How much reading do geography students have to do?
Geography students generally need to do regular independent reading alongside lectures, seminars, fieldwork and practical classes. This can include textbooks, academic journal articles, research papers, policy reports and material linked to particular case studies. The amount varies by university, module, level and assessment, so check the course handbook or module descriptions for reading lists and workload guidance.
Key points
- Reading may cover both physical and human geography, depending on the modules selected.
- Some reading is used to prepare for seminars, essays, exams or fieldwork.
- Students may also need to interpret maps, graphs, data and other research materials.
Things to check
- There is no single reading requirement for all geography degrees; compulsory and recommended reading can differ substantially between courses.