| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Through a blend of research-led learning, fieldwork, and option-based modules, students develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills essential for careers in diverse sectors, including environmental consulting, planning, and development. The program emphasizes employability skills and provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for success in the job market.
Program Outline
Geography BA (Hons) - Keele University
Degree Overview
Overview:
The Geography BA (Hons) program at Keele University equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the spatial dynamics of human behaviour, social inequalities, and global challenges. Through a blend of physical and social geography, students explore the intricate relationship between human interactions and societies with the environment and natural world.
Objectives:
- Understand the interconnectedness between human behaviour, societies, and the environment.
- Develop the analytical and critical thinking skills needed to address contemporary global challenges.
- Acquire a comprehensive grasp of physical and human geography concepts and theories.
- Cultivate strong geographical research and field investigation expertise.
- Gain valuable professional communication and team working skills.
Program Description:
This program offers a flexible and engaging learning experience that caters to students from diverse academic backgrounds. In the first year, the curriculum establishes a strong foundation in human and physical geography, building essential skills and subject-specific knowledge. Year two focuses on research-led learning, delving deeper into the application of geographical evidence to explain the interplay between human activity and society. Year three provides the unique opportunity to tailor the degree towards individual career aspirations and interests through an entirely option-based structure. Students can choose from a broad range of modules covering areas like health inequalities, human-animal interactions, and global environmental change. Additionally, they undertake a final year geography project, enabling them to investigate a topic of their choice under the guidance of experienced academics.
Outline
Program Content:
Keele's Geography BA (Hons) program provides a comprehensive overview of both human and physical geography. Key subject areas covered include:
- Human Geography:
- Human-environment interactions
- Social inequalities
- Urban studies
- Development geography
- Political geography
- Physical Geography:
- Environmental change
- Geomorphology
- Climatology
- Biogeography
- Hydrology
Structure:
The program is structured as follows:
- Year 1: Foundational modules in both human and physical geography.
- Year 2: Core modules focusing on research-based learning and the application of geographical evidence.
- Year 3: Entirely option-based, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific career interests or delve deeper into areas of specialization.
Course Schedule:
The exact course schedule for each year is subject to change, but students can expect a combination of:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Fieldwork
- Practical sessions
- Independent study
- Group projects
Modules:
Year 1:
- Fundamentals of Physical Geography
- Human Geographies
- Nature, Conservation & Society
- Academic, Professional and Fieldwork Skills
- People and the Environment
Year 2:
- Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing
- Geographical and Environmental Field Skills
- Space and Society
- Research Methods in Human Geography and Environmental Sustainability
- More-than-human Geographies
Year 3:
Compulsory:
- Dissertation
Optional:
- Glaciers and Glacial Geomorphology
- Natural Hazards
- Global Environmental Change
- Clean Technology
- Advanced Environmental Field Skills
- Applied GIS
- Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment
- Extinction! Sustainability Consultancy
- Postcolonialism and Decolonisation
- Animals and Society
- Work Placement Year
- Advanced Geographical Fieldwork
- Coastal Environments
- Blue Economy: Sustainable Futures with an Ocean Focus
- Inspirational Landscapes
- Rural Geographies
- Health Inequalities
- Development and Climate Justice
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
- Coursework
- Projects
- Fieldwork
- Practical activities
- Presentations
- Portfolios
- Reflective diaries
- Research proposals
- Technical and laboratory reports
Assessment Criteria:
Assessments are designed to evaluate:
- Subject knowledge and understanding
- Depth of analysis and critical thinking
- Research and analytical skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Application of theory to real-world scenarios
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive lectures
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Field courses
- Group presentations
- One-to-one advice sessions
- Online learning
Faculty:
Experienced and actively research-engaged academic staff, including world-renowned experts in their respective fields.
Unique Approaches:
- Emphasis on active learning and student engagement
- Opportunities for independent research
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Central Science Laboratories and Keele's "living-laboratory" campus
- Strong focus on employability skills development, including CV workshops, mock interviews, and networking events.
Careers
Career Paths:
- Cartographer
- Environmental Consultant
- Geospatial Data Analyst
- International Development Worker
- Journalist
- Logistics Manager
- Market Researcher
- Planning and Development Surveyor
- Residential Surveyor
- Science Teacher
- Systems Developer
- Town Planner
Career Opportunities:
Graduates with a Geography BA (Hons) are well-equipped for diverse careers within:
- Public and private sectors
- Research and academia
- Environmental consultancies
- Planning and development agencies
- Non-governmental organizations
- Education
Career Outcomes:
Keele University reports 95% of their Geography BA (Hons) graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of completing their studies.
Other
Keele University: A Summary
Overview:
Keele University is a public research university located in Staffordshire, England. Established over 70 years ago, it is renowned for its wide range of teaching and research, tackling global issues. Keele is known for its commitment to sustainability and its positive impact on the local economy.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Keele University offers a vibrant campus experience. Students can expect a beautiful setting in the Staffordshire countryside, just five miles from Stoke-on-Trent. The university is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to student well-being.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Research Excellence:
Keele University is recognized for its high-quality research, with 80% of its research classified as world-leading or internationally excellent.Teaching Excellence:
The university has achieved a Gold award in the Teaching Excellence Framework, demonstrating its commitment to providing excellent teaching and learning experiences.Student Satisfaction:
Keele University has been ranked number one in the UK by students, according to Studentcrowd.Sustainability Focus:
Keele is dedicated to sustainability and has a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.Strong Local Impact:
The university contributes significantly to the local economy, generating £345 million annually.Academic Programs:
Other:
Keele University is a modern university that has played a significant role in shaping higher education in Britain. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is also a partner with the NHS, providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience in healthcare.
Entry Requirements:
General Requirements:
- BBB in three A Levels, or
- DDM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma, or
- Distinction, Distinction in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or
- Merit, Distinction in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in one A Level, or
- Merit in any T Level, or
- 555 in three Higher Levels or 30 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or
- Merit, Merit, Merit in three BTECs Level 3 National Diplomas/Extended Diplomas and Merit in a Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)/Welsh Baccalaureate, or
- Merit/Merit/Pass in three BTEC Level 3 Nationals together with A/A/B at A-level
Contextual Offers:
- BCC in three A Levels
- BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
- BTEC National Diploma: Distinction, Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level
- International Baccalaureate: 544 in three Higher Levels or 28 points
Subject-Specific Requirements:
- N/A
Additional Entry Requirements:
- English language qualification:
- GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent, or
- IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component), or
- Pearson PTE Academic (59 overall with no less than 51 in any component), or
- TOEFL Internet-based test (80 overall with a minimum of 17 in reading and writing, 18 in listening and 20 in speaking), or
- Completion of a pre-sessional English course at an approved provider.
- Students with qualifications other than those listed can contact Keele University Admissions Team for guidance.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
N/A.
