Graduate Degree in Geography in the UK

<p>I am currently and undergrad at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and I am studying Geography and Environmental Systems with a focus in Geography. I guess my question is 2 fold.</p>

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<li><p>What are some schools in the UK that I should be looking into? I would like to focus on GIS or Geoinformatics but if you know of any reputable program in geography then I would like to hear about it.</p></li>
<li><p>I know that undergraduate education in the UK does not match up with what we do here in the states. What can I expect to be most heavily scrutinized on an application? In general, how difficult is it to get into grad school in the UK?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I have debated going to grad school in the US but the idea is just not that appealing. It is expensive as hell, and takes forever. A masters degree from the UK can be done in a year and for what appears to be around $20,000? That number might be a little misguided but it is certainly cheaper than what I can find here. More importantly than the cost, I would really like to live abroad. I tried to take advantage of a foreign exchange program at UMBC but the whole process tragically fell apart during the application stage and I just never revisited the idea. This is a really abstract question that I do not really know how to ask, but what schools would you recommend to get the most "British" experience? I dont want to be tucked away in the countryside somewhere where I will do/see nothing beyond my immediate vicinity, nor do I want to see just a microcosm of what Great Britain has to offer. I guess I just want the best experience possible and it is a VERY important factor in choosing where to go.</p>

<p>Has anyone else here successfully gone abroad for their grad degree? particularly if you were a geography major.</p>

<p>You’re right about a taught Masters being 1 year fulltime and about $20k in fees - from £13-17k from what I’ve seen for geography for overseas students.</p>

<p>Both Leeds and Manchester offer Masters in GIS and would give you an English city experience at a lower cost of living than London. If you want somewhere with a bit more prestige Bristol is a good option though I’m not sure their courses are what you are after.
If youre looking to save costs then the London unis may not be the best option but they do have great reputations.</p>

<p>Ive crossed the other way for study so cant comment on coming from the US to study in the UK but there are many oversees students in the UK at all levels.</p>