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Whats the difference between BA(Hons) and BSc(Hons)??

Hi all, really confused as to the difference between BA(Hons) and BSc(Hons), and was just wondering if anyone maybe already at uni (having been through this process!) or just anyone who gets it would be able to help me out?

I'm applying to uni by UCAS in a few weeks when i go back to college, so obviously have been researching courses and unis. Not exactly sure which uni i want to go to yet, but i know i definitely want to do a degree in Geography (have a passion for it! :smile:

). Many of the unis i've looked at have a good range of Geography degrees, but some unis have two of the same degree, but one is a BA(Hons) and one is a BSc(Hons).. this reaaaaaally confused me! :eek3:

So i dont know which would be the better option to go for? I know that BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BSc is Bachelor of Science, but the courses are the identical in title and description.. so i dont really get the difference. Is one better/more highly looked upon than the other? I love all aspects of Geography - both physical and human, but probably would lean more towards the physical side if i had to pick. Want to be a Geography teacher.. can this be done with a BA or a BSc?

So having given a bit of backround, what is the difference and which Geography course would you recommend I take, the BA(Hons) or BSc(Hons)?!

Thanks in advance! :smile:

Any help with this muchly appreciated.. i could scream at it!!! :mad:

Reply 1

carcinoma

One is More Science based than the other.

If you like the physical more than the human go for the BSc one.

Reply 2

cpj1987

Essentially, one will be the more scientific approach to geography, one the more artistic. Look at individual modules to see the differences, rather than basic titles or description.
Unfortunately, I don't know enough about geography to help you more.

Reply 3

Lachlan

Probably very little, although people may assume the BSc has more science/maths involved.

Reply 4

Sambo2

it also matters (especially in scotland) for which faculty you are registered with and hence which additional modules you may take/ the options for which subject you eventually graduate in

Reply 5

arkbar

cpj1987

Essentially, one will be the more scientific approach to geography, one the more artistic.

What's an artistic approach to geography?

Reply 6

cpj1987

arkbar

What's an artistic approach to geography?

As I say, I don't know. Seems that the person who posted above me suggests it to be human geography, though.

Reply 7

arkbar

cpj1987

As I say, I don't know. Seems that the person who posted above me suggests it to be human geography, though.

It is human geography, my question was pretty sarcastic as I've got a BA in geography. I just think that classifying BA and BSc into 'artistic' and 'scientific' is pretty unhelpful though.

Reply 8

username196545

BA is more human geography; Urbanisation, Ruralisation, Conurbations; crap like that.

BSci is more science based; River formations, longshore drift and so on...

Obviously a lot more technical than that, but I'm assuming that's basically how it goes.

^^^ Could be wrong btw, that's just a guess.

Reply 9

hb9

Bubbles*de*Milo

Basically this. At several unis the first year is the same for both though, and then you have more choice about modules from 2nd yr onwards.

Reply 10

Stratocaster

Before you get the wrong idea, OFTEN, there is LITTLE OR NO DIFFERENCE between BSc and BA courses offered by universities. That isn't to say there are universities which do offer very different programmes, but normally it is the case that you are free to choose whichever modules you please, while only having to adhere to a small selection of required physical or human geography modules, depending on your course choice.

Reply 11

TheOneWho

Essentially there is NO difference, although different departments will have different strengths. Often both sets of students are taught the same things and are allowed to specialise in their own way. I am a human geographer through and through but I will graduate with a BSc in geography.

Reply 12

nikki_louise

basically your first year will be the same whether or not you do a BA or BSc, the only thing i had different throughout the whole year was on my first year field trip where my report was based on the city of southampton's nightlife where as the BSc students had to report on soil types.
For second and third year you will probs have to take core human (if doing the BA) or physical (if doing the BSc) modules and then have the option of taking modules from the other to complete.
If you like the idea of teaching, it doesnt really matter which one you take, however do make sure that you can take modules from the other course- ie if you take the BA make sure you can take some BSc modules throughout your three years because you will have to teach both human and physical aspects of geography.
Doing either BA or BSc (for me aniway requires) maths- not just the BSc programme

Reply 13

hardy_4_paws

nikki_louise

Hi, i'm hoping to do a geography degree and I was wondering what you think of southampton and its course? Are there any particular modules you have found really interesting?

Thank you!

Reply 14

nikki_louise

hardy_4_paws

Hi, i'm hoping to do a geography degree and I was wondering what you think of southampton and its course? Are there any particular modules you have found really interesting?

Thank you!

i have really enjoyed both of the direct human modules i did. one was all about cities, space and we did a lot about disability and graffiti which i had never done before which was interesting, another was based on economy (including our current situation), development and culture (film industry) which i found great.
i did a stats module which was so so- the teacher wasn't brilliant, a kinda history of geography which had some interesting bits like explorers and that.
the physical stuff i struggled a bit with because i didnt do any science a levels but i did find the climate change stuff good because i learnt some interesting things that the media doesnt exactly talk about. and then a geogrphical skills unit which just helped with essay writing etc.
next year wil be a lot better since i got to pick half my modules and dont have to do one outside geography. plus a week field trip- although expensive.
only big thing i have to criticise is that because there are soooo many people taking geography it was basically lectures all the time except for a few computer labs for stats and tutorials for the geographical skills. next year ill have labs and seminars which i want because i like to discuss and do things not just sit and take notes- although some of the lecturers were amazing.
something i would say was brilliant was the tutors, mine was brilliant always emailing me back within a day helping me with things and they have a buddy system where by second years get two first years emails and they can meet up and ask them any questions which is really good,
the geoggraphy socity is also brilliant with lots of different activities as well- one of the best at the uni.
any other questions ask away (hope i havent written too much)