Intro

Combining the study of current geographical issues such as climate change and global sustainability with a grounding in archaeology, this course explores the changing relationship between human societies and their physical and social environments over time.

You’ll build on knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and the lab through field work, developing your understanding of the principles and methods of analysing archaeological data. Field trip locations include the inspiring South Downs and an optional trip to Brazil.

Learning with our team who are active in research and consultancy, you will explore contemporary archaeological and environmental issues, informed by international archaeological research projects in areas such as human evolution, African Iron Age dynasties and environmental degradation.

Visiting lecturers from industry give you a feel for what the working world is like. Alongside this you’ll also develop transferable skills in presentations and teamwork – all helping you to get career ready.

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Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code FF84

Full-time 3 years
With placement year 4 years
Part-time 4–6 years

Apply now with UCAS for 2023

Course content

Course structure

On this integrated course you combine studies in geography and archaeology. 

You’ll study both human and physical geography, and as you move through the course you can specialise in one over the other. You also have opportunities to take optional modules in associated sciences and geology.

Alongside this you’ll develop skills for archaeological investigation and environmental reconstructions through a range of modules that investigate human impacts and reactions to changing climates through time.

You have the option to enrol on this course part-time, giving you more flexibility in the way you choose to study.

Students and techician using drone equipment in the lab

Year 1

The first year introduces key themes in human, physical and environmental geography, with core modules that cover the impact of socially divergent views of the world, the human modification of environmental processes and the physical forces of landscape change. Interwoven through these core modules are perspectives and examples from the archaeological record, showing how the two subject disciplines complement each other. 

Modules

  • Fundamentals of Physical Geography

    This module provides a theoretical and practical introduction to azonal (tectonic, climatic, hydrological, fluvial, coastal, slope, aeolian, and biogeographical) and zonal (glacial and periglacial) physical geographical systems. You will examine the ways in which these systems interact with and influence human activities, both at the present day and over archaeological timescales.

  • Past Landscapes and People

    This module introduces key concepts surrounding past societies and the way they viewed, interacted with, and changed their environment. You will explore the techniques and theories that archaeologists use to engage with the past, and how the subject of archaeology interacts with physical and human geography. You will explore human impacts on past environments and put how the modern landscape has been created through the human activities into context. 

  • Global Environmental Challenges

    This module introduces pressing global environmental challenges which you'll explore through natural science and social science case studies. The module focuses on scientific, social, economic and political aspects of current and past environmental issues and examines how some of the issues may be addressed through interdisciplinary management and mitigation.

  • Human Geography

    This module provides a critical introduction to key themes in human geography. You will develop an appreciation of geographical concepts such as nature, space, place and scale through consideration of geographies of global political-economic change, past and contemporary cultural geographies and geographical imaginations, and social geographies of everyday life.

  • Academic Learning and Field Skills

    This module will introduce you to academic study skills, fieldwork skills and transferable skills for geography and environmental sciences. The module will support you in how to learn at university, and in particular, with learning independently. You'll also take part in a residential field course where you will learn field data collection and analysis techniques, methodology design and how to present research findings.

  • Statistical and Spatial Data Analysis

    This module will introduce you to a variety of techniques utilised in both the academic and professional world for the analysis of geographical and environmental data. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and abilities to graphically/visually display data and assess patterns/relationships through statistical testing, and geospatial display and analysis. The module will introduce you to and allow you to become a competent user of statistical software.

Students carrying out fieldwork at the beach

Year 2

Year 2 advances your understanding of physical and human geography as well as introducing you to more specialised archaeological modules.

Modules

  • Human Origins and Evolution
  • Prehistoric and Ancient Societies
  • Professional Practice for Global Challenges
  • Research and Field Skills

Options*

  • Ice Age Earth
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Sustainable Futures
  • Critical Digital Geographies
  • Social Justice in Everyday Spaces
  • GIS and Remote Sensing: Principles and Practice

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Student group infront of a political mural on a field trip to NI

Placement year

A placement year offers you a great opportunity to:

  • build knowledge of real-world businesses and organisations
  • develop existing skills and discover new ones
  • make contacts in industry and commerce
  • increase your confidence
  • improve your time management.

In recent years, our students have been successful in competing for nationally advertised positions with the Department for Energy and Climate Change, Transport for London and the Field Studies Council.

