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Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Geography Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth
BSc (Hons) Geography at University of Portsmouth. Geography at Portsmouth combines physical and human systems with field-based enquiry and independent research.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Geography is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Portsmouth. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Geography, earth and environmental studies graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (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.
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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 100% (2021-23; 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.
- Society and PlaceCore30 credits
Module details
Through real world examples, fieldtrips and workshops you'll be introduced to contemporary human geography, exploring how geographical thinking helps explain the world around you. you'll examine relationships between people and places at local and global scales, and investigate how social, cultural and economic processes shape different parts of the world. You'll take part in in-class and independent study activities, building skills in critical thinking and understanding how geographical knowledge is created.
- Environmental ProcessesCore30 credits
Module details
On this module you'll explore how the physical environment functions by analysing it as a connected system, you'll investigate processes operating in a range of environments and discover how they work together to shape our planet. You'll then apply these ideas to smaller-scale systems, building your understanding of key concepts, terminology and processes that influence the environments we experience every day. Throughout the module, you'll develop the skills to interpret environmental data, explain spatial and temporal patterns and account for why physical systems vary and change over time.
- Global Environmental ChallengesCore30 credits
Module details
This module takes you on a journey through global environmental challenges, exploring the nature and extent of human impact on the environment, and the complexities of managing environmental, population and resource change at local and global levels. The module emphasises the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches that must be taken to understand and solve environmental issues. Through in-depth lectures and workshops, you'll begin to develop the critical thinking skills needed to begin to tackle real-world environmental problems to shape a better future.
- Geographical Methods and FieldworkCore30 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you to a wide range of exciting fieldwork, data collection, and data analysis techniques that are essential for geographers. You'll learn practical skills for collecting and analysing geographical data using both quantitative and qualitative methods. you'll do activities involving map-making, remote sensing, field surveying, experimental design, laboratory work, social science research methods, and basic statistics. You'll also learn how to use key software such as excel, adobe illustrator, and arcgis. the module includes a mix of fieldwork, lectures, workshops, and computer- and laboratory-based sessions to help you apply what you learn in practice.
- Sustainable FuturesCore30 credits
Module details
In the physical geography option you can learn about the controls of weather and climate in the northern hemisphere, how to read and interpret weather maps and climate information, and how climate change is impacting extreme weather events. You'll then apply this to understand coastal erosion and the need for climate adaptation and mitigation. In human geography option, you can explore key issues in global north urban planning and design including city centres, neighbourhoods, housing and recreational spaces. Then you will shift geographical focus to the challenges facing societies in the global south.
- River ProcessesCore15 credits
Module details
Throughout this module you'll explore how rivers behave, evolve and transform the landscapes around us. through real-world case studies, you'll learn to interpret river processes and understand why they change over time. You'll develop the skills to analyse fluvial systems - how rivers move water and sediment and shape the land - and apply this knowledge to environmental management problems, helping you understand how professionals protect, restore and work with river environments. This module also gives you the opportunity to gain experience evaluating data, assessing river behaviour, and making informed recommendations - skills widely used in environmental consultancy, hydrology, and conse
- Natural Hazards and SocietyCore30 credits
Module details
You'll explore a variety of contrasting natural hazards and their impact on landscapes and ancient and modern civilisations. Throughout the module, you will engage in a mixture of lectures, workshops, and hands-on laboratory activities that use examples of past and modern disastrous natural hazards, while examining the associated monitoring methods and risk management strategies. With the special focus on volcanic systems and climatological hazards such as storms, droughts and wildfires, you'll experience a deeper understanding in today's most pressing issues in relation to interactions between natural hazards and societies.
- Geography Fieldwork and Professional SkillsCore30 credits
Module details
On this module, you'll step outside the classroom and into how geography is impacting the world around us. on this week-long field class tailored to your course, you'll explore exciting destinations, work outdoors with fellow students, and collect real‑world geographical data using a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques. During and before the trip, you'll develop independence, teamwork and career‑ready skills that prepare you for final‑year study and a wide range of impactful geography‑related careers.
