BSc (Hons) Geography · BULBachelor's degree · 3 years
Request information University profile
Birkbeck, University of London · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Geography Bachelor's degree at Birkbeck, University of London

BSc (Hons) Geography at BUL. Geography at Birkbeck combines systematic study of Earth's physical systems with human society and economies.

BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
95%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Geography, Birkbeck, University of London Skip to main content Home Find a course Study Study here Undergraduate study Postgraduate study MPhil/PhD research Short courses Entry requirements Financial support How to apply Come and meet us Evening study explained International Students Student Services Library Life at B From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Geography is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at BUL, based in Birkbeck College. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Geography, earth and environmental studies graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Environmental Science, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

8.1
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Solid64

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional95

Stronger evidence Published sample: 4,720. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent85

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 4 modules
  • Dynamic EnvironmentsCompulsory
  • Humans and the EnvironmentCompulsory
  • Introduction to Human GeographyCompulsory
  • Mapping our WorldCompulsory
Year 2 3 modules
  • Critical Social GeographiesCompulsory
  • Environmental Data for Sustainable DevelopmentCompulsory
  • Methods, Analysis and TechniquesCompulsory
Year 3 2 modules
  • Literature ReviewCompulsory30 credits
  • Research ProjectCompulsory60 credits
Level 5 4 modules
  • Borders, Migration and DevelopmentOptional
  • Future Food Systems and SustainabilityOptional
  • Geographies of Revolt: Movements, Uprisings, and Social TransformationOptional
  • Managing EnvironmentsOptional
Level 6 8 modules
  • Cities in the Global SouthOptional
  • Climate and Society: past, present and futureOptional
  • Engaging Communities for Social ChangeOptional
  • Global Nature ConservationOptional
  • Race, Environment and International DevelopmentOptional
  • Research Applications in Social SciencesOptional
  • Field Trip to DakarOptional
  • Understanding Environment Using GIS and Remote SensingOptional
Foundation Year 14 modules
  • Breaking Boundaries of KnowledgeCore
  • Crossing BordersCore
  • Fundamentals of StudyCore
  • Chinese 1Optional
  • French 1Optional
  • French 2Optional
  • French 3Optional
  • French 4Optional
  • German 1Optional
  • German 2Optional
  • German 3Optional
  • German 4Optional
  • Italian 1Optional
  • Italian 2Optional

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

Who it's for

You're drawn to understanding how places, communities and environments connect and change. You want rigorous engagement with evidence, whether from data, fieldwork or literature, and you're comfortable with both quantitative and qualitative thinking. The course suits those aiming for careers in environmental management, planning, development, research or public policy, as well as those simply curious about how geography illuminates global challenges. You'll develop the analytical and communication skills that employers value across sectors.

Careers & job market

Nationally across Environmental Science graduates, 90% are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those in work, 65% are in highly skilled roles. Graduate earnings data shows that 15 months after graduation, typical starting salaries fall between £24,000 and £30,000, rising to £26,350–£37,200 after five years. The career paths open to geography graduates span environmental consultancy, town and regional planning, conservation, government, NGOs, education, and research organisations.

University & format

This is a 3-year full-time Bachelor's degree (BSc Hons) at Birkbeck, University of London, a public university. Teaching is in English and recognised by the UK's Office for Students, holding a Bronze award for teaching quality in the 2023 TEF.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
84%
Learning opportunities
68%
Assessment and feedback
78%
Academic Support
76%
Organisation and management
31%
Learning resources
54%
Student voice
56%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Open daysBook open days

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent85% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 96 - 111 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check BUL's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent85%
another higher-education qualification10%
an Access course10%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBCCA-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeF840quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code F840). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask BUL whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£18,500 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at BUL →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All BUL funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Environmental Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£28,000£24,500 – £31,0004720
3 years after£29,500£22,500 – £32,50015
5 years after£27,000£20,500 – £34,50015

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 4,720. Cohort 2021-22.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

95%
in work or further study 15 months on
70%
in highly skilled work or study
85%
continue past their first year
65%
find their work meaningful
45%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in environmental science · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Environmental Science nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£28,000
£24,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£29,500
£21,250 – £30,000
After 5 years LEO
£27,000
£26,350 – £37,200
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £20,000 – £38,500

National figures for Environmental Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

95 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

65% working25% working and studying5% in further study70% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 4,720. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Environmental Science courses at the same study level.

This course £27,000Peer median £31,000Middle 50% £29,000–£34,000
9th percentile

Compared with 560 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
  • Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
  • Business and Financial Project Management ProfessionalsDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Environmental Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Environmental Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
65%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Environmental Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Environmental consultancies
  • Environment Agency
  • Energy & utilities
  • NGOs & local authorities

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.1 out of 10: NSS 63.9% · in work or study 95% · continued 85%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Birkbeck College

All students7,720
International12%
Aged 25+66.6%

Geography, earth and environmental studies (social sciences) across the UK

Students11,970
Aged 25+17.6%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Birkbeck College - Bloomsbury Campus

14,111 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Theft From The Person 3001Other Theft 2876Violent Crime 1994Anti Social Behaviour 1989Shoplifting 1625

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Environmental Science right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to BUL from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £18,500 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check BUL’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with BUL and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 96 - 111 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by BUL. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Geography, earth and environmental studies graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
No obligation

Request information about BSc (Hons) Geography

Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.

No spam · unsubscribe anytime.