BA in Geography
Overview
Why study Geography at Oxford? Geography is broad based degree which opens many possible paths. Our degree is designed to introduce you to the key concepts and skills in both physical and human geography. After the first year you can follow your own interests and choose from a wide range of options. Take a look at how others have designed degree pathways around their interests in physical, human and environmental geography.
Because geography is concerned about the world around us and is both a science and social science it gives you scope both intellectually and as a foundation for many careers.
Take a look
Choosing Geography at Oxford
Finding myself in Geography at Oxford
Broadening your horizons
Course structure
The first year gives every Oxford geography undergraduate the same broad education in earth systems processes, human geography, and geographical controversies. In following years you can specialise in either physical or human geography or a mixture of both.
Oxford terms are eight weeks long and require an intense focus on study. You will spend much of your time working independently, reading and preparing for tutorials and written papers. You will also spend time researching and writing your dissertation.
Your teaching is done through
- Small group tutorials where you will discuss essays or other written work (find out more about how special tutorials are)
- Lectures taught by academics who are often researching in the area they are teaching in
- Two fully funded field trips
- Other courses, seminars and opportunities found in a world class geography department
The first year gives every Oxford geography undergraduate the same broad education in earth systems processes, human geography, and geographical controversies. You will develop your understanding of theory and geographical techniques, through practical field trips and a range of lectures.
During the first year you will need to complete four compulsory courses which form the Preliminary Examination.
- Earth system processes introducing you to concepts in physical geography including Geomorphology, Climatology and Ecology.
- Human geography which includes courses on 'Space and Place', 'Networks and Mobilities', and 'Power and Identity'
- Geographical controversies past and present which emphasises the need to be critical of evidence and data in geographical argument
- Geographical techniques which introduces you to the theoretical and practical including a day of human geography fieldwork and a day or physical geography fieldwork.
- Earth system processes introducing you to concepts in physical geography including Geomorphology, Climatology and Ecology.
- Human geography which includes courses on 'Space and Place', 'Networks and Mobilities', and 'Power and Identity'
- Geographical controversies past and present which emphasises the need to be critical of evidence and data in geographical argument
- Geographical techniques which introduces you to the theoretical and practical including a day of human geography fieldwork and a day or physical geography fieldwork.
Finding out more
If you are academically ambitious and have a curiosity for the world about you then Geography may be a great option for you. Use the sections below to discover more about the course, what life is like at Oxford, visiting us for Open Days and more. If you have a particular question which you can't find the answer for our admissions team are happy to answer your questions.
You'll join a dynamic and friendly community and be taught by some of the world's leading academics. Other students you talk to will often mention:-
- Being taught by world leading experts in their respective fields. Take a look through our teaching staff.
- Tutorials where they learn and discuss in small groups. Find out more about why Oxford tutorials are so special.
- Two fully funded field trips. Discover the importance of field trips and what you learn.
- Their fellow students and how they get to know them through working together, field trips and the Oxford Geography Society.
Geography and your career
Geography is an amazingly versatile subject. It teaches people to think hard about big issues and the complex interconnection between them. It is a subject where data and scientific knowledge matters and it is a subject where an understanding of humans, human relations, politics and power matters.
The skills you gain when studying geography are broadly applicable in many fields, jobs and careers.
Undergraduate stories
Disclaimer: The information appearing on this website / in this document is to be used as a guide only. The final etc. This block available if needed.