- Sustainable Environmental ManagementOptional15 credits
Module details
This module will take you from the theory of environmental sustainability to the challenges of its real-world implementation. You'll explore the ethics of everyday products to help you develop your critical thinking skills. Sustainable environmental management connects your personal consumption to the status of the local, regional, and global environment.
- Gis and Remote SensingOptional15 credits
Module details
You'll gain hands-on experience using the same gis and remote sensing software that professionals rely on in geography, environmental and earth science careers. Through working with real-world data, you'll learn core theory before exploring the capture, interpretation and analysis of geographical and environmental data around topics such as wildlife habitats and natural disasters. Along the way, you'll develop valuable digital, analytical, and problem-solving skills that will give you a strong advantage in the job market.
- Thinking Like a Human Geographer: Challenges and ApproachesOptional15 credits
Module details
You'll be introduced to the exciting world of human geography through direct conversations with the lecturers who research and teach it. you will create your own interview questions to explore how your geography lecturers investigate issues such as space, society and culture, and discover what academic life and research really involve. Each session then dives into a lecturer's favourite own-publication, giving you a fascinating insight into real geographical research and helping you develop confidence, curiosity and critical thinking as a geographer.
- Research ProjectCore30 credits
Module details
You'll plan and deliver an independent research project guided by your interests and career ambitions. Through structured supervision and self-directed enquiry, you'll strengthen your ability to frame research questions, work with evidence, and evaluate findings critically. The module helps you build confidence as an emerging professional, preparing you for postgraduate study or graduate roles that require independent thinking, problem solving and clear communication.
- Transport and SustainabilityOptional30 credits
Module details
On this module you'll explore how transport might shape more sustainable, fair and liveable futures for cities, regions and societies. You'll investigate real‑world debates around climate change, transport modes, active travel, and policy, while developing your own solution to a transport issue based on your personal interests. With guest speakers from the transport sector, this module will highlight how you can make a real difference beyond university.
- Climate Change and HazardsOptional30 credits
Module details
The impacts of climate change and natural hazards are one of the most pressing issues facing humanity in the 21st century. The first part of this module investigates a plethora of geophysical (e.g., earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis), hydrological (e.g., storms and flooding), and climatological (e.g., droughts and wildfires) hazards and how they affect the landscape and ancient civilisations through a range of spatial and temporal scales. The second part of this module explores the basic science of the climate, the evolution of the climate and the signature of human influence on earth's systems in recent times. The methods employed in climate modelling are discussed, and climate models ar
- Coastal Management - Concepts, Issues and PracticesOptional15 credits
Module details
You'll examine the development of core theories and practices that underpin the social, economic and environmental management of coastal areas and the activities that take place within them. you'll then apply these concepts to a broad range of real-world issues including sustainable development, land and sea use planning, ecotourism, climate change, conservation, and the management of recreational and leisure activities. The module is geared towards your professional career. you'll take part in applied tasks based on real-world case studies, as well as going on mini fieldtrips to see coastal management in practice. You will also hear from a range of industry speakers - many of whom are alumn
- Mountains and GlaciersOptional15 credits
Module details
Mountain regions are changing rapidly as a result of factors such as climate change, the retreat of glaciers and population pressures. through lectures and interactive workshops, you will critically assess how mountains and glacial environments have evolved and changed over time, and also examine future trends as a result of global climate change. You will learn about the complex interactions between mountain climate, tectonics, geomorphology, ecology (different ecosystems at different elevations) and human factors. This module is research-led, with case studies discussed closely reflecting the research interests and field experience of the teaching staff. current locations include kilimanja
- Identity, Power and PoliticsOptional15 credits
Module details
In this module, you'll explore how power and politics work through gender in everyday life and around the world. You'll learn how identity shapes political participation, leadership, policies, and protest, and look at power not just in governments but also in homes, workplaces, and social movements. You'll explore topics like gender and leadership, conflict and peacebuilding, reproductive rights, and how gender connects with race, class, and sexuality, through a mix of lectures, discussions and practical work.
- Introduction to TeachingOptional20 credits
Module details
You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher. You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.
