Human Geography (Joint Honours)

Three years full-time or flexible part-time.

Human Geography at The University of Northampton is available within the Joint Honours degree programme as a major, joint, or minor subject. Human Geography may be combined with a wide range of subjects in order to provide students with a relevant, progressive, academically-challenging educational experience. Our aim is to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts, skills and methods of geographical enquiry and the application of these to themes, issues and debates in the social, cultural, political, economic and natural environments.

Students will engage in contemporary debates concerning the content of Human Geography, including its methods of enquiry, and will explore these debates through 'field' experience. The course will provide students with a targeted, progressive training in key skills, in preparation for their entry into the world of work after graduation.

Joint Honours Human Geography explores interactions between humans and their environment in a range of contexts and at a number of scales. Practical and field work are key elements of the teaching programme and students have the opportunity to take part in an optional overseas field course to South-West USA. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on links between Geography and the 'world of work' both in theory and practice. The course offers the flexibility to combine Human Geography with a wide range of other subjects.

Stage one

The modules at stage one provide an opportunity to develop an understanding of the broad themes in the subject. Students will examine a wide range of issues and debates within Human Geography and the methods used to explore these. Optional modules focus on Geographies of Development and Sustainable Development.

Stage two

Stage two modules build upon the issues explored at stage one. Topics include research methods, development geographies of Africa, ways of thinking about Human Geography and the exclusion of some social groups from rural and urban areas.

Stage three

The programme at stage three is designed to enable students to focus their studies on their own particular areas of interest. Typical modules include Children's Geographies, Leisure, People and the Environment, Urban Geography and Sustainable Development. Students may also choose to undertake a dissertation in Human Geography.

• An optional overseas field course to South-West USA
• Curriculum informed by tutors' research interests and expertise
• Emphasis on links between geography and the 'world of work' in both theory and practice

• Introducing Human Geographies
• Geography and Development
• USA Field Module
• Geographers at Work
  
• Children's Geographies
• Issues in Human Geography
• Learning for Sustainable Development
• Leisure, People and the Environment
• Urban Geography
• Geographical Techniques

Why study with us? 

• Our programme is stimulating, well-structured, research informed, and covers a breadth of issues in Human Geography
• Human Geography can be combined with a wide range of subjects
• Our academic staff are enthusiastic, experienced and excellent teachers
• Our students work in a friendly and supportive environment, with individual support for learning and skills development
• Our study skills training and Geographers at Work module ensure we have a strong record of employment amongst our graduates
• Opportunities for both local and overseas fieldwork
• Opportunities to study overseas

There are some examinations in the second and third year but our modules are mainly assessed through a variety of coursework assignments - projects, practical reports, presentations, literature reviews, consultancy reports, blogs and essays. Students develop many skills throughout their degree, for instance, IT, numeracy, teamwork, problem-solving and both oral and written communication.

The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical sessions and field visits. Learning materials are made available via NILE (the University's virtual learning environment) and are accessible at any time. Making the best use of electronic and internet resources is an important feature of our courses.

Fieldwork is considered by many as intrinsic to the nature of geography. It is recognised as being one of the most effective and enjoyable methods of teaching and learning. Furthermore, there are a number of desirable skills that can be gained through fieldwork.

At The University of Northampton we undertake studies in the local area on issues such as sustainable urban environments.

As geographers you will develop a unique portfolio of skills, knowledge and experience that make you suitable for a wide range of vocations. Human geographers can collect, process, analyse and communicate all types of information. Our students will often work in teams, pooling their expertise so as to better understand complex problems. Such skills are valued highly by employers. We are particularly proud of our innovative and distinctive approach to enhancing the employability of our graduates. Our graduates have a strong employment record, taking on roles in areas such as planning, teaching, local government and retail management.

We currently offer students the opportunity to visit South-West USA as a part of an optional second year module. Visiting five National Parks, the Navajo Indian Reservation and Las Vegas, we examine how the cultural heritage and natural environment of the American West is managed and sustained.