Top UK Universities For Geography - Ranking And League Table

Looking to Study Geography in the UK?
top uk universities geography

Here’s our full guide on the top universities for Geography in the UK. We have curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognized qualifications for Geography.

Table of Contents

UK University League Table For Geography (Updated 2024)

The University League Table for Geography shows some of the top ranking universities to study Geography in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, sorted by fees, UK and global ranking as well course duration.

What do you Study in Geography?

Geography is the study of the environment around us and how people interact with them. Geography includes physical sciences as well as social sciences. Physical sciences encompass the study of the natural environment and phenomena such as the climate, maritime geography, landscapes, natural disasters, and more. Geography programmes often include the study of social sciences to examine how people interact with the environment around them and issues such as sustainability, pollution, geopolitics, and urban planning.

Careers for Geography Graduates

Geography graduates can find employment in various occupations and industries such as:

  • Cartographer
  • Development industry
  • Environmental consultant
  • Landscape architect
  • Local government
  • Meteorologist
  • Sustainable industries
  • Think tanks and NGOs, including those working on issues such as migration
  • Town planning
  • Travel agencies

Top Geography Schools In The UK

The University of Cambridge is a great choice for any prospective geography major as it ranks number one for Geography and Environmental Sciences. They offer only one course in Geography which covers emerging topics such as globalization, health and geography, developing regions, and cultural differences. Cambridge’s Bachelor of Arts in Geography programme has a strong emphasis on fieldwork and multidisciplinary knowledge.

You could read more about the University of Cambridge’s Geography course on their faculty website or read more about the application process via UCAS here.

Durham University is ranked fifth in the UK for Geography degrees. Durham offers five courses, including a Bachelor of Arts in Geography which is more focused on human geography and sociological issues, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography where students have more modules about physical geography. Undergraduates have the option to do a placement year which provides them with exposure to geography-related professions. You could read more about Durham’s geography programmes on their website here.

Recommended Geography Schools In The UK

The University of Stirling offers three courses in Environmental Geography with joint honours in interesting subjects such as Outdoor Education and Professional Education. Stirling is a great choice for international students as their faculty has a number of research programmes around the world. In addition to gaining knowledge about geography, undergraduates in Stirling’s Geography programmes are provided ample opportunities to apply knowledge into research. Students in their geography programmes can also expect to learn practical skills in analytics and statistics which have wide applications beyond the subject area.

The University of Sussex offers six courses in Geography with the option to undertake studies in various social science subjects that are interrelated with geography such as International Development and International Relations. Their three-year programmes are conducted on-campus in Brighton, which is surrounded by the idyllic South Downs National Park. The campus is also located near the city centre and the south coast, making it the perfect place for Geography majors with a love for nature.

How To Apply To Study Geography In The UK?

Step 1: Choose A University

The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK which offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Things to consider when applying:

  • Location
  • Employability
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements
  • University Ranking

Step 2: Preparations

Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.

Step 3: Submit UCAS Application

The application process for UK universities differs from local universities as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.

To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here

More about UCAS

The entire application process might be daunting and lengthy for some, so let us help you. Make a free appointment with us today for professional assistance in submitting applications to your preferred UK universities.

UK Geography University Entry Requirements

Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK university to study Geography.

English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)

Health checks.

Entrance interviews.

Personal statement. This is a supporting document and part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university.

What other fees will I have to pay to study in the UK?

Besides course fees, there are a number of fees you have to pay to study in the UK:

  • Visa fees
  • Immigration Health Services charges
  • UCAS application fee
  • Aptitude test fees (for selected courses)
  • TOEFL or IELTS (for selected courses)

Additionally, it is a UK visa requirement to show evidence that you will be able to pay for your tuition fees and monthly expenses when applying for a student visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

The number 1 university for Geography in the UK is currently the University of Cambridge, as of 2022.

The common entry requirements for studying geography in the UK include: English language tests, criminal record declarations, health checks, entrance interviews and submission of a personal statement.

The fees for geography degrees in UK depends on the university, but can range anywhere between £20,000 to £23,000 per annum for international students. Rankings and location of a university might also affect the price.

For most geography degrees, it is best to apply before 15 of January of the year of admission. Take note that if you are applying for most courses in Oxford and Cambridge University, you need to apply before 15 of October.

Get Free UK Geography Course Application Assistance

If you would like a free consultation on any step, contact us today or come visit us at our office in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Book an appointment with us!

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