Other students have secured placements with environmental firms and consultancies, a multi-national telecommunications company and a renewable energy research centre in Spain.

Female student smiling looking at computer screen with two female students in the background

Final year

The focus for your final year is your independent dissertation. Working closely with one of our researchers you will investigate a topic of your choice, applying the research methods and analytical skills you have developed. Option modules enable you to tailor your studies to support your dissertation and your career aspirations.

You'll also have the opportunity of fieldwork in Brazil.

Modules

  • Dissertation
  • Humans of Ice Age Britain

Options*

  • Rivers, Coasts and Wetlands: Assessment and Management
  • Dynamic Landscapes
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • The Frozen Planet
  • Water, Sanitation and Health
  • Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
  • Waste Management and the Circular Economy
  • Geographies of Genders and Sexualities
  • Confronting Coloniality and Racism: Political Geographics of Territory and Security
  • Community Engagement
  • Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing 
  • Research Field Skills, Brazil

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Students and lecturer working with the flume

Meet the team

Dr Chris Carey, principal lecturer

I have over 15 years’ experience working within the archaeological and environmental sectors with a particular focus on human environmental dynamics in the Holocene, archaeometallurgy and prehistory.

Through teaching I want students to share my passion for human interaction with the environment, especially in prehistory. To facilitate this many of my modules involve fieldwork. The modules I teach on include Ice Age Earth, Prehistoric Societies of Europe, Earth Surface Processes and Statistical and Geospatial Data Analysis. Through studying these modules I hope students find a different perspective and gain new insights into prehistoric societies, climate change and human-environment interaction.

Dr Chris Carey taking a soil sample

Dr Matthew Brolly, principal lecturer

I joined the university in September 2013 after completing a NASA-funded research role in the USA and have been enjoying helping students learn from my knowledge and experiences ever since.

I love teaching students about my specialist area which is remote sensing. Although my joint research role allows me to address real world problems that benefit society, it is through interactions with inquisitive minds I am rewarded the most.

One of the great things about my subject is the practical application of the techniques you learn across multiple subject areas, and walks of life. To help students outside the classroom I’m a big believer in guided independent work allowing you to experience situations that you may face in the working world in this field. To support this I create regular videos and guided reading content to help you throughout your degree.

Dr Matthew Brolly

Find out about the rest of the course team

Our latest news

A BA Geographer’s summer, 2022

A BA Geographer’s summer, 2022

My summer began with a job hunt.
Winners of our Northern Ireland field trip photo contest

Winners of our Northern Ireland field trip photo contest

As international travel was restricted this year due to COVID, in April our second year Geography and Environment students travelled to Northern Ireland for a week-long field trip.
My tips for success

My tips for success

Kieran Tang graduated from Geography BA(Hons) in 2018 – here’s what he has to say about his time here: Studying Geography BA(Hons) at the University of Brighton opened my eyes to a plethora of course content, numerous routes for future career opportunities, the wonderful area of Brighton, and the occasional field trip.
Critical Digital Geographies – a new module

Critical Digital Geographies – a new module

We’re excited to announce that we have a new second year Geography, the Earth and Environment undergraduate module starting in the 22/23 academic year – Critical Digital Geographies.

Read more from our blog

Careers

Prepare for your career 

In your career you need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – and you’ll get all of this from your degree.

Apply your learning and consolidate your geographical scientific knowledge and skills in the lab and in the field.

Strengthen transferrable skills in time management, group working, communication, presenting, designing solutions and software skills. All of which help to prepare you for your career.

Learn with staff who are active in research and consultancy, you’ll build your specialist research skills and gain more in-depth knowledge in the areas that interest you most.

Gain real-world, related experience and make a difference getting involved with community groups and voluntary organisations.

GeogInfoSysstudentcomputer_008

Placement 

Taking an optional placement year offers lots of advantages.

You get to:

  • apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges
  • develop your existing skills and gain new ones
  • explore career options, helping you think about what you don’t want to do as well as what you do
  • boost your confidence, time-management and organisational skills
  • make contacts while working in a professional environment
  • come back for your final year more focused, more organised and more confident

Work related experience 

The Community Engagement option module in your second year is a great way to gain valuable skills and experience a different way of learning. You get to complete a practical project with a local community or voluntary organisation, such as the Green Centre in Brighton, that reflects your academic interests.

Volunteering is another way to develop your skills and gain practical work experience while contributing to the wider community.

