Dr Mark McGuinness, Head of Department: Social Sciences

I arrived at Bath Spa in September 2001 and have been Subject Leader for Geography since 2005. The diverse, interdisciplinary and thoroughly entertaining field of cultural geography forms the hub of my research and teaching interests. I examine a range of geographical themes through the analysis of many cultural forms: that's everything from formal planning documents and policy statements through to literature, art, poetry, film, music and fruit.

My research and scholarship interests focus on urban culture, critical readings of postwar urban planning, postcolonial geographies, cycling and mobility, art and space, and urban regeneration. I am currently working on a research project (funded by the Royal Geographical Society) that examines children's understandings of travel to school initiatives and sustainability education. I was awarded a BSU Fellowship in 2006 to continue this area of research.

These research interests underpin my specialist modules in Urban Geographies, Cultural Geographies and Gender Geographies. I also teach social research methods in the second year and advanced research skills in the third year. I organise a number of field trips to many exciting locations, including Massachusetts, Central London, Birmingham, and Redditch New Town.

I develop my teaching through academic research and writing on the teaching and learning process, publishing nationally and internationally alongside attending and organising pedagogic research events. In February 2005 I was awarded a prestigious teaching award by the University, and was nominated by BSU for the National Teaching Fellow Scheme in 2005.