Human Geography

Program Overview

The BA Human Geography with integrated Foundation Year at Aberystwyth University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human geography, from foundational concepts to advanced research skills. With an emphasis on societal challenges and sustainability, graduates are equipped for careers in environmental consulting, planning, and education. The program features a balanced mix of lectures, seminars, practical classes, and fieldwork opportunities, enabling students to develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills essential for success in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA Human Geography with integrated Foundation Year is offered by Aberystwyth University's Department of Geography and Earth Sciences. It is a four-year program designed for students who do not have a sufficient or relevant academic background in Human Geography. The program is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and provides students with the skills, abilities, and expertise to engage with the challenges facing society today. The integrated foundation year provides a unique experience and critical perspective to prepare students for the full undergraduate degree.

Outline:

Foundation Year:

• Introduces core components of Human Geography.

Year 2:

• Key concepts in geographical study.
• Issues and techniques in the collection, analysis, and presentation of geographical data.
• Climate change.
• Economic development.
• Globalization.
• Global Environmental Change.

Year 3:

• Develops computer research skills in preparation for independent research projects.
• Analyzes qualitative data sets.
• Produces maps and other graphical representations of geographical data.
• Participates in a residential field trip in the UK or overseas.
• Offers optional modules for specialization or maintaining a broad interest across Geography.

Year 4:

• Undertakes an independent research project involving collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.
• Offers optional modules on topics such as urbanization, rural change, and regional policy.

Modules:

Year 1:

• Core:
• How to be a Student 1 (GS09520) - 20 credits
• How to be a Student 2 (GS09320) - 20 credits
• Information in a Post-Truth World (GS01120) - 20 credits
• Introduction to Social Science (GS09720) - 20 credits
• The ‘Othered' Migrant: Social Science Perspectives (GS09620) - 20 credits
• Options:
• Representing the Other: Cultures and Clashes (GS09820) - 20 credits
• Understanding Change - Environment, People, Places (GS00820) - 20 credits

Year 2:

• Core:
• Conflict and Change: the making of urban and rural spaces (GS10220) - 20 credits
• Living in a Dangerous World (GS10020) - 20 credits
• Place and Identity (GS14220) - 20 credits
• Researching the World: data collection and analysis (GS13020) - 20 credits
• Options:
• Earth Surface Environments (GS10520) - 20 credits
• How to Build a Planet (GS11520) - 20 credits
• Key Concepts in Sociology (GS16120) - 20 credits
• Thinking Sociologically (GS15120) - 20 credits

Year 3:

• Core:
• Concepts for Geographers (GS20410) - 10 credits
• Placing Culture (GS22920) - 20 credits
• Placing Politics (GS23020) - 20 credits
• Social Research Methods (GS20510) - 10 credits
• Options:
• Geographical Information Systems (GS23710) - 10 credits
• Geographical Perspectives on the Sustainable Society (GS28910) - 10 credits
• Quantitative Data Analysis (GS23810) - 10 credits
• Human Geography and Sociology Research Design and Fieldwork Skills (GS21520) - 20 credits
• Understanding (in)equality and (in)justice (GS24220) - 20 credits

Year 4:

• Core:
• Geography Dissertation (GS34040) - 40 credits
• Options:
• Contemporary Global Migration (GS39120) - 20 credits
• Everyday Social Worlds (GS33320) - 20 credits
• Memory Cultures: heritage, identity and power (GS37920) - 20 credits
• Modern British Landscapes (GS36220) - 20 credits
• The Global Countryside: Geographical and Sociological Perspectives (GS36820) - 20 credits
• The psychosocial century (GS30020) - 20 credits
• Urban Risk and Environmental Resilience (GS37520) - 20 credits

Assessment:

• Traditional exams.
• Coursework.
• Practical reports.
• Oral presentations.
• Design of web pages.
• Production of short films.
• Contribution to online discussion forums.

Teaching:

• Lectures.
• Seminars.
• Computer practical classes.
• Small group tutorials.
• Field courses.
• Individual supervision of project work.

Careers:

• Environmental consultants.
• Planners.
• Civil servants.
• Surveyors.
• Education.

Other:

• The Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is located on the coast of Cardigan Bay, surrounded by a diverse range of environments.
• The department offers fieldwork opportunities in New Zealand, Crete, New York, and Ireland.
• Travel awards are available each year to fund student adventures (up to £400).
• The department has state-of-the-art teaching facilities with the latest technology.
• Fully stocked laboratories with analytical instruments are available for fieldwork and independent study.
• Lecturers in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.

Note:

The module list and descriptions are for the September 2024 start date and may be subject to change.