Frequently Asked Questions

Each year we receive a large number of requests for further information, for clarification about the courses on offer in the School of Geography and also for details about the entrance requirements for these courses. Listed below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If none of these answers your query please feel free to write or email us at the address given at the bottom of this page.

Q: I have applied to study in the School of Geography. When can I expect to hear from you?
A: We start assessing applications in the middle of November. Most applicants will hear from us between the end of November and the end of January. If you have not heard from us yet – do not panic – it means that your application is still being considered.

Q: I would like more information about the undergraduate courses offered by the School. Do you have a brochure?
A: The most up-to-date information about the courses can be found on the School’s website. If you would like a hard copy of the School’s brochure please write to us by post or email us at the address below (please make sure to include your full mailing address). A PDF version of the brochure is available on the School’s website: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/prospectuses/undergrad/brochures/Geography.pdf

Q: What sort of students are you looking for?
A: We are looking for students who have the ability and motivation to benefit from the course and from the wide range of other activities that are available both within the School and the University. When assessing your forms we take account of a wide range of factors including post-school experience and breadth of interest. See also: queries on Widening Participation and Typical Grades.

Q: What is your policy on Widening Participation?
A: The School of Geography is fully committed to providing widening access to its courses. The School participates in a number of programmes such as the Sutton Trust Summer School which is designed to assist students from groups which are currently under-represented in Higher Education in the UK, and a summer school for similar students but who live within the Nottingham region, as well as various other programmes. Accordingly each year the School accepts a number of high quality candidates from non-traditional backgrounds including mature entrants and first generation applicants. We ask applicants and their referees to tell us on their UCAS form or by letter or email of any circumstances that would help us to implement our policy on widening participation. For further information about the Widening Participation programme at Nottingham please look at the University’s web pages: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/wideningparticipation/.
Many Widening Participation students are also eligible for special grants and bursaries, for further information see the question on loans and bursaries.
For more information about the Summer Schools please consult: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/prospectuses/undergrad/introduction/visiting-us/visiting-us/summer-schools.php or contact the Admissions Tutor in Geography: ugadmissions@geography.nottingham.ac.uk

Q: The School of Geography offers more than one undergraduate degree programme and I am not sure which I should apply for. Can I apply for more than one course?
A: If you apply for more than one course it is possible that we will make you only one offer. We advise you to discuss this with your teacher and/or careers advisor so that you apply for the course that best suits your abilities and career aspirations. See also: the queries on Differences between the BA and BSc degrees and on Possible Change of Course.

Q: What if I get to Nottingham and want to change course. Is this possible?
A: If the proposed transfer is entirely within Geography, e.g. from to single honours BA to BSc, then the request will be dealt with entirely within the School of Geography. If more than one School is involved, e.g. from the School of Geography to the School of History or vice versa, then the agreement of both Schools is required for a transfer to take place. There is a standard University procedure for such events but note that any such transfers are best conducted within the first two weeks of term otherwise you may be required to start your new course in the following year. See also: the query on Differences between the BA and BSc degrees.

Q: What is the difference between the BA and BSc degrees in Geography?
A: Geography is a subject which includes the study of both physical and human activities and the School of Geography encourages any student who wishes to include a wide selection of modules in their degree course to do so. However, the normal expectation is that those students who study predominately physical modules will graduate with a BSc and those who study predominately human modules will graduate with a BA. Any student wishing to transfer from a BA to a BSc degree, or vice versa, may apply to do so providing that they are studying for an appropriate selection of modules. Any such student should discuss this matter with the Director for Undergraduate Studies beforehand.

Q: Would I be more likely to be offered a place if I applied to study for a BSc?
A: No, the entry grade requirements are exactly the same for the BA and the BSc degree courses.

Q: Do I need ‘A’ level Geography (or equivalents) to study Geography at Nottingham?
A: Our normal requirements are that all students wishing to study Geography at Nottingham should have an ‘A’ level or an ‘A’ level equivalent in Geography. We are also prepared to consider candidates with other qualifications or equivalent experience. If you are not certain as to whether these are appropriate please contact the School. All applicants taking ‘A’ level examinations will normally be expected to achieve an A grade in Geography.

Q: In addition to Geography what other ‘A’ level subjects do you require?
A: We regard ALL ‘A’ level subjects as having equal academic merit and will accept most other ‘A’ levels (including Art, Art and Design, Sports Science, etc.) but not General Studies. However we do ask that at least two of your ‘A’ level subjects are of some relevance to the course, e.g. Geography, Art and Physical Education would not be particularly suitable as preparation for a degree course in Geography whereas Geography, Physics and Art would be more appropriate.

Q: What ‘A’ level grades do I require to study Geography at the University of Nottingham?
A: Typical ‘A’ level requirements are:

• BA Geography – AAB
• BSc Geography – AAB
• BA Geography with Business – AAB
• BA Geography with Chinese Studies – AAB/ABB
• BA Geography with Russian Studies – AAB/ABB (and including at least one foreign language at A/S level or above)

All courses normally require a grade A at A2 level in Geography (see the query on ‘A’ level Geography above).

