Geography BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The BSc Geography degree at the University of Northampton has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG13: Climate Action, SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG15: Life on Land.

  Our Geography BSc degree includes a mix of human geography and physical geography modules. Topics may include climate change, sustainable development, social and economic inequalities, migration, weather, water resource management or, geographies of sport. There is a choice of modules at Stages 2 and 3, with flexibility to enable you to specialise in human geography or physical geography if you wish to.

  Classes, which are supported by online resources, are interactive and include activities and discussion.

  Modules on this BSc Geography degree are assessed through coursework and a small number of in-class tests.  Coursework assignments are varied – there are written assessments (such as reports and essays), research-based and data-analysis tasks, and some verbal assignments (such as group presentations or debates). There are no formal examinations.

  During Stage 1 you will cover six compulsory modules, ensuring you have a solid foundation in key aspects of the subject. These modules cover both human geography and physical geography, as well as exploring key issues such as sustainable development and global inequalities. There are local fieldwork activities too, enabling you to put your learning into practice.

  There are three compulsory modules at Stage 2. These develop your field skills in both human geography and physical geography, provide insights into contemporary issues within the Global North (such as social inequalities and changing urban spaces), and introduce you to the theory and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for storing, manipulating, analysing and visualising data. In addition, you choose three designated modules giving you the opportunity to focus your studies more on human geography or physical geography or keep a balance between the two.

  Employability skills are integrated throughout the degree. A series of career planning workshops at Stage 2 will help you to explore the diverse range of roles available to Geography graduates and provide you with opportunities for networking with professionals in the field.

  At Stage 3 you will choose three designated modules, developing advanced knowledge and understanding of particular topics as well as undertaking research on a geographical topic of personal interest in the Dissertation.

  The compulsory Career Planning and Employability module includes individual careers support, talks from employers, and a mock job application and interview exercise. There is also a 30-hour work experience placement where previous students have been involved with local planning and surveying companies, environmental consultancies, schools and sustainability teams. We will support you in finding a placement that aligns with your own interests.

  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills are valued by employers, so we ensure you have access to industry-standard software. You will be introduced to GIS at Stage 1, develop your confidence in using it at Stage 2, and can then enhance your skills at Stage 3. You will also have access to industry-standard equipment for 3D imaging and topographic surveying.

  There are opportunities to do local fieldwork at all stages of this Geography university degree. During Stage 2 there is a residential fieldcourse in the UK, the costs of which are covered in your course fees. Previous destinations have included London and the south-east, the Jurassic coast, and Devon. An optional international study trip may be available, for which there would be an additional cost.

  We want you to feel supported throughout your studies and you will have regular meetings with your Personal Tutor. A Personal Tutor is a member of the teaching team who will help you to develop your academic skills and guide you to relevant support services. You will also be able to meet individually with lecturers to ask any questions you have about classes or assignments.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Introducing Human Geographies (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO1006

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce key concepts within human geography - based around the themesof people, place and movement - providing a basis for more specialised modules at levels 5 and 6. In addition it explores how human geography has changed over time and includes fieldwork.
    • Geographical Techniques (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO1013

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to a range of data collection and analysis methods used in geographical research. Students undertake two projects, enabling them to learn about, use, and evaluate some key research techniques.
    • Geographical Issues in the Majority Global South (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO1020

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the study of global economic and social inequalities. Focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, students will gain an understanding of theories of economic development, identify key social inequalities, and explore a range of case studies from the Majority Global South.
    • The Physical Environment (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO1107

      Status: Compulsory
      The Physical Environment provides an introduction tothe physical environment of Planet Earth. Students will examine processes which operate in the atmosphere, like the development of clouds and tainfall, those that occur at the Earth's surface, such as weathering and erosion and how, combined with geology and tectonics how these processes interact to produce environments and landscapes.
    • Geohazards (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO1108

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides an overview of the main causes of and responses to a broad range of natural hazards, introduces the key principles, concepts and terminology associated with the analysis of hazard and risk from geophysical events and explains the nature of a range of geohazards using recent case studies.
    • A Sustainable Community (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO1110

      Status: Compulsory
      In this module students develop an understanding of sustainable development, its underpinning values and what it could mean to them. Students will explore local and global dimensions of sustainable development through student-led project work, discussion and critical reflection.
  • Stage 2
    • Biogeography (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENV2103

      Status: Designate
      Biogeography combines ecology and geography to help us understand global patterns of biodiversity. `It is the study of distributions of organisms, habitats and biomes, both past and present, and of related patterns of variation over the earth in the numbers and kinds of living things' (Brown & Lomolino, 1998).
    • Issues in Human Geography (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO2028

