Geography BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

Through interactive lectures, fieldwork, and research projects, students develop analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for careers in geography and related fields. The program emphasizes practical applications and industry-standard software, preparing graduates for success in a wide range of roles, from environmental consulting to international development.

Program Outline

Geography BSc (Hons) - Keele University

Degree Overview

Year one:

• Provides a solid foundation in both human and physical geography.
• Topics covered include: climate change, landscapes, ecosystems, sea level, glaciers and coastal environments, human's impact on the environment, challenges faced by contemporary societies.
• Develops essential learning and subject-specific skills required through a 'core skills' module.

Year two:

• Builds upon theoretical knowledge by learning to use geographical evidence to explain features of the physical environment.
• Includes training in the use of industry-standard GIS (Geographical Information Systems) software.
• Core modules focus on: regional land systems, fieldwork, essential field, laboratory and employability skills.
• Students can also select from optional modules to broaden their knowledge in complementary topics such as space and society.

Year three:

• Students can personalize their learning to their career aspirations and interests.
• This year of study is entirely option-based.
• Module content may include: coastal environments, health inequalities, animals and society and global environmental change.
• Students also complete a final year geography project, where they can unleash their creativity and apply the techniques they have acquired throughout their studies.
• This final-year project is an opportunity to showcase your acquired knowledge and skills to potential employers.

Outline

Year One:

• Fundamentals of Physical Geography
• Human Geographies
• Nature, Conservation & Society
• Academic, Professional and Fieldwork Skills
• People and the Environment
• Optional Modules:
• Sustainability Policy and Practice

Year Two

• Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing
• Geographical and Environmental Field Skills
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Practical
• Geographical and Environmental Skills
• Earth’s Changing Landscapes
• Water in the Environment
• Optional Modules:
• Employability Training: Engaging with the Workplace
• Human Impact on the Environment, Scientific Perspectives
• Palaeoclimatology and Quaternary Studies
• Natural Cultures: Humans and their Environments since 1700
• Geoscience and Society
• Making Better Worlds
• Space and Society
• More-than-humans geographies

Year Three:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Dissertation
• Optional Modules:
• 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

• Coursework assignments
• Projects
• Fieldwork
• Practical exercises
• Presentations
• Exams are not used in this program
• Many assessments reflect skills used in employment

Teaching

• Small class sizes
• Interactive lectures
• Seminars
• Fieldwork
• Group presentations
• One-to-one advice sessions for project work
• Students are taught by world-renowned researchers in the field of geography.

Careers

• Cartographer
• Environmental Consultant
• Geospatial Data Analyst
• International Development Worker
• Journalist
• Logistics Manager
• Market Researcher
• Planning and Development Surveyor
• Residential Surveyor
• Science Teacher
• Systems Developer
• Keele has over 70 years of experience of teaching a foundation year to students.
• Study abroad and work placement options are available.
• Keele's Careers and Employability team offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance employability.