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New data show that the number of students applying to study geography at university in 2020 is higher than in 2019. The increase comes despite the deadline for applications being preceded by several months of lockdown and disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statistical release by UCAS indicates that 40,560 students applied for places on geographical and environmental studies courses before the 30 June deadline, compared with a comparable figure of 40,230 in 2019. Students are still able to apply for a limited number of geography places via clearing.
There has also been a general rise in university applications across all subjects. Clare Marchant, Chief Executive at UCAS, said: “At this moment, we’re seeing an encouraging picture emerge out of national lockdown, with currently more applicants than last year keen to expand their mind, stretch themselves, and seize the opportunities that higher education can offer.”
The increase in applications suggests that students continue to recognise the increasing significance of geography. With the growing importance of issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation, spatial epidemiology and inequalities, geography is one of the most relevant courses for our time.
Find out more about choosing geography.