Taking the Department of Geography at Durham University, UK, as a case study, this paper systematically elucidates the six hallmark features of UK geography higher education as outlined in the Subject Benchmark Statement for Geography issued by the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA): integrative education design, Inclusive and equitable accessibility, progressive learning pathways, fl exible teaching arrangements, collaborative engagement of multiple partnerships, and synergistic quality monitoring and review. The paper aims to provide a reference for the transformation of geography higher education in China from a traditional teacher-training model towards cultivating interdisciplinary innovative talents, thereby serving the national strategic demand for outstanding geographical professionals.