ABSTRACT

More than thirty British universities together offer over seventy first degree courses in geography from which an increasing number of students graduate annually. In 1967, well over 1,000 students graduated in geography with single honours and more than 150 graduated with combined honours in geography and one other subject. To some extent, statistical competence is replacing fluency in a foreign language as an integral part of first degree courses in geography at British universities. In addition to annual field courses, most universities require students to submit a dissertation of between 5,000 and 15,000 words, normally in their final year: the exceptions are Exeter and Leeds, while at London an additional examination paper is available as an alternative to a dissertation. While at university, all geography undergraduates need to be able to read some foreign books and articles but only a few universities require a reading knowledge of a foreign language as an integral part of the degree course.