Geography

Our study modules

Geography at Bath Spa is a modular subject, which means your course is composed of self-contained study units (modules) each with their own aims, subject matter, readings, assessments, staffing, skills, field or practical work and so on. There are core and option modules: everyone must take the core modules, the options are for you to choose.

In BSc Geography, the cores are all worth 40 credits, and the options are worth 20 credits: remember you have to take a total of 120 credits each year. Class time equates to 4 hours a week for the core module and half that for options. In Year 1 you must take at least 40 credits in another subject besides your Geography modules. Recommended second subjects are Sociology, Business, Biology and Psychology.

Here is a list with short descriptions based on 2010-11 provision and planned revisions:

BSc Geography modules

First Year (Level 4)

Foundations in Geography (core) The principles of human and physical geography, applied to tectonics, climate, rivers and coasts and to how society actively constitutes places, movement and identity. Blend your knowledge with useful skills.

Introduction to Physical Landscapes The focus is geomorphology, the form of the landscape and the ancient processes that created it. Add the more recent actions of water, ice and wind and then identify the landforms that are produced.

Development and Sustainability Poverty, inequality, resource depletion and environmental stress challenge people and shape places all over the world. Explore one of the key geographical questions of today: can global development be sustainable?

People and Place Explores how studies of human socio-spatial organisation lead to better understandings of cities and their management. You will gain an understanding of key concepts and of practice in the planning of urban change, e.g. urban regeneration strategies.

Earth Observation: an Introduction We introduce satellite and aerial imaging in theory and practice. Learn how to collect data using satellite navigation techniques and consider their value to today’s society and economy.

Second Year (Level 5)

Geography and Geographers: Investigating Environment and Society (core) Learn the key knowledge, skills and methods necessary to successfully write your own research project in third year, and go on to build your information-gathering skills in your future career.

Global Climate Change Climate change is the most contentious and actively debated environmental topic of our time. Explore the science, causes, consequences and future policy options, as well as the politics of climate change.

River and Coastal Systems Investigate river catchments and coastal systems, with particular focus on movements of water and sediment within, and between, them. You will learn about the interactions of erosion, transport and deposition to better understand the links between energy dynamics and geomorphology.

Geohazards Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and landslides afflict many world regions. Study the physical processes that trigger these and similar events and learn how professionals can predict, prevent or manage them.

Digital Cartography Explore the frontiers of digital mapping and the information systems behind the maps. The skills you acquire will reflect technological and conceptual advances in the Geomatics industry, and be highly valued by that industry as a consequence.

Field Investigation Take part in a detailed field investigation of current themes in human and physical geography within a distinctive regional setting. Plan and research mini-projects during a residential field trip. Currently, the study area is Merseyside UK.

Culture, Place and Belonging Discuss new socio-spatial discourses around the nation, the city, gender, and identity emphasising the distinctively spatial contribution cultural geographers make to these multi-disciplinary issues.

Sustainable Communities The goal of development should be a society that lives ‘well’, but does so sustainably. Explore the concepts of community, sustainability and wellbeing and ask how they can be achieved for different people and places across the globe.

Overseas Development Experience Field work is a requirement for development professionals. Gain valuable experience in a developing country for one month with the support of our partner agency. Destination examples: Peru, Sri Lanka, Togo, Nepal, Mexico and Ethiopia.

Geosciences Industry Experience You will experience the day-to-day operations of a firm or organisation in the Geosciences field relevant to your learning to date. This will involve identifying and preparing for a short work placement in the UK and reporting in a structured format at the end.

Criminology and Criminal Justice Explore concepts and methods of researching the social and spatial dimensions of the crime debate. In what ways do culture and the media inform our understanding of crime? To what extent is the process of criminal justice influenced by politics?

Project Management Learn the fundamentals of project management and thereby acquire valuable vocational skills and experience. You are trained to evaluate and co-ordinate projects of all kinds to ensure that outcomes are delivered, on time and to budget.

Third Year (Level 6)

Dissertation (core) This is the culmination of your BSc degree. Demonstrate you can apply the knowledge and skills you have gained in an original project. A wide range of subjects are tackled each year, assisted by the breadth of staff expertise, specialist literature and technical resources.

Climatology Trace the many processes constituting the climate system, how they affect each other and how the climate is monitored through the use of remote sensing. Learn how to analyse and communicate climate information.

Quaternary Environments The Quaternary is the last two and a half million years of Earth history. Collect field evidence and reconstruct sequences of climatic and environmental change from this era. The fieldwork and analysis broadly simulates professional practice.

Coastal and River Management The management of rivers and coasts is vital for environment and society. Study current challenges such as water resources, erosion and sedimentation, climate change and recreational pressures. Explore and critique options for remedies and management, and recommend solutions.

Survey Practice This is a practical module enabling higher level use of professional survey techniques and data (topographic and socio-economic). It will develop and extend your skills in digital survey design, data collection, discovery, retrieval and processing in image and map formats.

International Field Work In an overseas setting, gain a geographical sense of ‘place’ by designing and delivering a team field project on a theme such as urban, historical, tourism, coastal, environmental or applied geography. Currently the destination is Barcelona, Spain.

Radicals and Discontents An encounter with radical and politically engaged forms of geography, encouraging reappraisal of taken-for-granted understandings. Evaluate alternative standpoints on social, spatial and representational processes.

Historical Geographies People in the past represented spaces and created places to transmit ideas to future generations. Explore how these efforts have been encoded in historic maps and ancient landscapes, and how this heritage is continually re-interpreted as society evolves.

The Geomatics Industry The fast-changing geo-information and digital mapping industry is the focus of learning. Gain practical experience of the latest digital products and innovative services, with insights into emerging trends, such as web based mapping, open-source applications and community GIS.

Community Engagement You will learn about social or environmental action through undertaking appropriate voluntary work. We will support you to find a volunteer place. You will undertake or have already completed some recognised basic training in your chosen field.

Globalisations: Crises and Opportunities Globalisation has become part of everyday experience: markets, ideas, media and people now move freely over borders. We look at the social responses to globalization issues, e.g. Should we recycle, fly, or buy fair trade? What is sustainability? What will be the consequences of carbon trading?

Core modules are compulsory: all others are optional for BSc Geography.

Please note that this list is indicative. Some modules may be replaced from year to year in response to, for instance, changes to staffing and expertise, vocational developments, national or university policy and student demand.

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