A figure overlooks a lake and mountains.

Geography

Geography is a diverse course that includes both social and natural sciences. It looks at important issues like climate change, global inequalities and conservation.

Below you will find information about the specific degree course offered by Oxford University and Cambridge University to study Geography, how to prepare, and how Oxbridge Interviews can help you with your application.

BOOK COURSE

Cambridge offers a degree course in straight Geography, and is ranked as the top university in the UK to study Geography according to the Complete University Guide.

The application process is highly competitive with 3 applications per place. To be offered a place, you generally need to get A*AA at A Level (or equivalent) and Geography A-level is recommended.

Oxford is ranked third in the UK for studying Geography according to the Complete University Guide.

The application process is highly competitive with only 19% of applications successful. To be offered a place, you generally need to get A*AA at A Level (or equivalent) and Geography A-level is recommended.

To prepare for your Geography application, you must demonstrate your motivation for the subject and specific interests. You can do this reading beyond your school curriculum. Our interviewers recommend:

'Climate Research is Gaining Ground' by O. Heffernan
'Seeing like a City' by Amin and Thrift

Practice interviews for Geography applications are critical. You wouldn’t sit an exam without doing a mock, so don’t place yourself in an interview without having experienced a practice interview first.

Alfie (Geography, Oxford)

Alfie completed his undergraduate degree in Geography at Worcester College, Oxford. Since graduating, he has joined the civil service, working as a policy advisor at HM Treasury.

Q&A

Alfie, why did you choose Geography?

"I chose to study Geography because I knew what interested me, but I didn't know how to label it: geopolitics, demography, inequality, and consumption - the things that dominate the headlines every week! If you've got strong interests in a range of fields that aren't all accessible at undergraduate level, Geography is for you!"

What’s your advice to students applying to Geography?

"I would spend more time debating and less time reading. Read the theory, discuss the merits. You can get case studies anywhere once you know what to look for."

Applicants to study Geography at Cambridge may be required to take at-interview written assessment if applying to a college for mature students. Otherwise there is no written assessment for the course.

There are no written admissions test as part of the application process for Geography at Oxford.