Facilities for learning 

You will gain valuable, hands-on experience in our specialist labs and using our field equipment, including:

  • Environment and Public Health Lab
  • Soil and Water Analysis Labs
  • Soil and Sediment Analysis Lab
  • Hydraulics Lab
  • Environmental Simulation Lab
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy facility
  • Air quality lab
  • School of Applied Sciences computer suites running GIS and other professional software
  • Equipment for field-based geophysical surveying
  • Field collection equipment
Geography lab 360 image

Professional links 

Research informs our teaching, helping our students to think and learn like professionals. You will learn with Brighton-based researchers who are tackling global issues such as sustainable riverine management and air quality. Our research spans Environment and Public Health, Society, Space and Environment, and also includes the Centre for Spatial, Environmental and Culture Politics and the Centre for Aquatic Environments.

Guest lectures from industry experts and our own graduates enhance your learning, giving you valuable insights into real-world working environments as well as networking opportunities.

Graduate destinations 

Our Geography graduates have gone on to careers in organisations including the Environment Agency, Southern Water, Low Carbon Europe, GIS consultancies. They are working in roles such as GIS officer, environmental consultant, energy consultant, sustainability manager, performance analyst, archaeologist, heritage manager, and planning and development surveyor.

Further study 

We have opportunities for further study at postgraduate level in this field:

Supporting your employability 

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

  • Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
  • Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
  • Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
  • Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
  • Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
  • Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Emlployable

Entry criteria

Flexible admissions

When you apply to Brighton we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Entry requirements

A-levels or BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BBB–BCC (120–104 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.

A-levels must include geography. BTEC must include geography or a science-related subject.

International Baccalaureate
28 points to include three subjects at Higher level to include geography or a science-related subject. 

Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall. Must include level 3 units in geography, geology or science. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 24 credits at merit or above.

GCSE
At least English language and maths at grade 4, and science at grade C.

Foundation degree/HND
International foundation may be considered. Applicants with an HND or foundation degree may be considered for year 2 entry.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3. 

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 15,300 GBP

If you choose to take the professional placement (sandwich) year offered on this course you will pay a reduced fee during this year. Our fee for the professional placement year is £1,410 for UK students and £2,180 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Applied Sciences in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • Where required:
    • all students are provided with a laboratory coat, safety glasses and log book.
    • a budget to cover laboratory consumables and equipment for your final year project is included in the fees for all students.
    • access to key subject journals and subject specific databases is provided, as well as a site licence for industry-standard chemical drawing software.
    • essential instruction booklets (laboratory handbooks) are provided, as is project poster printing and thesis binding. However, you should budget for books, printing and stationery for personal study.
  • For our ecology and conservation courses there are compulsory field trips for which you should budget up to £200. There are also optional field trips for which you may choose to budget up to £2,700. You may also need to buy appropriate clothing for outdoor use.
  • DBS checks for MPharm students are included in the fee.
  • Costs for MPharm placement travel is reimbursed up to a specified amount depending on location of placement.
  • The independent mapping project is a mandatory part of the Geology BSc(Hons) involving independent fieldwork that is undertaken in the summer between years 2 and 3. The cost of this fieldwork is not included in the fee, and you will need to meet this additional cost yourself.
  • Travel and accommodation costs are included for all mandatory taught residential field trips, but you’ll need to provide your own food and drink.
  • Optional placements and day trips may include additional costs. This will vary depending on where and how long the field trip is but you should budget approximately £1,500.
  • Some students require specialist outdoor equipment and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) and should budget up to £100.
  • If you choose to take an optional paid placement you’ll be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation, food and drink.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses. Find out what free software is available from the University of Brighton.
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but students may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Over the last four years Moulsecoomb has undergone a major transformation, planned with accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability in mind.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

On campus you’ll find professional-standard facilities and learning resources for all of our subjects and a brand new academic building Elm House, alongside the library, student centre, fitness facilities and the Students’ Union.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Two people walking past Mithras halls

Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Moulsecoomb Place, Mithras halls and Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.
    • Moulsecoomb Place halls are all self-catered and are located right on campus.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Halls

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Park

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Students eating at the Hub

Students eating at the Hub

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Stay in touch

See our upcoming events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment, so that you have all the information before you come to Brighton.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on their website.

Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course, and are updated following course changes.

Programme specification

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