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces research about a range of contemporary geographical issues in diverse contexts in the UK and Global North. Issues to be explored may include deprivation, social exclusion and changing urban spaces. The module includes UK-based fieldwork.
    • Transport and Mobility (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO2030

      Status: Designate
      This module outlines the principles of transport geography and examines the important discourses. Students examine some topical issues such as neo-liberalism, globalization, social justice, rising income and demand, environmental degradation, resources issues). Transport is a multidimensional activity with clear importance to historical economic development, social interaction and political governance.
    • Populations and Migrations (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO2032

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to population studies and provide a specific focus on the study of migration. The movement of people will be studied and examples of human migration will include local, national and international case studies.
    • Landscape Processes (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO2037

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the scientific study of processes, landforms, and deposits, an awareness of how the discipline has developed and an understanding of how geomorphological concepts may be applied to assist in the solution of environmental problems.
    • Geography Field Module (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO2104

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables students to develop the skills required to safely and accurately conduct fieldwork within physical and human geography. Students will conduct a range of research projects in the field, planning projects, collecting and analysing data, and presenting their findings.
    • Weather and Climate (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO2111

      Status: Designate
      Weather and Climate equips the student with a sound knowledge and understanding of atmospheric processes which are relevant to a broad range of environmental sciences.
    • Geographic Information Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO2131

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will introduce students to the theory and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for storing, maniplating, analysing and visualisating data. Students will gain experience: (i) using GIS for real world problem solving; (ii) applying GIS processes; and (iii) communicating geographic information to target groups.
  • Stage 3
    • Children's Geographies (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO3007

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide an opportunity to critically investigate difference and diversity in the geographical worlds of children and young people. Students will explore a range of case studies from the Global North and Global South, review key concepts, and carry out a mini research project.
    • Geographies of Sport (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO3031

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to explore geographical approaches to studying recreational and professional sport at a range of spatial scales. Drawing on a wide range of contemporary and historical sports case studies this module will explore issues including globalization, migration, the body and global mega-events.
    • Communicating Climate Change (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO3108

      Status: Designate
      Climate change is regarded as the greatest environmental problem. It is a complex scientific topic that can affect all aspects of environmental and human systems. It is essential that debate and policy is driven by informed specialists and not by the media or political agenda. In this module we explore all aspects of the climate change issue.
    • Water Resource Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO3124

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to enhance students? employability through the development of key employability skills. Students participate in career planning activities and reflect on their experiences.
    • Career Planning and Employability (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO3131

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enhance students? employability. Students learn about the career opportunities available to Geography graduates, participate in application and interview role-play activities, undertake a short placement, and reflect on their experiences. The module also provides opportunities for students to network with alumni and employers.
    • Monitoring the Earth's Surface (20 Credits)
      Module code: GEO3140

      Status: Designate
      The module explores techniques used to document and understand changes occurring at the Earth?s surface with a focus on the role of geospatial technology. In this practical module students learn to use industry-standard survey instruments and software to generate and analyse geographical data.
    • Geography Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: GEO4008

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for the student to plan, undertake, report and evaluate an original piece of geographical research. Students choose a geographical topic of personal interest to investigate in depth. Through this the student acquires and develops their subject-specific, analytical, project management and communication skills.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full-time BSc Geography degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your geography degree, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for BSc Geography we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on the BSc Geography degree?

  Face-to-face sessions are organised as interactive classes with discussion and activities. For some modules on BSc Geography, there are workshops in the laboratory or computer room. Classes are supported by online and technology-enhanced learning to ensure you have the best possible study experience to achieve your potential.

  How many hours per week of teaching/personal tutoring?

  You will typically have 12 hours contact time per week, in addition to 20-25 hours per week of independent study. You are encouraged to meet with staff on a one-to-one basis to get additional study support, and also receive timetabled personal tutor meetings each term.

  How will I be assessed on the Geography degree?

  Each module generally has two items of assessment. Assignments are designed to develop your skills, as well as test your knowledge and understanding. There is a range of written assignments, including reports and essays. You may also be asked to analyse data or reflect on your learning.

  In some written assignments you will be tasked with writing in a style appropriate to a particular audience. Presentations, debates and discussions are used to assess your verbal communication skills. There are no formal examinations, but there are a small number of class-based tests. A detailed set of instructions is provided for every assignment. You are encouraged to meet with academic staff to get one-to-one support.

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