Geography, BSc Hons

Today's rapidly changing environment is the result of an interplay of natural, social, economic and political forces that have major geographical impacts. Geography identifies and explains the spatial patterns that result from the diverse relationships humans have with the environment. As such, geography graduates are attractive to employers requiring management staff that are well informed about the world.

We combine vocational training and theoretical understanding and have strong links with private sector employers, local government and non governmental agencies. In the first year, students follow courses that explore geographic issues from the perspectives of natural, physical and social science. In years 2 and 3 they specialise in physical geography courses. The dissertation provides a unique opportunity to study a topic of particular interest in considerable depth. Fieldwork is an essential part of the programme with trips funded by the School. Trips have included visits to the New Forest, Lake District and Spain. Successful completion of at least 36 weeks of the optional work placement (sandwich year between years 2 and 3) will result in the award of a Diploma of Industrial Study. We also have collaborative arrangements with universities in the Netherlands, Italy, and France, permitting students to study abroad for a period of time under the Erasmus European Exchange scheme.

UCAS code

F800 M BSc/Geog

School

Science

Location

Medway Campus

Attendance

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
5 years part-time

Entry requirements

Applicants should have:

260 UCAS points normally

INCLUDING A-level geography and one other suitable A-level

OR BTEC National, DVCE or Advanced GNVQ grades, or equivalent qualifications will be considered.

PLUS a minimumï»¿ of three GCSEs at grade C or above (including English and mathematics) or equivalent qualifications.

• We welcome applications from mature students.

Assessment

Students are assessed through exams, coursework and fieldwork.

Career options

Graduates have opportunities in regeneration, conservation, environmental consultancies, natural resource management, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil service, information services, teaching and other education-related areas.

Year 1

Society, Economy and Sustainability (30 credits)
Practical Science Skills (30 credits)
Earth's Dynamic Systems (30 credits)
Science and the Environment (30 credits)

Year 2

Biogeography and Conservation Ecology (15 credits)
Earth's System Science (15 credits)
Introduction to Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry (15 credits)
Research Methods for Geography and Environmental Science (15 credits)
Sustainable Development (15 credits)
Quaternary Environmental Change (15 credits)
Two 15-credit options from: Environmental Analysis; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Management; People, Place and the Environment; Regeneration and the Thames Gateway; The Urban World (30 credits)

Optional Sandwich Year (Work Placement)

Final Year

Geography and Environmental Sciences Dissertation (30 credits)
Geographical Information Systems (15 credits)
Global Environmental Issues (15 credits)
Readings in Geography and Environmental Science (choose one from a range of topics including Nature and Society; Environmental Management and Auditing; Sustainable Communities; Sustainable Use of Water Resources) (15 credits)
Three 15-credit options from: Environmental Impact Assessment; Conservation and the Environment; Climate Change; Urban Development and Planning; Geography of Tourism and Development; Volcanic Processes and Environmental Systems (45 credits)

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:

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Geography and Environment

Learn about the world around you - its nature, environment, society and cultures. Explore the problems we’re facing such as climate change and pollution and get hands on experience at home and abroad.