Venues

Old Aberdeen Campus

Content

First Year:
Two core courses offer a broad introduction to the study of geography at an advanced level. Lectures cover key topics such as climate change, the behaviour of ice sheets, plate tectonics, natural hazards, water resources, ecological change, rural and urban development, poverty and sustainability. Lectures are supported by a programme of practical work that includes spreadsheet skills for data analysis, field sampling techniques, PowerPoint presentation skills and training in the writing and referencing techniques required for university-level study. We also encourage students to choose 'outside' courses – for example, in geology, archaeology, international relations or environmental science – that complement their geographical interests.

Second Year:
Four option courses are offered, of which students must choose at least three: Physical Environments; Perspectives in Human Geography; Mapping and Monitoring the Environment; Environment and Society. All students must also take Skills and Techniques in Geosciences, which includes a residential field trip.

Third and Fourth Year (Honours):
Core courses on Approaches to Geography, Research Design and Geographical Issues examine the subject's history, its key perspectives and techniques and its contemporary relevance. Although compulsory, all of these courses offer a choice of lectures and coursework assessments that cover the full range of geography, so students are free to pursue their favourite aspects of the subject. Option courses at level 3 provide further training in practical aspects of physical and human geography(e.g., use of remote sensing and geographical information systems; statistical analysis of sediments, vegetation or census data) and associated concepts and topics (e.g. environmental change; places, regions and globalisation; environment and conservation).

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements:

Standard entry:
4 Highers at BBBB plus English at National 5.

For second year entry you would require the above plus 2 Advanced Highers at AB including Geography.

Widening access entry:
3 Highers at BBC plus English at National 5.

1 Foundation Apprenticeship is accepted in place of a Higher.