BA (Hons) Geography (Combined)

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Chester are required to have completed their secondary education with a minimum overall percentage of 65% or above.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 overall, with no individual band score below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), with no section below 17.
• PTE Academic: A minimum score of 61 overall, with no communicative skills score below 59.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Chester offers various scholarships and financial support options to international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, support students with financial needs, and promote diversity and inclusivity. 

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is available to international undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. The scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £2,000 for the first year of study. The selection is based on academic achievement and personal statement.

Chevening Scholarships: The University of Chester is a participating institution in the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program. Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK government to outstanding individuals with leadership potential from around the world. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances for a one-year master's degree.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The university participates in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), offering scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for selected master's degree programs.

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships are open to international students applying for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Chester. The scholarships provide a tuition fee reduction of £2,000 for the first year of study. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on their application.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Chester offers country-specific scholarships to students from selected countries. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application process. They are designed to attract talented students from specific regions and support their educational journey at the university.

Alumni Discount: The University of Chester offers an Alumni Discount to international students who have previously completed a degree at the university and wish to pursue further studies. This discount provides a reduction in tuition fees for eligible students.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Geography (Combined) program from the University of Chester acquire a versatile skill set that prepares them for diverse and rewarding career opportunities across various sectors. The interdisciplinary nature of the program, combining physical and human geography with related fields, equips students with valuable analytical, research, and problem-solving skills applicable to real-world challenges.  

1. Environmental Consultant: Graduates can work as environmental consultants, advising businesses, government agencies, and NGOs on environmental issues, sustainability practices, and conservation strategies. They assess environmental impacts, conduct field studies, and develop solutions to mitigate environmental risks.

2. Urban and Regional Planner: Urban and regional planners play a crucial role in designing and managing sustainable communities. Graduates can work with local governments, planning authorities, or private firms to develop land use plans, transportation systems, and policies that promote environmental stewardship and social equity.

3. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist: GIS specialists utilize spatial data and technology to analyze geographic information and create maps for various applications. Graduates with GIS skills can find employment in environmental agencies, urban planning departments, natural resource management, and disaster response organizations.

4. Environmental Manager: In industries such as energy, manufacturing, and construction, graduates can work as environmental managers responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations, implementing sustainability initiatives, and minimizing environmental impact through green practices.

5. Researcher/Academic: Graduates interested in advancing geographical knowledge can pursue careers as researchers or academics in universities, research institutions, or think tanks. They conduct studies on topics like climate change, biodiversity, urbanization, and social geography, contributing to scientific knowledge and policy development.

6. International Development Officer: Non-profit organizations, international agencies, and NGOs hire geography graduates to work on development projects worldwide. Graduates may focus on sustainable development, disaster relief, community empowerment, or climate adaptation initiatives in diverse geographic contexts.

7. Cartographer or Remote Sensing Specialist: Cartographers design maps for navigation, urban planning, environmental assessment, and educational purposes. Graduates with expertise in remote sensing technologies can analyze satellite imagery to monitor environmental changes, agricultural productivity, and natural disasters.

8. Education: Graduates can pursue careers in education by teaching geography at secondary schools, colleges, or universities. They inspire students to appreciate the Earth's physical and cultural landscapes, fostering environmental awareness and global citizenship.