BSc (Hons) Geography

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Geography program at the University of Hertfordshire equips students with a comprehensive understanding of global issues from social, economic, political, and scientific perspectives. Through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on experience, and field research, graduates are prepared for careers in human and physical geography, environment, and sustainability. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills, and offers diverse optional modules and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Herts Geography BSc degree aims to equip students with a deep and critical understanding of pressing global issues concerning social, economic, political, and scientific perspectives. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including climate change, environmental hazards, food security, migration, and geopolitical conflict. Through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on laboratory work, and field experience, the program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers related to human and physical geography, environment, and sustainability.

Objectives:

• Provide students with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of contemporary geographical issues and concepts.
• Develop critical thinking and research skills through diverse assessment methods.
• Equip students with the ability to solve environmental and geographical problems.
• Foster teamwork and independent learning skills through individual and group project work.
• Prepare graduates for various career paths in public and private sectors and further studies.

Outline:

Year 1:

• The first year introduces students to both human and physical geography.
• Modules include:
• Introduction to Field Research
• Climate Change and the Climate Crisis
• Understanding Ecology
• Contemporary Human Geographies
• Earth's Dynamic Systems
• The Living Planet
• Society and Place
• Investigations in Geography and Environment
• Modules include:
• Fieldwork in Geography and Environment
• GIS Fundamentals
• Geographical and Environmental Research Design
• Employability and Entrepreneurship
• Earth's Changing Surface
• Population Dynamics
• Ice Age Earth
• Social and Spatial Inequalities
• Catchment to Coast
• Food, Society, and Development
• People, Place and Mobilities
• Aquatic Ecology
• GIS and Remote Sensing

Year 3:

• Students specialize in either human or physical geography.
• Modules include:
• Dissertation - Geography and Environment
• Human Geography:
• Geopolitics in a Changing World
• Identity, Difference, and Society
• Urban Shaping Places
• Reconstructing Anthropocene Environments
• Physical Geography:
• Glacial Processes
• Sustainable Futures
• Natural Hazards and Resilience in the UK
• Advanced GIS
• Earth Observation: Monitoring a Changing Planet
• Professional GIS

Assessment:

• Assessments vary depending on the module and include:
• Written coursework
• Verbal presentations
• Practical portfolios
• Exams
• Research Dissertation
• Assessments are designed to develop research, communication, and digital skills.

Teaching:

• The program utilizes various teaching methods:
• Lectures
• Workshops
• Practical sessions
• Seminars
• Field trips
• Class sizes are kept small to personalize instruction and facilitate interaction.
• Dedicated tutors provide academic support and address students' personal needs.
• The staff is friendly, approachable, and available outside timetabled sessions.

Careers:

• This program prepares graduates for various careers, including:
• Environmental consultants
• Urban planners
• GIS specialists
• Sustainability officers
• Development workers
• Researchers
• Teachers
• Journalists
• Policy analysts
• Graduates are also well-equipped for further studies at the postgraduate level.

Other:

• The program offers diverse optional modules, including study abroad and work placements.
• Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including labs, GIS software, field equipment, and the Environmental Field Centre at Bayfordbury.
• This program is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society, ensuring the quality and relevance of its curriculum.

UK Students Full time £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year EU Students Full time £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year International Students Full time £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year