MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BA (Hons) Geography with a Language
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Geography with a Language program at the University of Sussex offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining a deep understanding of geography with the practical skills of language acquisition. This program allows students to explore geographical themes such as urbanization, environmental change, and global inequalities, while also learning a foreign language to enhance their global perspectives. By studying geography in conjunction with a language, students gain the ability to communicate across cultures and work effectively in international contexts, making them highly attractive to employers in a variety of sectors, including international development, global business, and environmental consultancy.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Geography with a Language program at Sussex is structured to provide a balanced education in both geography and language studies. In the first year, students are introduced to core geographical concepts, including human geography, physical geography, and environmental science. Simultaneously, they begin their language studies, choosing from a range of languages such as French, Spanish, German, or Italian. As students progress through the program, they deepen their understanding of geographical issues while advancing their language proficiency. The second and third years offer opportunities for specialization, where students can focus on specific areas of geography, such as climate change, urban development, or global health. Additionally, the language component of the program emphasizes practical communication skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to work in diverse, multilingual environments. Students also have the opportunity to spend a year abroad, either studying or working in a country where their chosen language is spoken.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex has a strong research profile in geography, particularly in areas such as environmental sustainability, urban geography, and global inequalities. Faculty members in the Geography department are engaged in cutting-edge research that informs the teaching of this program, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest developments in geographical thought and practice. The program’s emphasis on language acquisition further enhances the research focus, as students are encouraged to explore geographical topics from a global perspective and engage with international research and case studies. Sussex’s research centers, such as the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme and the Centre for Global Political Economy, provide students with opportunities to collaborate on research projects that address global challenges like climate change, migration, and economic development.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the professional world. The BA (Hons) Geography with a Language program offers numerous opportunities for industry engagement through internships, work placements, and collaborative projects with external organizations. Sussex’s strong network of industry partners includes NGOs, international development agencies, environmental consultancy firms, and government bodies. Students are encouraged to apply their geographical and linguistic skills in real-world settings, gaining valuable experience that enhances their employability. Additionally, the university’s career services provide support in securing internships and graduate employment, with a focus on roles that require both geographical knowledge and language proficiency.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Geography with a Language program adopts a distinctly global perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of the world’s challenges. By combining the study of geography with language acquisition, the program enables students to engage with geographical issues from an international viewpoint, considering how different cultures and regions respond to issues such as climate change, migration, and development. The language component allows students to immerse themselves in different cultural contexts, fostering a greater understanding of global diversity. Furthermore, the option to study or work abroad during the program provides students with firsthand experience of different geographical and cultural environments, helping them build global networks and perspectives that are essential for careers in international fields.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 23175
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 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Geography with a Language program at the University of Sussex are highly equipped with a unique combination of geographical expertise and language proficiency, making them attractive candidates for a wide range of careers in diverse sectors. The program's focus on global perspectives, practical skills, and international communication positions its graduates to pursue dynamic roles both in the UK and abroad.
International Development and NGOs: The combination of geography and language skills is ideal for those seeking a career in international development. Graduates can work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international bodies, or humanitarian agencies to address global challenges such as poverty, human rights, education, and climate change. Language skills are especially valuable in these roles, as they enable graduates to work effectively in multilingual environments and across different cultural contexts. Roles in this sector may include project managers, field officers, and policy advisors.
Environmental Consultancy: Many graduates of the BA (Hons) Geography with a Language program pursue careers in environmental consultancy. These professionals work with companies, governments, and organizations to assess environmental impacts, recommend sustainability measures, and ensure regulatory compliance. Graduates are well-prepared for this field due to their solid grounding in environmental science, geography, and global environmental issues. Language skills can also be an asset in multinational projects or international consultancy firms.
Urban Planning and Development: Geography graduates are highly sought after in the field of urban planning and development. These roles involve planning and managing the development of cities and regions, including land use, infrastructure, and transportation. Graduates with language proficiency can work in international urban development projects, collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders from different countries. Language skills can be particularly valuable in roles that require cross-border coordination or work in multilingual regions.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Specialist: Geography graduates who specialize in GIS can pursue careers as GIS analysts or spatial data specialists. These roles involve the use of digital mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization to inform decision-making in fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and disaster response. The ability to speak multiple languages is a significant advantage in international GIS projects, where geographic data is shared and analyzed across different regions and countries.
Climate Change Analyst: Graduates of the BA (Hons) Geography with a Language program are well-positioned to work in the field of climate change analysis. These professionals analyze environmental data, track climate trends, and help design strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change. With a global perspective on environmental issues and language skills, these graduates can work for international organizations, environmental NGOs, or governmental agencies focusing on global climate policy and adaptation strategies.
International Relations and Diplomacy: For those interested in diplomacy, foreign relations, and international policy, the language component of the program is highly beneficial. Graduates can pursue careers as foreign affairs specialists, diplomats, or international relations advisors, working for governments, embassies, or international organizations like the United Nations. Their geographic knowledge combined with language proficiency enables them to understand global issues and communicate effectively across borders.
Tourism and Hospitality Management: Language proficiency and geographical knowledge make geography graduates ideal candidates for careers in the tourism and hospitality industry. These roles involve planning, managing, and promoting tourism, particularly in international or multicultural settings. Graduates can work as travel consultants, tourism planners, or in hotel and resort management, offering services in multiple languages and understanding regional trends in tourism and leisure.
Global Business and Marketing: The combination of geography and language skills is increasingly sought after in the global business world. Graduates can pursue careers in international business development, marketing, or sales, especially in roles that involve expanding business operations into new markets or managing international teams. Their ability to communicate in multiple languages and understand global trends in markets, economics, and geography provides a competitive edge in multinational companies.
Translation and Interpretation: Graduates who are particularly proficient in languages may choose to work as translators or interpreters. This career path involves translating written content or interpreting spoken language for various organizations, including international businesses, government agencies, or international conferences. Their geographical knowledge can also contribute to specialized translations in areas such as environmental policy, urban planning, or development studies.
Education and Academia: For those interested in academia, the BA (Hons) Geography with a Language program provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in both geography and languages. Graduates can pursue Master’s or PhD degrees and go on to teach or conduct research in universities, colleges, or research institutions. Their expertise in both geographical topics and foreign languages makes them valuable educators in global studies or international relations.
International Trade and Supply Chain Management: Graduates with an understanding of geography and proficiency in foreign languages can pursue careers in international trade and logistics. These roles involve managing the movement of goods across borders, dealing with regulations, and understanding the geographical factors that influence trade. Language skills are particularly useful in communicating with suppliers, clients, and partners from different regions.
