Geography

Overview

Geography is ‘the best of both worlds’ combining the earth and social sciences and bridging the traditional gap between them by using integrating constructs, such as sustainability, development, management and temporal change. At Bath Spa University you will learn geographical knowledge and gain geographical skills, thereby enhancing your employability. We aim to enable you to become either an ‘all-round’ geographer or to specialize in areas that interest you, and in which you excel.

Field work plays a central role in the Bath Spa learning experience and nearly every Geography module has a field trip associated with it. You can expect day trips to visit places of local interest (such as Avebury, Mendip or the Somerset Levels), sites of national or international significance (such as London Docklands or Birmingham Brindleyplace), and enjoy week-long residential courses to destinations such as Liverpool and Barcelona. Compulsory trips are heavily subsidised and optional trips subsidized to a lesser extent. There are also optional opportunities to go on an overseas placement with a development charity, and to participate in the European university exchange programme.

Another feature of our programme is the widespread use of digital techniques. You will have access to specialist geographical software and hardware such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). In addition to IT, you will develop a unique combination of skills such as mapping, data analysis, communication, team work and critical thinking – skills that are highly valued by employers.

After a foundation year, in which you will take a second subject, BSc Geography enables you to follow different aspirations, such as physical or human specialities, in addition to sustainable development and GIS options. Whichever path you take, your learning will benefit from our excellent facilities, small class sizes and academic staff who combine teaching expertise with their own research and scholarship at the cutting edge of the discipline.

Our graduates possess a diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience that make them suitable for a wide range of vocations. Environmental agencies, utilities such as water companies, planning, housing management, retail, heritage, local government and the teaching profession are typical destinations.

Many geographers are hooked on the subject by the time they graduate, and many go on to undertake further study. A teaching qualification (PGCE), masters programmes, MPhil or PhD are all potential options open to you here at Bath Spa.