Best Universities for Geography UK

Choosing the right University to pursue a degree in geography can significantly impact your academic and professional journey. 

The United Kingdom is renowned for its exceptional educational institutions, many of which excel in geography and related disciplines. 

In this blog, we have carefully curated a list of the 10 best universities for geography in the UK considering factors such as academic reputation, research output, faculty expertise, and student satisfaction.

Entry Requirements For Geography Degree in the UK

Geography is a great subject to gain knowledge of the world around us. It is important to fulfill the entry requirements before enrolling in the degree program, as this outlines the academic level needed for a successful study venture.

Most geography degrees will expect applicants to have an A-Level (or equivalent) in one of geography, biology, maths or physics. 

Those with an International Baccalaureate qualification may need 30 points, while those studying A-Levels will need ABB at least in science subjects. 

Those wishing to apply from overseas should also take note of any English Language proficiency tests required such as IELTS, where you will need at least a 6 overall with no component lower than 5.5. Students must check individual University guidelines or ascertain their exact entry standards before they begin their application process.

List of best geography universities in the UK

University	City
University Of Oxford	Oxford
University Of Cambridge	Cambridge
University College London (UCL)	London
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	London
University of Edinburgh	Edinburgh
Durham University	Durham
King’s College Of London	Edinburgh
University of Leeds	Leeds
St. Andrews College	Scotland
Cardiff University	Cardiff
Imperial College London	London
Lancaster University	Lancaster

University of Oxford

Renowned for its excellent academic field, the University of Oxford consistently ranks among the best institutions worldwide. 

It has one of the oldest geography departments in the UK. The Oxford Geography program and the Environment offers a diverse range of subjects, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary study. 

The University offers a four-year BS program and a two-to-three-year MS program in geography. Additionally, it also offers a Ph.D. program in geography. 

The curriculum of the Oxford geography program covers both human and physical geography.

The Geography degrees offered by Oxford University are as follows:

• BA Geography
• BA Earth Sciences
• BA Human Sciences

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge boasts a rich tradition of geographic scholarship and is one of the best universities for geography in the UK. 

Its Department of Geography offers rigorous programs, encouraging students to explore the complexities of environmental and human geography. 

The department’s commitment to research excellence ensures students are at the forefront of innovative geographical studies. 

The University offers a four-year bachelor’s program and a one-to-two-year MS program in geography. Additionally, it also offers a Ph.D. program in geography. 

The geography curriculum of the University covers the following areas:

• Human geography
• Physical geography
• Economic and political geography

University College London (UCL)

UCL’s Department of Geography stands out for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and excellent classroom teaching. 

With a diverse faculty and an array of specialization options, University College London provides students with the chance to develop a broad understanding of the field while exploring their specific interests. 

UCL’s Geography program addresses many concerns facing the world today, such as climate change, geopolitics, urban development, migration, and environmental management.

UCL Geography degrees are as the following:

• BA Geography
• BSc Geography
• BSc Economics and 
• BSc Geography International
• BA Geography with social data science

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

LSE School of Geographical Sciences combines a supportive learning environment with world-class research opportunities and the best quality education.

LSE Geography program offers four-year bachelor’s and two-year master’s programs in environmental geography and social sciences. 

LSE Geography programs cover a wide range of topics, including climate change,  environmental management, and urban geography, enabling students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences is recognised for its research-driven approach and vibrant academic community. 

Students benefit from the school’s collaborative partnerships with international institutions, offering unique opportunities for fieldwork and research. 

The University offers a four-year BA Education and a two-year MA Education (Geography) program.

Durham University

Durham University’s Department of Geography has a strong focus on experiential learning, providing students with hands-on experiences and fieldwork opportunities. 

The department’s research strengths lie in human geography, environmental change, and geospatial analysis. 

The University offers both BA Geography and BSc Geography programs that cover Physical Geography and human geography.

It also conducts field trips to countries such as Portugal, Norway, Nepal, Chicago, etc. to expand the skills and knowledge and apply them to real-life settings.

