Daft question about Geography degree

Piggywaspushed · 23/09/2025 18:28

There are degrees specifically in Human Geography -Lancaster and Southampton , I think , amongst others. Southampton does a degree in Population Studies.

Lots of sociology (depending on what is taught) is human geography.

She needs to look at entry requirements really.

Piggywaspushed · 23/09/2025 18:30

Sociology, RS and geography A level would eb quite a full on combo - loads of essays and lots of facts and studies.

What's she like at maths and/or languages?

Arlanymor · 23/09/2025 18:30

Anthropology sounds like a better degree choice to me based on her preferences… option to do a Psychology A-Level?

Piggywaspushed · 23/09/2025 18:31

Or, indeed , she could do a sociology/ social policy degree!

OnePoliteKoala · 23/09/2025 19:49

Simply put: yes, some universities will accept students with only GCSEs. However, it’s not a straightforward process. Be aware that your DD might need to have near‑excellent GCSE grades and, in some cases, an average of five GCSEs to be considered.
If accepted, the student will usually have to complete a foundation year or two before officially starting their bachelor’s studies — so it’s not an immediate admission into the degree programme, and you’ll still be paying uni fees during the foundation year.
Alternatively (if your DD wants to skip the foundation‑year malarkey), equivalent qualifications to A‑levels may be worth exploring, such as BTECs or HNDs. Just ask the university which specific BTEC or HND courses they prefer.
So, generally speaking, several universities will accept students without A‑levels for a bachelor’s degree, but you’ll need to contact their admissions office first.

Sidenote: Many of these fancy‑sounding A‑levels are more difficult than they appear. Plus, a fair bit of the knowledge gained during A‑levels ends up being unnecessary in bachelor’s studies, because of the generalised nature of A‑levels. I know students who chose A‑level Sociology and disliked it because it involved a lot of reading, projects, and essays. I’m not trying to discourage your DD — if she enjoys that sort of thing, then go for it.

Piggywaspushed · 23/09/2025 19:57

She isn't saying she isn't going to do A levels...

LaurelBush · 23/09/2025 20:00

OnePoliteKoala · 23/09/2025 19:49

Simply put: yes, some universities will accept students with only GCSEs. However, it’s not a straightforward process. Be aware that your DD might need to have near‑excellent GCSE grades and, in some cases, an average of five GCSEs to be considered.
If accepted, the student will usually have to complete a foundation year or two before officially starting their bachelor’s studies — so it’s not an immediate admission into the degree programme, and you’ll still be paying uni fees during the foundation year.
Alternatively (if your DD wants to skip the foundation‑year malarkey), equivalent qualifications to A‑levels may be worth exploring, such as BTECs or HNDs. Just ask the university which specific BTEC or HND courses they prefer.
So, generally speaking, several universities will accept students without A‑levels for a bachelor’s degree, but you’ll need to contact their admissions office first.

Sidenote: Many of these fancy‑sounding A‑levels are more difficult than they appear. Plus, a fair bit of the knowledge gained during A‑levels ends up being unnecessary in bachelor’s studies, because of the generalised nature of A‑levels. I know students who chose A‑level Sociology and disliked it because it involved a lot of reading, projects, and essays. I’m not trying to discourage your DD — if she enjoys that sort of thing, then go for it.

OP does not mean no A levels. She means not Geography A Level.

OP, my DC is currently doing Geography at uni, but didn't do it for GCSE or A Levels.

Original poster

postitnot · 23/09/2025 20:24

Piggywaspushed · 23/09/2025 18:30

Sociology, RS and geography A level would eb quite a full on combo - loads of essays and lots of facts and studies.

What's she like at maths and/or languages?

Not very keen on maths and not sure how passionate she is about languages...

She's thinking law as a 3rd which also sounds essay heavy. I thought some rivers and mountains might be a bit of relief from essays about people!

OP posts:

AnonProf · 23/09/2025 20:29

postitnot · 23/09/2025 18:14

Would it be silly to apply for a Geography degree with GCSE Geography but not A level?

My dd is choosing her alevels. She really likes 'people' and wants to do sociology and theology (RE is her favourite gcse) and not sure of 3rd. I think a Geography BA degree would really suit her as she likes the human side of it, and it's so flexible for so many jobs.

But she hates mountains and rivers so doesn't want to do the A level. I'm trying not to voice my opinion as that guarantees she'll do the opposite..

I've looked at a couple of unis who say they would take her with a sociology a level, but surely they'd question her choices?

No offence, but I really wouldn’t recommend letting what your Mum thinks you should study at degree level affect what you choose to study at A Level. Or do you mean she’s actually expressed an interest in a geography degree?

Piggywaspushed · 23/09/2025 20:33

postitnot · 23/09/2025 20:24

Not very keen on maths and not sure how passionate she is about languages...

She's thinking law as a 3rd which also sounds essay heavy. I thought some rivers and mountains might be a bit of relief from essays about people!

Show quote history

Relief made me laugh in a geographical way!

Law is very rote learning heavy. Loads of stuff to learn. V heavy with sociology.

Original poster

postitnot · 23/09/2025 21:17

AnonProf · 23/09/2025 20:29

No offence, but I really wouldn’t recommend letting what your Mum thinks you should study at degree level affect what you choose to study at A Level. Or do you mean she’s actually expressed an interest in a geography degree?

Show quote history

Well, when she was younger (12ish) she was a proper eco warrior and made us time our showers to save water. She always wanted to save the planet, but now she's 15 that's not cool anymore. I just think a Geography degree would suit her, deep down...

OP posts:

Original poster

postitnot · 23/09/2025 21:23

Piggywaspushed · 23/09/2025 18:31

Or, indeed , she could do a sociology/ social policy degree!

She did a taster lecture in sociology and loved it, so that's a definite. My friend said geography and sociology overlap a bit

OP posts:

Piggywaspushed · 23/09/2025 21:27

Your friend is correct!

converseandjeans · 23/09/2025 21:32

postitnot · 23/09/2025 20:24

Not very keen on maths and not sure how passionate she is about languages...

She's thinking law as a 3rd which also sounds essay heavy. I thought some rivers and mountains might be a bit of relief from essays about people!

Show quote history

@postitnot Law A level probably isn’t as highly regarded as Geography to be honest. You don’t need Law A level to do a Law degree.

I did see Exeter seem to do a combined degree. Never heard of it before. It might keep her options open.

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/flexible/exeter/

mamabluestar · 23/09/2025 21:38

If you do a BA or BSc Geography degree the 1st year is a combination of physical and human geography.

GreyAreas · 23/09/2025 21:50

BA Geography (the human geography degree) has a lot of physical stuff in first year which could be a challenge without A level.
Think she needs to talk to a teacher or careers person about her options and keep some breadth in there.