Human Geography with a Professional Placement Year (BSc)

Our teaching is led by experts in the field of human geography.

We aim to teach in small groups where possible, which establishes a positive learning environment with engagement between you and the academic staff as well as your fellow students and peers.

Typically, you’ll study 6 modules each year and receive 12 hours of guided study each week.

We offer a supportive learning environment that’ll help you develop specialist knowledge and a wide range of skills. These include critical thinking, close analysis, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, using theory, writing and debating clearly, teamwork, independent research and time management.
 

How will I be supported?

As well as regular feedback from your personal tutor, you’ll have a reading week each semester for guided study and a chance to catch up on assessed work, reading and revision.

You’ll use Learning Central to access relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles.

You’ll also have access to University support services, including Student Futures (careers), counselling, money advice, disability support co-located in the Centre for Student Life. Libraries and resource centres to support your studies will also be available.

During the placement year, you’ll be supported by a workplace supervisor, a placement tutor and your personal tutor. You’ll also continue to have access to the University’s full range of support services. Placement tutors will maintain contact with you throughout your placement. Where possible, they’ll make at least one pastoral visit during the year. Where this isn’t practical, an online meeting or equivalent may take place. They’ll also contact you at least twice each semester by video call, phone or similar, with email follow-up where appropriate.

Feedback on your work comes in a variety of formats, including oral feedback during tutorials, personalised feedback on written work, feedback lectures, generic written feedback and feedback on tutorial performance.

You’ll receive written feedback on your coursework and general feedback after the May/June examination period. You’ll also be able to discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor. 

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods include essays, presentations, portfolios and creative assignments.

We encourage innovation and creativity in teaching, learning and assessment. This can include the use of geographical information systems, cartographic tools, digital media and field study visits.

Assessments will help you gather, organise, evaluate and use relevant information and ideas from a variety of sources in reasoned arguments.

Dedicated essay workshops and individual advice will help you produce your best work. Written feedback on essays will feed into future work, helping you develop your strengths and address any weaker areas.

The placement year assessments will include a Professional Development Plan, written report and presentation, worklog and employer report.

The final-year research project, or dissertation, gives you the opportunity to investigate a topic that interests you. You’ll develop detailed knowledge of a particular field of study, use your initiative to collect and present material, build a clear argument and draw appropriate conclusions. 

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will be able to do as a result of your study at Cardiff University. They will help you to understand what is expected of you. 

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:

Knowledge & Understanding:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• Apply knowledge learnt during years 1 and 2 in a professional environment
• A critical  awareness of the cultural, social, economic, political and environmental components of human geography
• An understanding of contemporary debates within human geography
• A critical awareness of the key philosophical underpinnings of human geography
• A critical understanding of the history of human geography
• An awareness of how data in the major sub-fields of human geography is gathered and analysed
• How to apply knowledge and understanding of human geography to real-world problems
• An understanding of the key ways in which power works in and through space
• Skills in research and appraisal, including data collection, investigation, analysis and assessing evidence through a substantive piece of original research
• The ability to accurately define a practical issue or problem for investigation, study or research and devise a strategy for collecting, assessing, analysing and presenting relevant data and information.

Intellectual Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• Understanding of a range of both qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Understanding of a range of ways of interpreting and analysing data
• An understanding of how to analyse and critically reflect on scholarly work
• An understanding of how to craft a convincing argument
• An appreciation and respect for equality of opportunity, social and cultural diversity, and the sustainable use of natural and human resources
• An appreciation and respect for individual and collective rights in different spatial and cultural contexts

Professional Practical Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• work-related skills, knowledge and experience, both professional and personal
• A critical understanding of the workplace environment, including how to operate in a workplace confidently and professionally
• An ability to identify and adapt to working and related practices in an employment setting and reflect critically on them
• Presentation skills

Transferable/Key Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• Effective communication of ideas, principles and theories by oral and written means
• Critical thinking and writing
• Team-working skills by responding appropriately to colleagues’ requests and making clear one’s own demands on colleagues
• Effective self-management by setting and adhering to work priorities, making effective use of time and identifying opportunities for input from colleagues, other professionals and/or stakeholders
• Effective management and presentation of information through media and information technology
• An appreciation and respect for the protection of personal health and safety at work and the health and safety of others
• Career planning with reference to professional skill requirements