King’s College London

King’s College London’s Department of Geography offers a dynamic learning environment, combining traditional geographic study with cutting-edge research. The department’s location in the heart of London provides students with unique opportunities to engage with the city’s diverse urban environment. The University offers a four-year Geography BSc and a two-year MSc in Human Geography: Society and Space program.

University of Leeds

The School of Geography at the University of Leeds is known for its strong research focus and collaborative ethos. With a wide range of programs and research centres, students have the opportunity to delve into various geographical fields, from climate science to social and cultural geographies. All the University’s undergraduate geography programs are influenced by real-world research. Moreover, the Master’s program in geography covers topics like geographical information systems, river basin management and urban data science.

St. Andrews College

St Andrews in Scotland is known for its impressive line of geography-related courses and consistently receiving high ratings. The University has 60 different undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs within the field of geography to equip students with an understanding of local, regional and global environments. Many feel that it is worthy of its reputation as a world-renowned institution because it stands out amongst universities due to the high satisfaction rating amongst both staff and students, as well as its impeccable entry criteria.

It serves as a countryside retreat with close proximity to the North Sea, numerous golf courses, lush green spaces, woodland walks and easy access to Edinburgh’s city centre when needed. Overall St. Andrews provides ample opportunities for excellent educational pursuit coupled with a scenic outdoor lifestyle – making this one of the leading University choices in Scotland.”

The University of St.Andrews offers the following courses in geography:

• BSc Hons Geography
• MA Hons Geography
• MSc/ PGDip/ PGCert Data Literacy for Social and Environmental Justice
• MSc Sustainable Development

Cardiff University

Cardiff University is an ideal destination for students looking to pursue a geography degree. The University’s Human Geography and Environmental Science program balances academic rigour with experiential opportunities, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to become catalysts for change. From studying global migration trends and their impact on society and economies, to exploring how we can reduce inequality in access to resources – human geography offers a broad range of insight into pressing issues.

The program aims to offer excellent teaching and the best placement opportunities to graduates. Students have access to industry placements, internships and more, allowing them to apply their knowledge practically and gain experience working in their field. Moreover, the University supports its graduates’ research work and provides the best opportunities to showcase their work through the University’s collaborations. Graduates can make their successful careers with the best organisations around the world.

Some of the categories of geography courses offered by Cardiff University are:

• BSc Hons Environmental Geography
• MSci Environmental Geography
• BSc Hons Human Geography and Planning
• BSc Hons Human Geography
• BSc Hons Physical Geography
• BSc Hons Marine Geography
• BSc Hons Environmental Sustainable Science

Imperial College London

Imperial College London is one of the most prestigious and renowned universities in the United Kingdom. Imperial College London offers quality education with excellent student support, cutting-edge research and innovative ways of learning. With over three years of history, Imperial College London stands out as one of the leading institutions for higher learning in Britain and abroad.

Imperial College London provides world-class scientific and technological educational resources. The University offers degrees in several subjects such as mathematics, medicine, engineering, etc.  Some of its top-rated bachelor’s degrees include Business Management, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering among many others.

Imperial College London offers a variety of courses that revitalise classroom learning with modern and excellent teaching methods such as seminars and projects which are inspired by real-world experiences from industry leaders and international development agencies. In addition to academics, Imperial also provides international students with plenty of extracurricular activities allowing them to enjoy their free time while meeting new people from all across the world.

The Geography and Environmental Science courses available at the Imperial College London are:

• BSc Hons Ecology and Environmental Biology
• MSci Earth and Planetary Science

Lancaster University

Lancaster University is a great place for international students interested in studying geography. In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamental skills they need to study geography successfully. This is followed by a mix of compulsory and optional modules in later years, encompassing human and physical geography in equal measure.

The benefit of studying at Lancaster University certainly outweighs many other establishments when it comes to field trips. The University organises trips across Europe and beyond every year, with recent destinations including Croatia, New York, Brazil and Spain to name but a few.  All these amazing experiences make studying Physical Geography at Lancaster a unique opportunity you won’t want to miss out on.

Some of the courses Lancaster University offers are as follows:

• BA Hons Geography
• BSc Hons Geography
• MArts Hons Geography 
• MSci Hons Geography