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Once you have decided where you would like to study and which courses you are most interested in, you must then complete the application process. Applications for full-time higher education are conducted online using the UCAS application system.

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Applying to UCAS

You are allowed a maximum of five choices (either at different universities, or different courses at the same university).

Universities have different entrance requirements: some may ask for A Level grades such as AAB, or for tariff points (a points based system used to report achievements for entry to higher education); others will ask for lower grades. Talk to your teachers to get guidance on what results you are predicted to get, and use this to eliminate those universities whose standards you are unlikely to meet.

Common advice is to apply for two or three courses that normally offer the sorts of grades you realistically expect to get, and two or three others who offer lower grades than you hope to get.

The reason for this is that ultimately you will only be able to hold two offers; these tend to be the university you most want to go to, and one other safety-net offer for lower grades in case things go less well in examinations. You can choose to apply in clearing but this may mean that you do not get to the institution that is your first choice.

You can find a wealth of information on the UCAS website on deadlines, how to apply and financial support.

Writing a personal statement

A personal statement is a central part of your UCAS application, where you explain why you've chosen a particular course and why you'll be good at it. It is your chance to stand out against other candidates and hopefully get that all-important offer.

You only write one personal statement which is then read by each university you apply to, so if you are applying for more than one subject (or a combined course) it is crucial that you include common themes or reference the overall skills needed for all subjects.

For those applying to start university in 2026, the personal statement has been replaced by three questions. For those applying to start before this date, you will be asked to write one long statement. Either way, the overall character limit (4,000) remains the same, as does the information you are expected to include.

The UCAS online system will provide three text boxes (one per question) for applicants to write their responses. Each text box will have a character counter and provide tips for answering each question. The character limit can be spread across the questions. Applicants are required to write a minimum 350 character response to each question.

Universities will view responses to questions are one piece of text, so applicants must not repeat answers across the questions.

Here are the three questions and some advice on what to include in your answer if you are applying to a geography programme:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?

In answering this question, you might want to consider the following questions:

  • Why do you want to study geography at university? What topics interest you and why?
  • Are you passionate about a particular issue?
  • What books have you read, podcasts have you listened to, lectures have you watched, that brought geography to life for you?
  • You need to demonstrate you are interested enough in the subject to engage beyond the classroom.

2. How have your qualifications and studies helped your prepare for this course?

  • Universities want you to talk about yourself. Show that your interest goes beyond your predicted grades.
  • Show your motivation and commitment and why you want to go to university.
  • Talk about the relevance of the modules you have been studying and your independent investigation - this is a great way to showcase your interest and independence.
  • Make links to your interests and your strengths.
  • Discuss fieldtrips you have been on, topics of your independent research, lectures you have attended and relevant books you have read.

3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

  • Write about other relevant activities you are involved in for example clubs, volunteering and part-time jobs. Explaining how these activities are relevant is a great way to demonstrate other skills you have, your independence and your commitment.
  • Other activities you have been involved in. For example, are you a member of the Society? If so, show how you have made the most of this for example reading Geographical magazine and attending or watching lectures.
  • Positions of responsibility that you hold/have held both in and out of school, e.g. form prefect or representative for a local charity or member of a sports team.
  • Any ideas you may have of future plans and how you want to use the knowledge and experience that you gain.

Using AI when writing your personal statement

  • You can use generative AI software (such as Chat GPT) to help gather ideas, develop a structure or check readability.
  • AI software should not be used to generate final text for your personal statement.
  • One of the problems with text generated by AI is that it is often bland and generic, whereas a personal statement needs to show your interest in and motivations for studying a course

 

Top tip: make sure to take your time when writing your personal statement and start early so you have time to write multiple drafts and proofread it.

Useful resources

Entry Grade Report

Applicants for 2026 Entry will also be able to view an 'Entry Grade Report'. This will allow applicants to see what grades successful applicants actually achieved over a 5-year period, including offer rates. This information should be approached with caution, as past grades may not reflect the grades needed to enter a course this year. For more information on UCAS changes, visit: UCAS Personal Statements Are Changing in 2025

Interviews

  • Interviews are not a part of the application for every programme. They vary in length and format, but typically last between 15 and 30 minutes.
  • Selection interviews are academic, subject-focused discussions in which lecturers try to test knowledge and hope to see applicants thinking problems through for themselves.
  • Interviewers are interested in substance, not style, have no hidden agenda and do not try to catch applicants out.
  • If you are requested to attend an interview as part of the application process, resources produced by the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford may prove useful.

Getting help and support

  • Calling the admissions tutor can be really useful to find out more about the course and institution and discuss options.
  • Go to open days with lots of questions for both staff and students. 
  • Spend some time researching university webpages - they are usually rich sources of detailed information.

Taking a gap year

A gap year can be a useful and rewarding experience if it is well planned, helping your personal development and expanding the skills you will need in your future career. Taking a gap year can be a unique opportunity to do one or a combination of the following:

  • Earn some money for university costs.
  • Plan and go travelling for an extended period.
  • Take part in a voluntary scheme or charity project in the UK or overseas.
  • Undertake work experience in the UK or overseas.

All these will build your knowledge, experience and skills before you continue with your studies. A well-structured gap year can set you apart from others when going to university or looking for future employment. Before you decide on a gap year, consider the following questions about studying geography at university:

  • Are the five university courses you are thinking of applying to willing to accept a deferred entry?
  • Have you considered, discussed or sought advice about gap year plans? In terms of time and budget?
  • If you need to work for part of your gap year, have you considered what you would like to gain from employment? In terms of skills? Experience? Rate of Pay?

Degree fraud

In the UK, more than 240 fake 'institutions' have been identified, offering bogus degrees and courses. Many of these have fake websites, some imitating real universities, which encourage you to pay for unrecognised courses or certificates.

Make sure that you are using genuine university websites and applying via UCAS. If you are unsure about the authenticity of an institution, search for it on the Prospects Hedd 'Check an Institution' tool, or read more about education fraud.