- Environmental Assessment and ManagementOptional30 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to enable students to understand and apply a variety of applied approaches to environmental management. the techniques include carbon auditing, waste management, ecological mapping and impact assessment. these applications are used in the world of work and the module is designed to enhance the student's employability skills. the assessment is via reports which are representative of the types of report graduates will be expected to produce.
- Environmental Values and ActivismOptional30 credits
Module details
Through real-world examples and discussions, you'll explore how developments aimed at controlling nature have social and environmental consequences. A key part of your learning on this module will be assessing the effectiveness of protest movements on environmental sustainability. You will be supported in articulating your own set of environmental values and gain insights into how positivity and activism can be a force for positive change.
- Quaternary Geology and GeomorphologyOptional15 credits
Module details
You'll explore the rich quaternary geological record of the british isles, to understand how sediments and landforms can be used to reconstruct glaciers and ice sheets which would have covered much of the country during past ice ages. The module will also see you consider other past environments such as periglacial and glacio-fluvial systems and the economic importance of these quaternary deposits. You will learn by taking part in lectures and hands-on' practical based classes and workshops.
- Conservation in A Changing WorldOptional15 credits
Module details
Through real world examples, fieldtrips and workshops you'll develop your understanding of conservation, habitat restoration and protected areas management. You'll explore conservation challenges from a range of perspectives and learn how to develop tailored and targeted environmental messaging for diverse stakeholders. In a supportive environment, you'll develop your own environmental code and vision for conservation.
- Cold EnvironmentsOptional15 credits
Module details
Experience and understand the arctic and its response to climate change first hand through fieldwork and real-world examples as you visit a cold environment location.* you'll explore urban living and how life is adapted to sub zero temperatures. By examining the role of snow and ice in finnish lapland, you'll learn how this shapes the livelihood of reindeer herders and the sami people. You'll undertake a climate field campaign to collect and analyse micro-climates and their impact on local ecology and wildlife. you will gain skills in fieldwork and completing a research investigation. *Subject to change and fees, this module will include a winter fieldtrip to provide first-hand experience of
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 suited to this course if you're curious about how landscapes, societies and environments interact, whether that means examining climate impacts, urban change, cultural geographies or resource management. You'll thrive if you enjoy fieldwork and can move between abstract concepts and real-world observation. The course suits those with strong analytical skills who want to develop practical expertise alongside theoretical understanding. You'll find it intellectually demanding yet grounded in tangible applications.
University & format
The University of Portsmouth is a public university located in Portsmouth, England, founded in 1869. This BSc (Hons) Geography is a 3-year full-time degree taught in English. The university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is. Your degree is a recognised UK degree-awarding body qualification, nationally recognised.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
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.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
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
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 2% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| a Baccalaureate | 1% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
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.
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.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write 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.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results 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.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Portsmouth →For students who normally live in England
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.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Criminology graduates joining Thames Valley Police
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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.
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
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £27,000 | £23,000 – £31,000 | 35 |
| 3 years after | £24,000 | £20,000 – £28,500 | 415 |
| 5 years after | £30,500 | £25,500 – £36,000 | 435 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in environmental science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Environmental Science nationally
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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. 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.
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.
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupationsSOC 2020 62 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £22,297
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: 50%. 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.
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.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Environmental consultancies
- Environment Agency
- Energy & utilities
- NGOs & local authorities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Environmental Science graduates.
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
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. 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 9.6 out of 10: NSS 89% · in work or study 100% · continued 100%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Portsmouth
Geography, earth and environmental studies (social sciences) across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Portsmouth
2,930 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
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 University of Portsmouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Portsmouth; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 University of Portsmouth’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 University of Portsmouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Portsmouth
Environmental Science at other universities
BA (Hons) English Studies and Climate ChangeAberystwyth University
BSc (Hons) Environmental Earth Science (with integrated year in industry)Aberystwyth University
BSc (Hons) Environmental Earth Science (with integrated year studying abroad)Aberystwyth University
BSc (Hons) Environmental Earth ScienceAberystwyth UniversityCommon questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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