BSc Human Geography and Planning

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 from the BSc Human Geography and Planning program at Cardiff University are equipped with a strong foundation in urban planning, environmental management, and human geography. This multidisciplinary approach opens a wide array of career options across various sectors. 

Urban Planner: One of the most direct career options for graduates is urban planning. As urban planners, they can work with local government agencies, private consultancies, or NGOs to design and develop urban spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and efficient, considering factors like housing, transport, and green spaces.

Environmental Consultant: Graduates can pursue a career as environmental consultants, advising organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact. They assess environmental conditions, provide sustainability solutions, and help organizations comply with regulations related to land use, waste management, and pollution.

Transport Planner: With expertise in human geography and planning, graduates can specialize in transport planning. They work to design efficient, sustainable transportation systems for cities and regions, focusing on infrastructure, traffic management, and the integration of new technologies.

Policy Advisor: Graduates can work in government departments or think tanks, providing policy recommendations on issues like housing, land use, urban regeneration, and sustainability. Their insights into how geography and planning intersect with social and environmental factors help shape effective public policies.

GIS Specialist: Graduates can work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in sectors like urban planning, environmental management, and transportation. As GIS specialists, they analyze spatial data to assist in planning decisions, environmental assessments, and geographic studies.

Community Development Officer: Working in local authorities or nonprofit organizations, graduates can focus on community development. This role involves empowering communities, planning local services, and addressing social issues such as housing and health in underdeveloped or marginalized areas.

Sustainability Consultant: Sustainability is a key focus of human geography and planning. Graduates can pursue careers as sustainability consultants, advising businesses, government agencies, and communities on reducing their carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, and promoting environmental stewardship.

Real Estate Developer: The knowledge gained from the program’s focus on land use, property development, and urban regeneration prepares graduates for careers in real estate development. As real estate developers, they manage projects from land acquisition to construction and sale, with an eye on sustainable development.

Conservation Officer: Graduates can become conservation officers, working for government agencies, environmental organizations, or heritage trusts. In this role, they focus on the preservation and management of natural and cultural heritage sites, ensuring that development projects consider environmental and social impacts.

Housing Officer: Housing officers work for local authorities or housing associations, managing the allocation and maintenance of public housing. They are responsible for ensuring that housing projects meet the needs of the community, especially in urban areas where housing demand is high.

Land Use Planner: Land use planners specialize in the allocation of land for various purposes, including residential, commercial, and recreational areas. They work on zoning, land policies, and development projects, balancing the needs of urban growth with environmental preservation.

Environmental Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as environmental policy analysts, conducting research and analysis to support environmental policies and regulations. They may work for government agencies, NGOs, or private sector firms to provide data-driven insights into environmental sustainability.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist: Many organizations now prioritize CSR, which involves managing their social, environmental, and economic impacts. Graduates can pursue careers in CSR, working with corporations to develop strategies that align with sustainable development goals.

Climate Change Consultant: With growing concerns over climate change, graduates with a background in human geography and planning can advise organizations and governments on how to mitigate climate-related risks, plan for climate adaptation, and implement sustainable practices.

Flood Risk Manager: Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, there is a growing demand for professionals who can assess and manage flood risks. As a flood risk manager, graduates can work for local authorities or private sector firms, advising on flood prevention measures and infrastructure planning.

International Development Worker: For those interested in global development, graduates can work with international organizations, helping to plan and implement development projects in emerging economies. They may focus on issues like poverty alleviation, sustainable development, or disaster management.

Retail and Commercial Property Manager: Graduates can also work in commercial property management, overseeing retail spaces and office buildings. This role involves managing leasing, maintenance, and tenant relations while ensuring that properties are developed and utilized in a sustainable way.

Regeneration Officer: Working on urban regeneration projects, graduates can focus on reviving and rejuvenating areas that are economically depressed or undergoing transition. They collaborate with various stakeholders to plan and implement projects that improve local economies and quality of life.