Geography degrees abroad
Geography is a hugely diverse and varied subject, that looks at the physical world around us, and how we interact with it. It is often scientific in nature, but also includes elements of other subjects including sociology, anthropology, politics and ecology. It is an important area for understanding some of the most pressing problems facing society and the environment.
It is a popular degree option thanks to its broad curriculum and high employability rates for graduates. You can expect a hands-on experience with regular field trips and practical classes, and get the chance to learn a wide range of skills. Geography is an ideal choice for those with a keen interest in how the physical and human world works, and who want a varied and challenging education.
By choosing to study geography abroad, you’ll be able to see and experience different environments first hand. Geography is a degree you’ll find offered by many universities all over the world, so you won’t be short of options when it comes to choosing where to study.


Geography program structure
At undergraduate level geography programs are offered as both a BSc and BA. Both options will usually cover many of the same areas and modules, but a BSc will focus more on physical geography, and a BA will cover more human geography subjects. Most undergraduate programs will take between three and four years to complete.
Physical geography is broadly the study of the earth, and includes areas like glaciation, erosion, climate, tectonic movement and the atmosphere. Human geography is all about how humans interact with the world and looks at population, migration, tourism, globalization and more.
It’s also possible to study geography at master’s level over one or two years, and programs are offered as an MSc, MA or MRes (Master of Research). PhD doctorate degrees are also available at many universities, but you will need a master’s degree in a relevant subject to apply.
The assessment of most geography programs will be made up of written exams, coursework, essays and a final year research dissertation. You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical classes, with a large amount of individual study time too.
The exact program content of a geography program will depend on the university you study at, and the level of degree you choose. Here are a few of the modules and subjects you can expect to study:
- Human geography
- Physical geography
- Global environmental issues
- Environment and society
- Glaciology
- Flooding and river basin erosion
- The Earth system
- Research methods techniques
- Statistical methods
Best countries to study geography
How to study geography abroad
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Geography study abroad programs
Geography undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in geography
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Geography with Spanish - BA University of Dundee, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
23,486 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,275 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Geology and Physical Geography - BSc University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
30,264 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,260 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Geography and Environment - BA/BSc Trinity Western University, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,480 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,260 CAD
- Start date
- September, January
-
Education Secondary and Geography - BA (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,082 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,300 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Geography - BSc (Hons) Bournemouth University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,694 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,750 GBP
- Start date
- September
Associate in geography
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Geography - AA Douglas College, Canada
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,135 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD
- Start date
- January, May, September
-
Geography (for Transfer) - AA San Jose City College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
8,138 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,138 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Geography (for Transfer) - AA Laney College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
7,950 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD
- Start date
- August, January, June
-
Geography - AA Santiago Canyon College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
8,304 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,304 USD
- Start date
- February, June, August
-
Geography - AA Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,791 USD
Fee in university's local currency 21,383 CAD
- Start date
- September, January, May
Pathway in geography
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Human Geography & Planning (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,819 USD
Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Geography graduate programs
Master's in geography
-
Geographic Information Systems - MAppSc University of Otago, New Zealand
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
24,196 USD
Fee in university's local currency 33,890 NZD
- Start date
- February, July
-
Geography & Environmental Systems - Geographic Information Science - MSc University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,896 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,896 USD
- Start date
- August
-
Geography - MSc University of Helsinki, Finland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,706 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,000 EUR
- Start date
- September
-
Business Economics with Marketing and Geography - MA (Hons) University of Dundee, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,365 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,450 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Environment, Geography and Geosciences - MPhil University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,964 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,800 GBP
- Start date
- October, February
Doctorate in geography
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Geography & Environmental Systems - PhD University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,896 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,896 USD
- Start date
- August
-
Environment, Geography and Geosciences - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 6 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,964 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,800 GBP
- Start date
- October, February
-
Geography - PhD Clark University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,616 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,616 USD
- Start date
- January, September
-
Geography - PhD Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,034 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Geography - PhD Maynooth University, Ireland
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,914 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,000 EUR
- Start date
- September
Diploma in geography
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GIS and Urban Planning - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 14 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,432 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,378 CAD
- Start date
- September
Certificate in geography
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Geographic Information Systems - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,770 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,536 CAD
- Start date
- September
-
Secondary Geography - PGCert Bath Spa University, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,082 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,300 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Future geography careers
A degree in geography will give you a number of transferable skills that employers value, including research skills, communication, analysis and leadership. Here are some of the popular roles geography graduates choose:
- Environmental consultant
- Town planner
- Residential surveyor
- Cartographer
- Conservation worker
- Forestry manager
- Coastal engineer
However, there’s no limit to the career opportunities you can pursue after graduation, and many students go on to work in finance, education, retail, media and tech. Most universities will help you work out the right career path for you, and you’ll have opportunities to speak to employers during your degree.
