What are The Best Universities in The UK to Study Geography?

Degree in Geography not only helps gain thorough knowledge about the world they live in but also helps them develop skills like critical thinking, data analysis and independent research. Many of the universities provide both human and physical geography courses. Cartography also forms a part of these course. The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, is the best university to study the subject.

Here is a combined list of the ten well-known universities in the UK, which help secure the future of students in the field of geography:

University of Oxford

Founded in 1096, one of the largest, most diverse and vibrant graduate schools in the world is the University of Oxford. It offers advanced degrees in Geography and the department is top-rated. Its origins lie back in 1886, with the establishment of Halford Mackinder Readership in Geography. The University is located in England, and is the oldest English-speaking University in the entire world.

University of Cambridge

A leading center of geographical research, the university offers numerous research oriented degrees to develop the strengths of students in human and physical geography. Located in Cambridge, England, the university was established in 1209. In year 2017, it was ranked the world’s second best university by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

LSE Department of Geography and Environment offers academic excellence in variety of courses in social sciences. In 2018, the QS World University ranking rated LSE as the second-best for Geography. The public research university was founded in 1895, and is located in Westminster, central London.

University of Edinburgh

One of the perfect locations to study geography, is the Edinburgh University, for it also combines the physical environment of the ancient volcano Arthur’s Seat. During the course study, students are offered numerous fieldwork opportunities not only in Scotland, but Iceland, Greece, Germany, South Africa and Wales as well. The University was established in 1582, and is one of the ancient universities of Scotland.

UCL (University College London)

In the heart of Bloomsbury, London, is the department of Geography at UCL known for its excellent courses in the subject. The world-leading center indulges in teaching, research and public engagement. The lectures are related to the current problems of the world, for example climate change, migration, geopolitics etc. The university was established in 1826.

The University of Manchester

It is one of the youngest universities in the United Kingdom. Located in Manchester, England, University of Manchester is a red-brick university which was established in its present form in 2004, after the amalgamation of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. The physical geography laboratories are equipped with a wide spectrum of high-end environmental analytical instrumentation. The university also aims to contribute towards combating practical issues currently faced by society, and is among the best universities to study geography in the UK.

King’s College London (University of London)

The college was established in 1829 in London, as a constituent college of the Federal University of London. The courses here focus on some of the major issues haunting the world today, like sustainability, global inequality, urban regeneration, climate change etc. The college has five campuses: Strand Campus in central London, three Thames-side campuses at Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Waterloo; and one in Denmark Hill in south London. It has been well-known for its quality education and has also been one of the largest universities in the UK by total enrollment.

Durham University

Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832, Durham University is a public research university located in North East England. It is the third oldest university in England, after Oxford and Cambridge. The department of geography was established in the university in 1928. It has been ranked amid the top ten in QS World University Rankings for the last six continuous years.

University of Bristol

Located in Bristol, England, the University was established in 1876. Field trips and practical work are key components of the geography courses offered by the University. They help students develop analytical skills by incorporating the use of specialized and modern computer software, statistics and data collection in the field. It is also a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities.

The University of Warwick

Located on the outskirts of Coventry, England, the University of Warwick was founded in 1965. Numerous master degrees in different geography courses are offered in the University, such as Msc. Sustainable Crop Production, Msc. Food Security etc. It has remained in top rankings worldwide, for many years, and enrolls students from different countries.

(top rankings as per The Guardian)

Related Links

• Is the UK in Europe?
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