Study geography abroad
An in-depth guide to studying geography as an international student.
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
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 and Geospatial Science - BSc Concord University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,186 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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Geography (Meteorology-Climatology) - BSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,634 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Geology and Physical Geography - BSc University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,260 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Geography - BA/BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Geography - BA/BGS University of Kansas, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 26,960 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
Pathway in geography
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Human Geography (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 10,900 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Associate in geography
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Geography - AA Santiago Canyon College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 8,304 USD
- Start date
- February, June, August
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Geography - AA Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 21,383 CAD
- Start date
- September, January, May
Geography graduate programs
Master's in geography
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Geographic Information Systems - MSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 52,540 USD
- Start date
- August
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Geography - MSc University of Helsinki, Finland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 13,000 EUR
- Start date
- September
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Geographic Information Systems - MAppSc University of Otago, New Zealand
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 33,890 NZD
- Start date
- February, July
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Geography with French - MA (Hons) University of Dundee, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,275 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Geography - MSc Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 3,850 EUR
- Start date
- September
Doctorate in geography
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Geography & Environmental Systems - Geographic Information Science - PhD University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,897 USD
- Start date
- August
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Environment, Geography and Geosciences - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,600 GBP
- Start date
- October, February
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Geography - PhD Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,034 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Geography - PhD Clark University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,616 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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Geography and Environmental Sciences - PhD University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 13,200 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Diploma in geography
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GIS and Urban Planning - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 14 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,378 CAD
- Start date
- September
Certificate in geography
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Secondary Geography - PGCert Bath Spa University, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 13,300 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
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Geographic Information Systems - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,536 CAD
- Start date
- 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.
