Geography (Human) (BSc)
UCAS Code: L700 BSc/HuGe (3 years - Full-Time)
The School offers a degree in Human Geography which provides students with a comprehensive and critical understanding of the discipline. With no physical geography modules to be taken, the course allows students to engage with the subject in greater depth than most traditional geography courses. It combines theoretical and conceptual approaches to the relations between space, place and environment, with detailed empirical case studies of geography in action.
The course explores geographical ideas and practice at various spatial scales, making connections between the local, regional, national and global levels. It covers the key social, cultural, political, economic and environmental components of geography, and allows students to take specialist modules in their third year. A key aspect of this course is its emphasis on the relevance of Human Geography, particularly to policy and society, with students having the opportunity to learn about the relations between geography, government, the voluntary sector and citizen action.
An important component of the course is the way it blends theoretical and empirical materials, grounding complex ideas in real-world situations. This involves using case-study material in lectures and seminars, as well as learning through field study visits, which range from half-day visits to Cardiff and its environs to week-long trips to other countries. The course also provides an opportunity to engage with broader groups and organisations through a work placement scheme in the third year, which enables the application of geographical knowledge to ‘real world’ situations as well as providing work experience beyond the University.
Students taking the Human Geography degree will learn a broad range of geographical research skills and have the opportunity to undertake a research dissertation within an area of their own interest. A low student - teacher ratio, personal tutoring system and varied field study visits ensure that students receive a high quality learning experience.
Course Structure and Content
This BSc course has a modular structure with students taking six modules in each academic year. The first year provides a foundation in core ideas in human geography, and introduces students to research and study skills, alongside specialist teaching on environmental and development issues. In the second year economic, cultural, political, and social aspects of the discipline are focused on, alongside methods training for the dissertation. In the final year, the independent research dissertation enables students to tailor learning in line with their own interests, and is supported by a range of specialist option modules which include rural, urban, transport, demography, and consumption geographies. There is also the opportunity for students to enhance their employability through taking the ‘Work Placement’ module.
Please note that course structure may be subject to change.
Year of Entry: 2012
See this course on the University's Coursefinder website.
