainability is at the heart of our programme

At Keele we're leading the sector in sustainability, not just in our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 but also through our teaching and our ground-breaking research into climate change and renewable technologies.

We are proud to be named Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards, 2021), which demonstrates our commitment to embedding sustainability into all that we do.

From the benefits to businesses to green their operations, employment opportunities in the field of sustainability and the implications of economic developments on the natural environment - sustainability modules are embedded throughout our programme.

Find out more about Keele’s commitment to sustainability.

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Central Science Laboratories

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) Geography degree. For example, the Advancing Geography, Geology and the Environment module takes the knowledge built in 'Foundations of Geography, Geology and the Environment' module and applies it to a variety of human interactions, such as exploitation of the Earth’s resources, rural and urban development, monitoring and management of natural hazards, and environmental change. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do. 

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00247 Foundations: Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing 15 credits
FYO-00263 Foundations in Social Sciences 1 15 credits
FYO-00193 Foundations of Geography, Geology and the Environment 15 credits
FYO-00265 Foundations of Social Sciences 2 15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00195 Advancing Geography, Geology and the Environment 30 credits
FYO-00271 University Research Portfolio 30 credits

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.

  • 40 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level).
  • Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English.

How to apply 

Students will need to apply for BA (Hons) Geography with Foundation Year (UCAS code F703) through UCAS at www.ucas.com

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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Discover the Keele difference

Everything’s on your doorstep at Keele, and you’ll soon feel at home and make friends wherever you go.

We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.

Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.