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Development Geography (Foundation Degree)
If you care about the world we live in, and wish to learn more about the environmental, social and geopolitical issues and challenges facing the developed and developing world today, then the Foundation Degree in Development Geography is the course for you.
For more information about this course please visit the School of Science, Society and Management website.
The course explores the main themes and issues of development, with particular focus on developing countries, and environmental sustainability. In the first year you will gain knowledge about development theory and the concept of sustainable development, and become practised in methods of scientific investigation. The application of geographical methods and techniques will enable you to examine real-world development problems, such as global inequality, women’s roles in development, population trends, health and education resources, environmental degradation, energy resources, climate change, sustainable communities, and geo-hazards. Also you will develop a range of skills that will prepare you for the remainder of your course as well as your future career. Skills include computing (such as Geographic Information Systems), laboratory and field-based work, researching and analysing data to aid decision making, working alone and in teams, executing a field investigation, and clear communication, both written and oral.
A unique feature of this two-year programme is that you will undertake a volunteer placement and field investigation in a developing country (for example Ghana, India, Sri Lanka, Peru or Thailand) during your second year, organised by our partner Projects Abroad. And with future careers in mind, a second year module provides the opportunity to further investigate career options as you will have the opportunity to complete a placement with a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the UK.
Course Structure and Content
This programme currently offers the following modules:
Year 1 Modules (Level 4)
- Development and Sustainability: Poverty, inequality, resource depletion and environmental stress challenge people and shape places all over the world. Explore one of the key geographical questions of today: can global development be sustainable?
- Foundations in Geography: The principles of human and physical geography, applied to tectonics, climate, rivers and coasts and to how society actively constitutes places, movement and identity. Blend your knowledge with useful skills.
In addition, you can take two modules from the following list:
- Introduction to Physical Landscapes;
- People and Place;
- Earth Observation: An Introduction;
- Global Food Issues.
Year 2 Modules (Level 5)
- Overseas Development Experience: Field work is a requirement for development professionals. Gain valuable experience in a developing country for one month with the support of our partner agency. Destination examples: Peru, Sri Lanka, Togo, Nepal, Mexico and Ethiopia.
- Sustainable Communities: The goal of development should be a society that lives ‘well’, but does so sustainably. Explore the concepts of community, sustainability and wellbeing and ask how they can be achieved for different people and places across the globe.
- Working in the Development Sector: Research and experience the day-to-day workings of a NGO by undertaking a short (minimum of 5-10 days) work placement to explore and log the complex issues facing development work both in the UK and overseas.
- Geography and Geographers: Investigating Environment and Society: Learn the key knowledge, skills and methods necessary to successfully write your own research project in third year, and go on to build your information-gathering skills in your future career.
In addition, you can take one module from the following list:
- Global Climate Change;
- Project Management;
- Geo-hazards;
- Education and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Careers
Opportunities are varied and include employment as an agency field worker or a voluntary sector worker, or careers with non-governmental organisations and government departments. Opportunities also exist in education, tourism, and further study. The Foundation Degree is a vocational qualification, and as such contributes towards you obtaining paid or voluntary work in the development sector. Your practical field-based experience that you will acquire will give you the edge over more academic courses, and you can be qualified in only two years.
At the successful completion of your Foundation Degree in Development Geography there is the option to 'top-up' to the Year 3 of the Single Honours Geography degree programme, which offers an International Fieldwork module, and gives you the opportunity to undertake a dissertation on a development topic.
Further Information
Want to know more about Development Geography at Bath Spa? We have Open Days and Visit Days throughout the year. If you can't make any of those, we are also happy to arrange individual visits for you to have a look around at the facilities and ask any questions you may have. You can get in touch using the contact details adjacent. We hope to see you here soon!
Typical Offers
160-200 UCAS Tariff points (eg BC; CD+AS c).
Alternative qualifications welcome.
