Geography and History BA

This varied degree will give you the chance to study the ways in which humans interact with different environments, while gaining an understanding of how human activity has changed over time.

Core modules will introduce you to themes in modern human geography exploring how people interact with the world around them, how globalization is shaping the world, and the impact this is having on urban development and population growth. You’ll also build your understanding of historiography and acquire other valuable historical research skills.

Because our research interests are so diverse at Leeds, we also offer an impressive range of optional modules in both subjects. For example, you could study political geography or sustainable development alongside the fall of the Roman Empire, colonial Africa and the Harlem Renaissance. You could even choose modules including international fieldwork. It’s a fascinating opportunity to gain new insights into the many facets of human behaviour.

The University of Leeds has plenty of excellent resources for historians and geographers. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections, and the Library offers plenty of training to help you make the most of the facilities we have. The School of Geography also houses state-of-the-art research facilities.

Fieldwork

Ask any of our students and they will tell you that taking part in field trips is one of the most enjoyable and memorable aspects of the geography programmes at Leeds.

We offer BA field trips at each level of study and they provide a great opportunity to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University. During the field trips you will learn essential fieldwork and team working skills, transferable skills that will prove invaluable to your future career. Field trips are also a fantastic way to travel and see new places and to get to know your tutors and other students better.

On this course the fieldtrips offered are:

• Level 1 – Leeds
• Level 2 – Belgrade, Montpellier, Helsinki
• Level 3 – Athens, Miami

Real world learning

We give you a £500 allowance to cover the costs of optional field trips across Levels 2 and 3.

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

Your first year will be spent studying core modules in each subject, introducing you to the key concepts and research methods you’ll need for the rest of your degree. You’ll study historiography, develop research skills, discover the key concepts in human geography and apply them to a study of Leeds.

Over the next two years, you’ll continue to build a firm knowledge base while pursuing your interests and specialising in specific areas of each subject. A core module will allow you to apply different approaches to human and economic geography, while you’ll also choose from optional modules in each subject.

You’ll keep some balance across historical periods, but you’ll have choices in history from the early medieval period to the present day alongside geographies of migration, globalisation, population studies and fieldwork modules. In your final year, you’ll focus on a period or topic in depth in your special subject. You’ll then be able to specialise even further when you apply the skills you’ve gained to a topic of your choice in your dissertation.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Learning and teaching

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We also use different types of assessment. These normally involve a mixture of exams and essays, but in some modules oral presentations and group work may be included too. We offer plenty of support, including the chance to attend extra classes on issues such as exam technique, public speaking and structuring an essay if you need them.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including A in History. Preferably including Geography.

GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4)

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABB at A Level including A in History , preferably including Geography, and grade A in the EPQ.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Grade 6/B in Mathematics at GCSE is required. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• BTEC

  We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  Please contact the Admissions Office.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in History at Higher Level and 5 in Mathematics at Standard Level. Preferably including Geography at Higher Level.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including H2 in History and preferably including Geography

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Scottish Highers accepted in combination with Advanced Highers. Contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.

• Other Qualifications

  80% including 85% in History and preferably including Geography

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB at A Level including History and preferably including Geography and pass Access to Leeds

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, contact the School of History Admissions team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £18,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

<p>Field classes are optional for BA students. We currently allocate £500 towards the cost of an optional field trip across levels 2 and 3. Additional costs may be incurred.</p>

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

A Joint Honours degree in Geography and History offers you in-depth knowledge across two challenging subjects. That’s valuable in itself, but you’ll also have a wide range of skills that are highly attractive to employers.

You’ll have managed two different and demanding subjects, so you’ll have good organisational skills. You’ll also be a confident independent researcher who can analyse complex data using both qualitative and quantitative methods. You’ll be comfortable working in a team and have advanced oral and written communication skills as well as commercial awareness.

Graduates have gone into a wide range of careers as a result: education, journalism, management, the civil service, law and business and finance are just a few of them. Many have also gone onto postgraduate study in related disciplines.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.