Bath Spa University

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Geography

Geography bridges the earth sciences (physical geography) and social sciences (human geography) allowing geographers to develop unique understandings of the inter-relationships between people and their physical and social environments.

For more information about this course please visit the School of Science, Society and Management website.

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Studying geography at BSU will equip you not only with up-to-date knowledge of your subject but with a valuable suite of skills such as mapping, data analysis, surveying skills, computer literacy, communication and independent and reasoned thinking. Our geography graduates are highly valued by employers for this balance of knowledge and skills.

Our Department of Geography prides itself on the provision of contemporary and relevant modules in both physical and human geography. The degree is structured around a core (compulsory) module at each level; beyond that the emphasis in our award is on choice, two-thirds of your study will followed in modules you choose. This means you can construct a degree that increasingly specializes in human or physical geography, or you can remain integrated throughout. If you identify a particular career path, then you can choose modules that best equip you.

Whatever you choose to study, you can be sure of the highest standards of teaching, learning support and facilities, whether it be our virtual learning environment, our computer suites, the scientific laboratories we use, the field equipment or the trips we organize. Students and graduates tell us that our enthusiasm for our subject is infectious and the fact that we are happy to chat about issues informally and can help students outside of formal classes, they feel more valued and better motivated to succeed.

Course Structure and Content

Year 1

Your first year (level 4) studies are centred on a core double module (40 credit) Foundations in Geography that lays out what makes Geography an exciting, varied and applied subject. Foundations offers an integrated approach to the study of people and environment and what makes this module special is the way we do this through attention to developing skills as well as knowledge: you will learn how to use the technologies, techniques and equipment that geographers need to investigate problems and generate their own data. The practical application of subject knowledge is underlying philosophy of this module.

The rest of year one is optional and we usually offer the following modules (all 20 credits):

• Introduction to Physical Landscapes;
• Development and Sustainability;
• Tourism Geographies;
• Managing Visitor Attractions;
• People and Place;
• Surveying;
• Satellite Navigation.

Year 2

Your second year (level 5) studies centre once again on a core double module (40 credits) Geography and Geographers. The aim here is to develop the geographical skills mastered in the first year into full blown research methods and the focus also falls on developing you as a team player and as a professional. Geography and Geographers puts the subject and the industries is serves in historical context and highlights the relevance of geographical knowledge to many different employment sectors. Your research skills are developed through two extended research projects that allow you to apply your growing mastery of your subject to real-world problems and issues. This module also gives you the chance to engage with the Royal Geographical Society and other professional bodies and we begin to help you map out your potential career paths. The rest of your studies are optional, and the usual module choices are (you can choose four):

• River and Coastal Dynamics;
• Global Environmental Change;
• Soil and Water;
• Field Investigation (includes residential fieldtrip);
• Understanding Landscapes;
• Cultural Geographies;
• Sustainable Communities;
• Project Management;
• Geographic Information;
• Earth Observation.

You can also opt for our OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE module where you work in a developing country for at least a month on a defined project that develops your subject specific practical skills, people skills and research skills. All optional modules are 20 credits each.

Year 3

In your final year (level 6), you take the skills and knowledge perfected throughout the degree and you design, conduct and write up your very own geography dissertation (40 credits). There is a huge variety in choice in what you do for a dissertation and throughout the study you will benefit from one-to-one tuition and expert guidance. The rest of the third year is made up from 20 credit optional modules (you can choose four):

• Climatology;
• Quaternary Environments;
• River Management;
• International Fieldwork (includes residential fieldtrip);
• Tourism: Contemporary Issues;
• Critical Human Geographies;
• Historical Geographies;
• Applications Of Earth Observation;
• The Geospatial Industry.

Teaching Methods and Resources

Geography encourages student learning through a broad variety of methods: lectures, seminars, laboratories, computer workshops, and in the field - for 'hands on', real life experience.

