BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Hazards

Program Overview

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The BSc Geography and Environmental Hazards program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental hazards and their impacts on human societies. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, graduates are prepared for careers in environmental consultancy, natural hazard research, and other sectors related to environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world applications, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address environmental challenges and promote a more sustainable future.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Aim

The BSc Geography and Environmental Hazards course aims to equip students with the knowledge and understanding of environmental hazards and the physical environment.

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Structure

The course includes modules that encompass various aspects of the natural and human environment, with a specific focus on natural hazards and disaster management. These modules will guide students through topics like natural landscapes, environmental systems, human impacts on the environment, and methods for mitigating natural hazards.

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Overall

This program offers a comprehensive approach to understanding environmental hazards and their impacts on human societies. It equips students with the ability to analyse the complex relationship between humans and the environment, while developing critical skills in research, field analysis, and hazard mitigation strategies.

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Outline:

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Common First Year

This year provides students with a broad foundation in geography, encompassing both human and physical geography. Subjects of study include environmental issues, geospatial technologies, and social impacts of the environment. Successful completion of this year enables students to pursue their specific area of interest in subsequent years.

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Year Two

This year introduces students to the specialized study of natural hazards. They will examine various types of hazards, their causes, and their impacts on human societies. They will also develop skills in data analysis, research methodologies, and field investigations relevant to natural hazards.

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Optional Sandwich Year

Students have the option of undertaking a year-long placement in industry or abroad during their third year. This provides valuable real-world experience and further strengthens their professional skills.

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Final Year

This year focuses on consolidating and advancing students' knowledge. They will delve deeper into specific hazards, investigate contemporary challenges related to environmental change, and strengthen their research skills through an individual dissertation project.

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Modules

• A Changing Environment: Examines the current global challenges and explores possible solutions through frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Dynamic Landscapes: Introduces various types of landscapes and analyzes the natural processes shaping these landscapes.
• Research/Practical Toolkit: Equips students with essential research skills and provides practical experience in conducting research within their specific area of interest.
• People and Place: Explores the various human-environment relationships within the geographical context.
• Global Environmental Issues: Provides insights into major environmental issues such as climate change, environmental hazards, and population growth.
• Sustainable Environments: Provides practical understanding of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals within the framework of the built and natural environment.
• Climate Change: Investigates the science, impacts, and possible mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change.
• Applied GIS and Remote Sensing: Equips students with skills and knowledge in utilizing geospatial technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing for various real-world applications.
• Hydrometeorological Hazards: Examines the processes, impacts, and prediction methodologies associated with hydrometeorological hazards like tropical cyclones, flooding, and extra-tropical storms.
• Geohazards: Investigates the processes, impacts, and prediction methodologies associated with geological hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides.
• Fieldwork and Research Applications: Helps students refine their research methods and fieldwork skills in preparation for their final year dissertation project.
• Sustainable Environments in Society: Developing Solutions: Analyzes the implementation and impact of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a specific location, focusing on the potential solutions to overcome possible challenges associated with SDG implementation.
• Emerging Hazards: Analyzes the growing trend of emerging hazards like biological, geological, and chemical hazards, exploring their causes, impacts, and various mitigation strategies.
• Research Dissertation: Provides the opportunity for students to independently conduct research on a specific topic related to their chosen area of study within the natural hazards and environment domain.
• Global and Comparative Field Studies: Offers an international experience through a field trip, allowing students to apply and enhance their knowledge and skills in an overseas setting.

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Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Formal examinations
• Phase tests
• Essays
• Group work
• Presentations
• Reports
• Projects
• Coursework
• Examinations
• Individual assignments
• Laboratories
These assessments are designed to evaluate students' understanding of the subject matter, their analytical and research skills, and their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced, qualified staff, who bring professional and research expertise into their teaching. This ensures students receive high-quality instruction that is relevant to the latest advancements in the field. The curriculum is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and guided field trips. This diverse approach helps students to engage effectively with the material and develop critical thinking skills. Students are also expected to undertake independent study, which helps them to solidify their understanding and explore areas of personal interest.

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Careers:

The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the environmental sector, including roles in:

• Environmental consultancy
• Natural hazard research
• Government agencies
• Non-governmental organizations
• Disaster preparedness
• Education
• Policy analysis
Graduates from this program are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience required to make a significant contribution to addressing environmental challenges and promoting a more sustainable future.

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Other:

• The program offers optional overseas field trips, enabling students to expand their international understanding and apply their knowledge in diverse environmental settings.
• The program is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), indicating its high academic standards and commitment to quality education.
• Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, simulation centers, and specialized software relevant to their studies.
• The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, analytical skills, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.
These skills are highly valued by employers and ensure graduates are well-equipped for successful careers in various fields, beyond just the environmental sector.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK, Ireland , Channel Islands or Isle of Man: £9,250 per year
• £19,850 per year without EU support bursary
• International: £19,850 per year
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year. For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions. We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs. The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees: Optional international field trips: £400+ per trip. Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad). Other additional costs Mandatory international field trips: Typically between £200 and £400 per trip