Geography

Choosing Your Course

Although there are not any specific subject requirements, it is recommended to study Geography at A-Level. However, even if you don’t study Geography at A-Level, don’t let that put you off from applying, because the first year of the course is designed to teach everyone the basics of Geography regardless of their different subject backgrounds.

During the admissions process it is important to keep up with current affairs to help prepare you for interviews and the Geography Admissions Test (GAT), which you should also practise. You will have at least two interviews – one human and one physical – so be sure to brush up on your knowledge of both.

Course Structure

Year 1:
Four modules: Earth systems processes, Human geography, Geographical controversies and Geographical techniques. One physical geography field trip to Dorset (four days) and a human geography field trip in Oxford (one day).  You will be assessed with: four written papers (one for each module), two fieldwork reports (based on each field trip) and one submitted essay on Geographical controversies. 

Years 2/3:
One core module (Geographical thought), two foundational courses (choice of Space, place and society; Earth system dynamics; or Environmental geography.) and three optional modules (from a wide range of options). One field trip at the end of second year (choice of Berlin or Tenerife). You will be assessed with: one submitted coursework at the end of second year (based on the fieldtrip), a dissertation submitted at the start of Hilary in third year, three extended essays submitted at the start of Trinity in third year and six written exams at the end of third year. 

What to Expect

Year 1:
In a typical week you’ll have between 5-10 morning lectures; one seminar or practical class; and one college tutorial which you will write an essay for. Some practical classes may require you to do further work before or after the class.     

Year 2/3:
In second year the number of tutorials and seminars will be roughly the same, but you will no longer have practical classes. Some options tutorials and lectures will take place in the department and may be taught by postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

Due to the variety of transferrable skills, Geography graduates go into a broad range of careers and industries including government, conservation, consultancy, law, banking, media, teaching, academia and many more.