BSc Human Geography

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

International Foundation Programme Scholarships: For international students who need to complete a foundation year before beginning an undergraduate degree, Cardiff University offers scholarships to cover part of the foundation year tuition fees. This scholarship supports students in their transition to full-time degree programs at the university.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Graduates of the BSc in Human Geography from Cardiff University have a wide range of career options available to them, thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of the program. The skills developed throughout the degree, including spatial analysis, data interpretation, fieldwork, and understanding human-environment interactions, are highly sought after by employers across various sectors. 

Urban and Regional Planning: Human Geography graduates can work as urban planners, helping to design, develop, and manage urban spaces. They may be involved in projects related to infrastructure, public spaces, housing, and transportation, ensuring that developments are sustainable and meet the needs of local communities. Careers in regional planning, focusing on the development and management of rural areas or regions, are also a possibility.

Environmental Consultancy: Many graduates enter the environmental consultancy field, working for private firms or government agencies to provide advice on environmental issues. They may focus on areas such as environmental impact assessments, land use planning, sustainability, and climate change mitigation strategies. Their understanding of the interactions between human activities and the environment makes them well-suited to help businesses and governments manage their environmental responsibilities.

GIS Specialist: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an important skill developed during the BSc in Human Geography. Graduates can work as GIS specialists, using mapping and spatial data analysis tools to help organizations make informed decisions. This could involve urban development, environmental monitoring, resource management, or disaster response, where GIS tools are used to analyze and visualize geographical data.

Policy Analyst and Public Sector Roles: Many graduates pursue careers in policy analysis, working in government departments, NGOs, or think tanks. They may specialize in areas such as urban policy, environmental policy, public health, or social justice. Their expertise in understanding social issues, human behavior, and spatial dynamics is vital in shaping policies that address societal challenges.

Sustainability Manager: As sustainability becomes a priority for businesses and governments, graduates can work as sustainability managers, overseeing corporate social responsibility programs, and helping organizations reduce their environmental impact. This could involve developing sustainability strategies, managing projects related to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource conservation, or advising on green building practices and eco-friendly policies.

International Development and NGOs: Graduates with an interest in global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and international development, may work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or international development agencies. Their understanding of human geography and global issues equips them to design, implement, and evaluate development programs aimed at improving the living conditions of marginalized communities around the world.

Transport Planning: Graduates may choose to specialize in transport planning, where they would help design and manage transportation systems to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and increase sustainability. This could involve working with local authorities to plan public transport systems, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian-friendly urban designs.

Education and Research: Some graduates may choose to pursue further education and research careers. They could undertake postgraduate study in geography, environmental sciences, urban studies, or social sciences. Opportunities to teach or conduct research at universities or research institutes also exist, where they can contribute to advancing the field of human geography.

Social Researcher: Graduates can work as social researchers, either in the public or private sectors, conducting research to understand human behaviors, social trends, and cultural dynamics. This could involve analyzing demographic data, conducting surveys, or working with communities to explore social issues such as inequality, migration, or education.

Real Estate and Property Management: The skills learned in human geography, particularly in spatial analysis and urban development, make graduates well-suited for careers in real estate. They may work as property analysts, real estate agents, or urban developers, helping to manage land, property portfolios, and advising on real estate investments.

Climatology and Meteorology: Graduates interested in environmental issues, particularly climate change, may choose careers in climatology or meteorology. They can work for government agencies, research institutions, or environmental organizations, studying climate patterns and contributing to climate change research and policy development.

Journalism and Media: Some graduates may opt for careers in journalism, focusing on social, environmental, and political issues. With their strong research and writing skills, they can work as reporters or correspondents, providing in-depth coverage of global issues, urban development, or environmental sustainability in news outlets, magazines, or blogs.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Graduates can also work in corporate social responsibility, helping businesses align their operations with social and environmental standards. They may develop programs and strategies aimed at reducing the company’s environmental impact or improving its relationship with the community.