Enter OTP
This Geography degree immerses you in the huge and dynamic questions shaping our world today — from climate change and urbanisation to migration and global inequalities. It’s ideal if you’re curious about how humans and environments interact, want strong analytical and field-research skills, and see yourself working across social science, natural science and policy contexts.
Curriculum structure
Year 1 (Part IA)
In your first year you’ll build a solid foundation in both human and physical geography: you’ll study core papers like People, Place and the Politics of Difference and Environmental Processes and Change, exploring topics such as globalisation, urbanisation, tectonics, climate change and biogeography. You’ll also engage in lectures, lab-based classes and field visits, and begin developing geographical research skills (e.g., through the “Geographical Skills and Methods” paper) so you’re well prepared for more specialised work later.
Year 2 (Part IB)
In your second year you’ll deepen into the subject. You’ll all take a compulsory paper such as Living with Global Change, and then choose from elective papers like Inequality, Development Theories, Policies and Practices, Glacial Processes, Biogeography or Quaternary Climates and Environments. At the same time, you’ll complete project work and participate in a 5-8 day residential field class that helps build your capacity for independent research.
Year 3 (Part II)
In your final year you get the greatest flexibility: you select typically four papers from a choice of around a dozen, including subjects like Global Urbanism, Political Ecology, Geographies of the Arctic, Volcanology and Legal Geographies. You’ll also write a substantial 10,000-word dissertation of your own choosing — applying the methods you’ve learned over the past two years to a topic you’re passionate about.
Focus areas:
Human geography (cities, society, policy), physical geography (glaciers, coasts, volcanoes, climate systems), and research methods/field-work.
Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate able to analyse complex questions about environment and society, design and execute geographical research (including fieldwork and data analysis), and translate geographical knowledge into real-world insights for policy, business or academic contexts.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
While specific accreditation information for the geography degree is not detailed in the same way as engineering or geology programmes, the department is part of the Faculty of Earth Sciences & Geography at Cambridge, delivering research-led teaching.
Reputation (employability & rankings):
The Cambridge Geography programme enjoys an excellent reputation — it has been ranked number 1 in the UK by multiple guides. Graduates go on to roles in environmental management, urban planning, research, consulting and beyond.
At Cambridge, studying the Geography BA means you will gain practical, hands-on skills in real research environments, and make use of world-class facilities and tools. From early on you’ll be applying your learning in labs, in the field, and through independent research — so you’re not just absorbing theory, you’re doing geography.
You’ll work in the department’s dedicated building on the Downing Site, with access to physical geography labs, computing suites and a rich aerial-photography archive. Field-classes and field trips are woven into the core of the course — prepping you to collect real data, analyse it and draw your own conclusions. And your dissertation in the final year means you’ll carry out an independent research project — a valuable experience for any employer or future study.
Here’s how the experiential learning breaks down for this programme:
Graduates of the Geography BA at Cambridge leave well-prepared for diverse and impactful careers: typical roles include Environmental Consultant, Urban Planner, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist, and Policy Analyst. This program equips students with strong analytical, research, and fieldwork skills, making them highly attractive to employers and international organizations:
University Careers Service Support: Cambridge provides dedicated career guidance, one-on-one employer coaching, internship placements, and alumni networking specifically tailored for Geography students seeking roles in environmental management, urban planning, or international development.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Over 90% of Cambridge Geography graduates secure employment or further study within six months, with starting salaries averaging £28,000–£35,000 depending on the sector.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from strong links with organizations like the British Geological Survey, UK Environment Agency, and international NGOs, offering fieldwork placements, research collaboration, and consultancy opportunities.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Cambridge’s global reputation and the rigorous academic standards of the Geography program provide lifelong credibility in both professional and academic contexts.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates move into roles across environmental consultancy, urban planning, government policy, GIS analytics, and research, often advancing quickly due to the program’s analytical focus and the university’s network.
Further Academic Progression: Cambridge Geography graduates can pursue advanced studies such as a Master’s or PhD in Geography, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, GIS, or Development Studies. They are also well-prepared for professional qualifications in environmental consultancy, sustainable development, or urban management programs worldwide.
CBSE (India): Students must have an overall score of 95% in Class 12, reflecting exceptional academic achievement and readiness for advanced study.AMERICAN (GPA/AP/SAT/ACT): Applicants should have a SAT score of 1460 or an ACT score of 32, showing strong academic and reasoning abilities.IB: An overall IB Diploma score of 41–42 points is required, indicating excellent academic performance across all subjects.A-LEVEL: Students should achieve AAA grades at A-Level, demonstrating outstanding knowledge and subject mastery.IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each section, is needed to prove advanced English proficiency.TOEFL: A TOEFL iBT score of 110 is expected, showing a high level of English language competence.GCSE: Strong GCSE results, typically grades A or A* in core subjects, strengthen the overall academic profile.UCAS: Applications are made through UCAS, with predicted grades meeting the entry criteria and a strong personal statement.Primary School TeacherSecondary School TeacherSpecial Educational Needs (SEN) TeacherEducational ConsultantTeaching AssistantEducation Policy AdvisorCurriculum DeveloperEducation CoordinatorEarly Years EducatorLearning Support SpecialistEducation OfficerTutorEducational Psychologist AssistantYouth WorkerTraining and Development OfficerAcademic AdvisorEducation Program ManagerLiteracy SpecialistEducation ResearcherCareers Advisor
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
University of Cambridge
