BSc in Geography

In first-year Physical Geography, we introduce the range of our research specialisms and research methods, including residential fieldwork in Portugal. Elective modules in the second and third years progressively lead to material that is specialist and at the cutting edge of research. The majority of modules in the second and third year focus on physical geography and environmental topics, with others that cross the human/physical geography interface. In the second and third year, students may take one module from the Geography BA list (subject to timetable compatibility).

Year 1

Compulsory modules:

• Physical Geography
• Introduction to Geographical Research (BSc) – double module including residential fieldwork in Portugal
• Human Geography: Space and Place in a Changing World.

Optional modules:

Choose two optional modules from:

• Understanding Earth’s Principles
• Environment and Society
• Geographies of Crisis
• Level One Module(s) offered by another department, subject to approval.

Year 2

You develop further practical and scientific research skills and through your choice of modules may start to specialize in a number of themes that may continue in the third year or choose a broader approach. These include modules that cross the human/physical geography interface.

Compulsory modules:

• Scientific Research in Geography (includes compulsory residential fieldwork in the UK) – double module, and a pre-requisite for your Dissertation in the third year
• Handling Geographic Information.

Optional modules:

Choose three modules (the modules may vary from year to year but typical options include):

• Climate Change: Geographical Perspectives
• Contested Environments
• Fluvial Systems
• Geochemistry of the Environment
• Glaciers and Glaciation
• Global Environmental Change
• Mountain Landscapes
• One Level Two module from the BA list or from another department (with permission and subject to timetable compatibility).

Year 3

In the third year, students will undertake their own Research Project, supervised by a member of staff alongside a selection of modules that involve material at the cutting-edge of contemporary research.

Compulsory module (40 credits):

• Dissertation (individual Research Project based on an approved physical geography topic) – double module.

Optional modules (80 credits from the following):

(the modules may vary from year to year but typical options include):

20 credits:

• Alpine Landscapes and Processes (Switzerland field trip)
• Field Research in Glacial Environments (Iceland field trip)
• Ice Age Environments
• Mountain Hazards (Nepal field trip)
• Natural Hazards, Risk and Resilience
• Oceans Past and Present
• Remote Sensing
• River Dynamics
• Sea Level Change and Coastal Evolution
• The Arctic (Norway field trip)

10 credits:

• Antarctic Environments
• Geochemical Applications
• Integrated Catchment Modelling
• Landslides
• Peatland Geomorphology
• Water: Resource and Well-Being

• Up to 20 credits from the Level 3 BA list (with permission and subject to timetable compatibility).

Study Abroad

Geography

You will have the opportunity to study abroad during the second year where we have exchange programs and this can be a rewarding experience that is highly valued by employers. The latest information is as follows:

University Partner links:

• National University of Singapore
• University of British Columbia
• Queen's University, Canada
• University of Otago, New Zealand

Options Available:-

• 4 Year With Foundation Year