Programme accreditation

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) accredits undergraduate and master's programmes in geography across the UK.

Undergraduate programmes are assessed in line with the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Geography, which defines what can be expected of a graduate in terms of the knowledge, understanding, skills and approaches they have gained. For master’s programmes, enhanced criteria are used to assess applications for accreditation in place of the Subject Benchmark Statement. In making an application, departments are also given the opportunity to highlight what is distinctive in their delivery of geographical teaching and/or learning. Providers offering degree programmes in geography are free to decide upon the details of content, organisation and delivery.

Accreditation scheme aims

Through programme accreditation we aim to:

• Share and promote the benefits of geography for the world beyond higher education.

• Recognise good practice in geography learning and teaching.

• Enhance competitiveness for students in a crowded graduate jobs market.

• Provide a means to support the continuous quality improvement of UK geography degree programmes.

• Support the international standing of UK higher education geography as a rigorous and applied subject.