Our location, nestled in a parkland valley setting just outside Bath is a beautiful and unique 'natural laboratory' in which to pursue environmental education and we certainly make the most of the setting. We have all the latest technologies and learning resources and Geographers have access to two 18-workstation computer laboratories. These machines hold a wide range of geographical software such as DigimapTM (online Ordnance Survey maps), and the latest industry standard mapping and GIS software. In addition there is a comprehensive stock of field and laboratory equipment, including a suite of hi-specification Total Stations, handheld Global Positioning Systems devices, survey seismograph, stream flow meters, particle size analysis kits, a satellite receiver and digital weather station. Practicals take place in well-equipped science laboratories or out in the grounds of the Newton Park campus. The Department has also recently completed the construction of its unique on-campus river gauging station that supports student learning in our fluvial specialist modules. You will find free wireless internet access is available in the Department and across our campus.

Departmental Research

The Department of Geography also houses a Quaternary Research Centre and the Changing Landscapes Research Group which undergraduates benefit from in terms of a focus for resources and staff expertise in physical and human geography. The research groups often help form dissertation ideas for students and many students have presented their work to a public audience at our Geography Research Symposium.

All Departmental academic staff are professional geographers who undertake research and scholarship at the cutting edge of their discipline, publishing research papers in international journals, textbooks for undergraduate use, and speaking at international conferences, as well as making media appearances. All research undertaken in the Department is of direct benefit to students; indeed, some students have co-authored papers with members of staff. The Departmental research culture is enhanced by undergraduate and postgraduate research (we have numerous postgraduate students studying for research degrees, such as doctorates), with a public showcase Geography Research Symposium held in the Department in May each year.

Fieldwork

Field work is an integral part of geography and one that you are expected to experience. Almost all modules contain a field work element, whether a day trip to a local destination or a residential stay either in the UK or abroad. We have a policy of minimizing our carbon footprint when undertaking field activities. Wherever you go and however you get there, all fieldwork allows you to interrogate ideas and principles from a different perspective and offers opportunities for training in the application of field equipment and techniques.

• Year 1 includes day trips to places such as the Dorset coast, Brecon Beacons, the Mendip Hills, Oxford, Swindon and Bath;
• Year 2 includes field trips to places such as the Severn Estuary, Devon, Bridgwater Bay, Redditch New Town, Birmingham, Cardiff and Bath. There is also an optional residential trip to Liverpool and Liverpool Bay;
• Year 3 includes trips to the Somerset Levels, Salisbury Plain, Devon, central London, London Docklands, Gwent Levels, and independent dissertation field work if required (recently students have undertaken independent field work in Australia, France and Canada, as well as in the UK). You can also take an optional field trip to the wonderful city of Barcelona.

New fieldtrips are introduced regularly to maintain the highest relevance to your studies and please note that not all trips are run every year. All day trips are fully funded by the Department, including any admission fees that may apply. Residential trips are subsidized by the Department. Please note that all trips and costs are subject to annual review.

Assessment Methods

We believe in carefully matching our assessment methods to our teaching objectives and to your learning outcomes. This means that in our Department of Geography you will experience a wide range of assessment types, including essays, projects, seminars presentations, examinations, field notebooks, reflective learning logs, laboratory practicals and photographic portfolios. Modules typically have a blend of coursework and examination, though many of our modules are assessed entirely through coursework.

Notes

Resources available include Total Stations, Global Positioning Systems, survey seismograph, stream flow meters, particle size analysis kit, and a satellite receiver and digital weather station, our own on-campus river gauging station, digital cameras, digital dictaphones, digital video cameras, laptops and much more. Do please note that not all modules run every year - if a particular module is of interest and you want to know more, just get in touch with us and we'll be happy to help!

Entry Requirements

220-260 UCAS Tariff points (eg BCD; BB+AS c) with minimum 80 points from geography or a related subject such as science, sociology, economics.

Alternative qualifications welcome.