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School of Geosciences

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What degrees in Geography can I study at Aberdeen?

  • BSc (Bachelor of Science)
    • Single Honours
    • Joint Honours with other programmes including Archaeology, Education, Geology.
    • Designated Degree, Single and Joint options (3-year) 
  • MA (Master of Arts)
    • Single Honours
    • Joint Honours with e.g. Accountancy, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Entrepreneurship, Finance, French, Gaelic Studies, German, Hispanic Studies, History, International Relations, Literature, Management Studies & Sociology
    • Designated Degree, Single and Joint options (3-year)

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What's the difference between the BSc and MA Geography?

You would normally apply for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree if you wish to study other science courses as well as your Geography courses during your degree, if you intend to specialise in Physical Geography, and/or if you wish to emphasise your science training beyond university.

You would normally apply for a Master of Arts (MA) degree if you wish to study other humanities or social-science courses as well as your Geography courses during your degree, if you intend to specialise in Human Geography, and/or if you wish to emphasise your humanities and social-science training beyond university.

However, your Geography degree provides great flexibility. After all, one of the great things about Geography is that it offers the widest possible curriculum, from studies of inter-cultural relationships, to deep understanding of the earth system.

Therefore, whether you are registered for BSc or MA, we make it possible for you to choose between science-focussed, humanities-directed or social-science-based Geography courses throughout your degree.

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What is meant by Single Honours, Joint Honours, and Designated Degrees?

  • A student studying Single Honours in Geography will complete a four-year programme of study specialising in Geography in 3rd and 4th Year (the "Honours" years). You will qualify with a BSc (Hons) Geography or an MA (Hons) Geography degree.

  • A student studying Joint Honours in Geography will complete a four-year degree, specialising in both Geography and another university subject during 3rd and 4th Year (the "Honours" years). You might, for example, qualify with a BSc (Hons) Geography-Geology degree, or an MA (Hons) Geography-Sociology degree.

  • A student achieving a Designated Degree will complete the flexible option of a three-year programme of study comprising First, Second and Third Year studies in Geography or Joint Geography with another university subject.


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Can I specialise, or keep my programme of study broad?

You can do either! A Geography degree allows you unrivalled freedom of choice in what you study.

In First and Second Year, Geography students are taught across the full breadth of the subject. Courses are designed to provide an introduction to 21st century Geography, and cover major theories, perspectives and approaches. The modular structure in First and Second Year brings great flexibility and choice; you can choose from a range of courses from across the university to complement your core Geography studies. 

Honours years (Third and Fourth Year) allow for specialisation, with students engaging with the subject in greater depth. Honours option courses link directly to staff research areas and include, for example:

  • courses in transport
  • rural change 
  • environment and conservation
  • glaciology and environmental hydrology

These options complement a set of core courses which deal with major conceptual and theoretical debates, as well as techniques and methods in Geography.

Throughout the curriculum you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of exciting field trips, and in 4th Year, you will design and undertake an Individual Dissertation Project in your favourite aspect of Geographical Research.

All Geography graduates leave Aberdeen with a thorough knowledge of the history, philosophy and approaches to Geography, as well as being equipped with the intellectual and practical skills required by employers.

 

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