MA Geography at University of Aberdeen

Programme overview

Geography is key to understanding and resolving many of the most pressing problems faced by society, including climate change, poverty, energy transitions, sustainable development and environmental conservation. Our degree programmes reflect these modern-day challenges, with core and optional courses aimed at producing highly skilled graduates who can think critically and develop solutions to tackle these problems. Our teaching is research-led, delivered by staff who are actively investigating some of the most important problems facing the world today – problems with social and environmental dimensions which geographical knowledge can help us understand and resolve.

Duration: 4 years (48 months) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: September | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

For more information about our courses, please visit the Department of Geography and Environment website. Year 1 compulsory courses: Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, The UN Sustainable Development Goals: Transforming Our World and The Flow of Time: Introductory Field Trip.

Career pathways

Studying Geography develops a range of transferable skills such as: critical thinking, research design, data analysis skills, proficiency in IT (GIS and remote sensing in particular) and the ability to communicate effectively in various formats. Geographers also acquire specialist knowledge of cultural, political, economic and environmental issues and the ability to evaluate these from different perspectives – local, national and international.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2027 entry. SQA Highers Standard: BBBB Applicants presenting the standard grades will usually receive an unconditional offer; more may be asked for where applications exceed places. Widening Access: BBC Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer. Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects. Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher. National 5 English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C or above. A LEVELS Standard: BBC Widening Access: CCC GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE Five subjects at Higher at H3. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Home fee for students from Scotland. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,800 a year (2026/27). EU / international fee. Reduced rate (Self-funded Students): £14,800. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 4 years (48 months)

Apply through the official page: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/ucas-application-process/

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