• GNVQ – Distinction level plus grade A at A2 level in Geography
• Scottish Highers – grade range AAAAB–AAABB with Advanced Highers in the range AAA–AAB with an A in Geography
• International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 34–36 points overall and a score of 6 in Geography
• European Baccalaureate – 80% result overall including the Geography component

Q: Can students studying Geography at Nottingham spend time studying abroad?
A: Yes, there are a range of options available to students who might wish to spend a period of time studying abroad. These include: i) through formal links with other European Universities, particularly Seville, Grenoble and Eichstätt, under the ERASMUS/SOCRATES scheme; and ii) opportunities to study in many different parts of the world including Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, China and Singapore under the UNIVERSITAS 21 scheme. Students usually spend one semester (half-year) abroad, usually from September to January in the 2nd Year. The academic fees for these periods of study are met by the host university and the University of Nottingham provides financial help with travel and living costs. Information about the ERASMUS/SOCRATES and UNIVERSITAS 21 schemes can be obtained at: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/international/current_students/exchange_study_opp/

Q: How does the School view a gap year?
A: Favourably, particularly if the time is spent in doing something of benefit such as gaining work experience, travelling, learning a foreign language, service to the community, etc. When applying you should indicate on your UCAS form that you wish to be considered for deferred entry and state why. If after you have made your application you decide to take a year out and have not applied for deferred entry contact the School’s Admissions Tutor immediately as it may be possible to arrange for your application to be deferred for one year. If not you will be required to re-apply through UCAS and in such circumstances there is no automatic guarantee that you will be made an offer the second time round. In all cases you are strongly recommended to contact the School’s Admissions Tutor who will be happy to advise you on your own particular circumstances: ugadmissions@geography.nottingham.ac.uk

Q: Can I visit the School?
A: Yes, you are strongly recommended to visit the School, if at all possible, in order to gain a better understanding of the facilities and activities within the School as well as University life at Nottingham. Nottingham usually organises four University Open Days for Sixth Formers every year when prospective students have an opportunity to visit the University Campus and the School of Geography as well as having an opportunity to talk to members of staff and current students. University Open Days will be held on Friday 25 June, Saturday 26 June, Friday 10 September and Saturday 11 September in 2010.

The University also organises a number of one-day Campus Tours throughout the year during which you will receive an introduction to the Campus and are welcome to visit the School. Campus Tours will be held on Wednesday 31 March and Wednesday 4 August in 2010. Further information about the University Open Days and Campus Tours for the coming year can be obtained at: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/prospectuses/undergrad/introduction/visiting-us/.

All students who apply to Nottingham and receive an offer are invited to attend a UCAS Visit Day of which there are five between February and March each year. At these UCAS Visit Days there will be an opportunity to tour the University and view accommodation in the morning and visit the School in the afternoon to see its facilities, listen to a talk given by staff and students and to speak to the Admissions Tutor, other members of staff and current students.

If you are unable visit on any of these dates you are most welcome to visit the School at any time you wish during office hours from Monday to Friday between 9.00am to 5.00pm. Please contact the School beforehand if you wish to have an appointment.

Q: I am a mature student and considering entering full-time education. I would like advice as to whether I should apply to the School and what the minimum entry requirements are likely to be.
A: We welcome applications from mature students who have the relevant qualifications and/or experience. Normally the Admissions Tutor will invite you to the School to discuss your application in more detail and to show you the facilities available. See also the section on Prior and Experiential Learning and the section on Widening Participation.

Q: I am a student with a disability, will this affect my prospects for study at Nottingham?
A: We welcome applications from all students, including those with some form of disability. The University of Nottingham has been a pioneer in the provision of facilities for disabled students over the past quarter of a century and within the School there is a member of staff who is designated to oversee the problems of students with disabilities and to ensure that such students receive appropriate support. If you require more information about provision for disabled students at Nottingham please consult the Disability Policy Advisory Unit web pages: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/disability/.
If you think that your particular disability is likely to cause special difficulties whilst studying Geography please contact the Admissions Tutor who will be happy to discuss the matter with you: ugadmissions@geography.nottingham.ac.uk

Q: How much does it cost to attend Field Course trips?
A: Examples of the approximate cost of trips being taken in the current year (2009-2010) are as follows:

• Lake District - £200 (First Year); mandatory for most Year 1 students
• North Wales - £120 (Second Year); optional module
• Paris - £100 plus travel costs (Third Year); optional module
• Liguria - £320 (Third Year); optional module

Please note that the number, location and cost of these trips can change from year to year. Also there are likely to be charges for day excursions connected with a number of option modules. These charges will not normally exceed £10 per excursion.

Q: What sorts of accommodation are available at Nottingham and what are the likely costs?
A: There are approximately 8,000 rooms available on five sites all close to or on the main campus and ranging from catered accommodation (three meals a day, seven days a week) to self-catered accommodation where there are facilities for you to prepare your own meals. Costs range from £3295.70 per annum to £7217.01 per annum for the year 2010-2011. For further information and photographs of the types of accommodation available please look at the following University web pages: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/nh/students/accomm/

Q: What are the likely costs of living for a student at Nottingham?
A: The costs that you will incur as a Nottingham student will depend in part on the type of accommodation that you select plus the costs of your lifestyle activities such as sport and entertainment. Academic fees will be £3225 per annum for the year 2009-2010. To this should be added the costs for food and accommodation (see above Accommodation) plus other living and lifestyle costs. For further information about the likely costs for a student at Nottingham please look at: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/prospectuses/undergrad/introduction/finance/cost-of-studying.php

Q: What sort of financial assistance such as loans and bursaries are available to students who study at Nottingham?
A; There are a number of student loans and grants available to students to help meet their academic and living costs including government grants (maximum of £2765) and student loans (maximum of £4510). About half of our students qualify for University of Nottingham core bursaries of up to £1025 per annum. There are also a number of other bursaries and benefactions which are available, particularly for local students. Details of loans and bursaries available at Nottingham can be obtained from the University web pages: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/prospectuses/undergrad/introduction/finance/uk-students.php

If none of the above answers your query please feel free to write, call or email us at:

The Admissions Secretary
School of Geography
Sir Clive Granger Building
The University of Nottingham
Nottingham
NG7 2RD

Web page: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/geography/
Email address: ugadmissions@geography.nottingham.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0)115 951 5428/5429
Fax: + 44 (0)115 951 5249