Year one
Your first year provides a foundation in basic principles in both human and physical geography – this provides insights from both science and social science perspectives and gives you the tools to understand complex global challenges. You’ll apply these principles to a range of environmental processes and environmental management challenges as well as through a residential field trip module.
Year two
In your second year, you’ll build more specialist knowledge and skills. Your core studies will develop your understanding of the discipline of geography as well as scientific research methods, and you’ll enhance your knowledge of geomorphology, environmental hazards and geotechnologies.
You’ll have a choice of optional modules, allowing you to begin to specialise in topics such as climate and society, environmental management or science journalism and publishing. You’ll also start to plan for your career options, with an opportunity to undertake a work placement module.
The optional field trip to Italy offers a unique opportunity to explore geographical themes in a highly dynamic real world context. On this trip you’ll learn about a range of topics such as: earthquake disasters, flood hazards, air quality and pollution, and climate change impacts. You’ll also have opportunities to experience the regional diversity, food and culture of Italy. Please note that some of our field trips may incur additional costs on top of your course fees. Financial support for field trip costs may be available via the Bath Spa University International Travel Fund.
You can choose to undertake a Professional Placement Year between your second and final years.
Year three
You’ll complete a final year independent research project, allowing you to demonstrate the academic and transferable skills you’ve acquired on the course.
You’ll study a range of required and optional modules that give you the opportunity to specialise in topics such as river management, disaster risk reduction and environmental practice.
On an optional field trip to Barcelona you’ll explore physical geography processes and environmental management in a dynamic urban and peri-urban context. Potential field trip themes include wildfires and cascading hazards, coastal erosion and beach management, heat waves and urban flash flood risks.