Geography, BA Hons

One of the characteristics of geography is its ability to span a wide continuum of environmental subject matter, from the spatial manifestations of social, economic and political actions to the environments and landforms created by the Earth's natural processes. The study of human geography encompasses the world of human beings, including social, political and economic systems and built environments.

This programme aims to provide a core of knowledge and understanding in these areas, underpinned by an awareness of the implications for social justice of the uneven distribution of societal resources and the ethical implications of human exploitation of the natural environment.

The final year dissertation provides a unique opportunity to study a topic of particular interest to you in considerable depth. Fieldwork is an essential part of the programme with trips funded by the School. These trips have included visits to the New Forest, Lake District and south-east 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, which permit students to study abroad for a period of time under the Erasmus European Exchange scheme.

UCAS code

L700 M BA/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 minimum of three GCSEs at grade C or above (including English and mathematics) or equivalent qualifications.

• Mature students and non-standard applications welcome.

Assessment

Students are assessed through exams, coursework and fieldwork.

Career options

Graduates have opportunities in urban planning, regeneration, conservation, environmental management, leisure and tourism, overseas development, heritage management, transport planning, local government, management, marketing, information services, media, 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

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