How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. 

The BA/BSc Geography course introduces you to a wide range of topics, before allowing you to tailor the course to your interests. You’ll begin on an identical course structure in the first year of human and physical geography. You’ll then specialise in human or physical geography, or a combination of both, in your second and final years.

You’ll be taught by geographers who are at the forefront of research and public debate shaping the discipline. This is reflected in our teaching and external work – on everything from the geographies of social justice to the geographies of glacial retreat in an era of climate change. 

You learn through: 

• Fieldwork 
• Lectures and seminars 
• Tutorials and workshops 
• Work experience and professional placements 
• Laboratory classes 
• IT sessions 
• Residential field trips 
• Group debates 
• Case studies 

Key themes

We design our programmes with input from professional bodies, including the Royal Geographical Society, to ensure your learning meets today’s employment demands. You’ll have access to cutting-edge equipment and software, meaning you’ll get the best practical learning experiences, giving you crucial training ahead of your future career.

Our course community provides a comprehensive level of support. Our staff will help you with everything from finding placements to the transition from A level to university – we’ll help you succeed in a collaborative and supportive environment.

You’ll dive headfirst into real-life case studies and projects – learning how to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges, locations and organisations. You’ll be able to explore how geographical theory intertwines with the practical and professional realities of the world around us.

The course combines both the academic and applied aspects of human and physical geography, preparing you for an exciting career in this ever-evolving field. 

Course support

At every level of study, students are given the opportunity to thrive, culturally, personally and professionally. Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:

• Access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development
• Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
• Free access to office and studio space, expert workshops, freelance opportunities and a vast business network ready for you to tap into
• Find out more about our course, facilities and student community on the SHU Geography and Environment website.

Course leaders and tutors

Dr Rebecca Sharpe

Senior Lecturer in Geography

Dr Sharpe joined Sheffield Hallam University as a Lecturer in 2014 continuing her research and teaching Data Analysis and Environmental Geography.

Applied learning

Your course has been designed to embrace real-world challenges and provide you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Work experience is integrated within the curriculum at each year of study. We put applied learning and practical experience to the forefront of your learning – aiming to give you as much tangible practice as possible.

Work placements

You’ll have the option to undertake a year-long professional work placement between your second and final years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

A sandwich placement is recognised as the ‘gold standard’ opportunity to apply your knowledge within an employment field of your choice. Here you’ll work with a private company, government body or voluntary organisation on their latest ventures.  

Study abroad

You can also choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities for a semester in your second year. 

We have international study exchange agreements in countries including Australia, Canada, Finland, Italy, and Norway. Many of our European partner institutions teach in English, so a second language is often not required. 

You may also have the opportunity to study and work in a country of your choice, with funding through the Turing Scheme.

Field trips 

Fieldwork puts learning into context and provides some of the richest experiences on the course. As well as our onsite facilities, we use Sheffield’s city centre and the stunning Peak District National Park, right on our doorstep, as a base for learning. 

We also have residential field trips to outstanding locations in the UK and internationally. Recent destinations have included the Netherlands and Iceland. 

Real-world employment 

As well as the academic content, the modules you study get involved with our very active student Geography Society. Together you can organise and enjoy social and academic events, as well as experiencing a programme of inspirational speakers, many who are leaders in their fields. 

Beyond this, you can engage with volunteering, accrediting bodies, research projects, and guest speakers – enabling you to apply course knowledge and skill sets in real-world contexts.

Future careers

This course prepares you for a wide range of career choices in the fields of: 

• Education and teaching 
• Planning and housing 
• Environmental and ecological consultancies 
• Water, energy and other utility companies 
• Logistics  
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) 
• Data analysis 
• Local and national government 
• Non-governmental organisations 
• Finance and accountancy 
• Market research 
• Travel, tourism and retail 
• Further study and research 

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:

• The Fairtrade Foundation
• Yorkshire Water
• The Environment Agency
• Wildlife trusts
• Network Rail
• The Ministry of Defence

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map | City Campus tour 

Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

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Entry requirements

Fees and funding

• Home students
• International students

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/25 is £9,250 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and are therefore subject to changes in government policy. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £16,655 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

Financial support for home/EU students

How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.

Learn more

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Additional costs for Geography courses (PDF, 332.8KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.