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Why study with us

We are committed to protecting and growing the spaces that nurture us, improving the communities that shape us, developing the institutions that bind us, and influencing the people that lead us. Join us and pursue your passions, advance your academic ambitions and develop your professional profile and skills.

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Professionally recognised

Fully or partially accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

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Top ranked

We’re ranked in the global Top 100 for Geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022) and and 14th in the UK for town and country planning and landscape (The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).

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Fast-track your career

92% of graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course. (Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21).

Courses

Entry year

Human Geography (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Tackle the social, political, economic and environmental challenges which affect how and where we live.

Human Geography and Planning (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Explore the changing nature of space and place and help solve the major social and development issues affecting communities in the UK and around the world.

Human Geography and Planning with a Professional Placement Year (Accredited) (BSc)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 4 years

Explore the changing nature of space and place and help solve the major social and development issues affecting communities in the UK and around the world.

Human Geography with a Professional Placement Year (BSc)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 4 years

Tackle the social, political, economic and environmental challenges which affect how and where we live.

Urban Planning & Development (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Explore how planning shapes how we live, travel and interact with people and places, and learn how you can change it for the better.

Urban Planning and Development with a Professional Placement Year (BSc)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 4 years

Explore how planning shapes how we live, travel and interact with people and places, and learn how you can change it for the better.

Our videos

Human Geography - transforming people and places

Human Geography is the study of our world and our relationships with systems, policies, cultures and social behaviours. Investigate, analyse and help solve some of the major global challenges affecting communities around the world.

Planning for tomorrow

Planners play an intrinsic role in tackling climate change, paving the way to a sustainable, viable and vibrant future. We apply critical thinking and practical knowledge in solving economic, environmental and social problems to address the grand challenges faced by human societies and places today.

I really enjoy the independent and relaxed nature of my studies; we’re neither overwhelmed by intensive lectures, nor are we neglected. There’s a perfect balance of receiving the core, necessary learning and support, but meanwhile being given the freedom to explore and learn for ourselves.
Zohra Wardak Human Geography (BSc)

Learn more about us

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Our accredited courses

Our commitment to generating knowledge that helps shape places, people and policies has led to our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes being accredited by a range of external bodies.

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Enhancing your employability

We’ll challenge your thinking and introduce you to new perspectives and knowledge, empowering you with the skills and confidence to chart your own path.

It’s an exciting subject dealing with important real-world issues, uniquely combining elements of geography and design. The opportunity to complete a paid placement year during the course particularly attracted me to Cardiff University, as well as the brilliant teaching and facilities. Cardiff is an evolving capital city with real life examples of past and present planning on your doorstep!
Robert Blake Urban Planning and Development (BSc) 2021

Explore Cardiff University

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Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

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Guaranteed accommodation

If you arrive in September, you're guaranteed a single occupancy room, and you'll be allocated with other first-year students.

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Student life

Learn more about our sport and recreation, free language programmes, living costs, learning support and the Students' Union.

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Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

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Download our undergraduate brochure

Learn more about our courses, School and the wider University.

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Contact us

Ask a question via our enquiry form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

Other subjects you might be interested in

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Earth and environmental sciences

Gain the scientific knowledge and skills required to impact key environmental developments and decisions and learn how to preserve our planet for generations to come.

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Geography (physical)

Explore the landscapes, climate and the dynamic physical processes that shape the Earth's surface, with a focus on the global challenges facing our oceans or the effect humans are having on our planet.


Source: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2023. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.