Geography BSc (Hons)

• Overview

  What physical and human factors are impacting on our environment? How are they being addressed at local, national and international level? How can we influence change? If those are the sorts of questions that interest you then our Geography programme will be of interest.

  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 course, 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.

  Course

  Highlights

  • International fieldtrip, previous locations have included the Grand Canyon
  • Flexible and diverse modules to specialise in your preferred area.
  • Recognised by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.*

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  Apply Now Open Days

  
• Course Details

  Our undergraduate Geography degree explores a range of human, physical and environmental geography, that will provide you with the skills for a future career in the environmental sciences field.

  Partnerships and Accreditation

  This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

  Study Trips Abroad

  Our current second year Geography students have recently returned from a two-week field trip to the USA. During the trip they went to: Lake Mead, Route 66, Sunset Crater Volcano, the Grand Canyon, Moenave dinosaur footprints, Monument Valley, Goosenecks State Park, Arches National Park, rafting on the Colorado River, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Las Vegas. They learned about landscape development, tourism and resource management. Take a look at what they’ve been up to on their Flikr account.

  Methods of Learning

  You will learn key principles in a classroom setting, where you will participate in discussion, before you put theory into practice through fieldwork and other practical activities. The majority of your time will be spent in active learning.

  The modules are taught in structured programmes that are delivered in class and supported by our online learning environment, NILE. You can expect two hours of contact time each week for each module. Classes are delivered in a variety of means including lectures, seminars and practicals. Our aim is to provide opportunities for students to become actively involved in their learning. Personal tutorials, skills tutorials and fieldwork is additional to the time spent in the class and would average another one-two hours per week.

  Schedule

  An average module has 12 hours of contact time. This can be in the form of lectures, practical classes or small group seminars depending on the module. In addition to regular timetabled sessions you should expect to attend at least six field visits per year as well as a number of personal tutorials.

  Assessments

  Each module includes three items of assessment, all of which test your knowledge and skills while developing other areas, such as your ability to present to a group. There will be a range of formal written assignments such as essays and field reports, as well as written work for different audiences, such as journalists and the media. You will also be assessed through presentations, debates and discussions. Some modules also have an end of year exam.

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Opportunities Abroad

  This course includes residential and day fieldwork trips within the UK and overseas. These opportunities help you to develop your skills and also visit sites that may be restricted for the general public.

  As well as local area visits, there is a residential trip to America where you will study the physical landscape, tourism and resource management.

  There is no charge for field visits within the UK, however the optional 15 night trip to the USA as part of the second year module, USA Field Module, typically costs about £2,000.

• Careers and Events
  • The Northampton Employment Promise.

    *We promise to secure paid experience for you, if you need it.

    We work with employers to understand what they’re looking for and we’re confident that if you follow one of our structured awards, as well as committing to your studies you’ll be in a competitive position when it comes to applying for graduate jobs.

    We’re so confident, that we promise to secure a paid 3-6 month internship for you, if you need it. Find out more about the Northampton Employment Promise, including how it works and who is eligible.

    
  • Open Day

    Discover your Course

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a packed programme of subjects talks, advice sessions and activities designed to give you all the information you need about studying with us.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
  • Student Story

    Aime Withers

    Amie is a current student on the course.

    “My personal development has been incredible at the University. Practical elements of the course, such as fieldtrips, as well as extracurricular activities such as societies, have helped me hugely.”

    “If you love geography, this course is amazing! It covers so much and has so many module choices to suit everyone. I feel extremely confident that this course has set me up for my future career.”

    “I wouldn’t change my time at the University for anything. I can honestly say this University has changed my life!”

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    Geographers are highly sought after in the jobs market and this diverse programme develops the skills necessary to secure employment in both the public and private sectors.

    You will develop excellent communication and analytical skills and be able to enter a diverse range of jobs as well as further study.

    Recent graduates have found work in social research, teaching, environmental management and local government and planning.

    
• Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be BCC at A-Level or DMM at BTEC. We welcome international applicants and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  Foundation Study Framework Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation programme is normally DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.

   

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Contacts

  Course enquiries
  study@northampton.ac.uk

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2020@northampton.ac.uk

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Enquire online
  Online enquiry form

  Applying for 2020
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Stage 3
  • Foundation

  You will develop your understanding of the fundamentals of Human and Physical Geography, while project and practical work allow you to improve your evaluative and applied investigative skills.

  • The Physical Environment (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO1107

    Core Module Y
  • Introducing Human Geographies (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO1006

    Core Module Y
  • Geographical Techniques 1 (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO1013

    Core Module Y
  • Learning for Sustainable Development (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO1017

    Core Module Y
  • Geography and Development 1 (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO1010

    Core Module N
  • Geohazards (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO1108

    Core Module N
  • Environmental Science Practical (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1016

    Core Module N
  • Introduction to Ecology (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1002

    Core Module N

  You will be able to choose modules from across the subject, combining class activities with extensive online resources. You will also have the opportunity to go on local visits and a residential field course in America.

  • Geographical Techniques 2 (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2033

    Core Module Y
  • Issues in Human Geography (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2028

    Core Module Y
  • Physical Geography Practical (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2123

    Core Module Y
  • USA Field Module (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2104

    Core Module N
  • Geomorphology (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2108

    Core Module N
  • Weather and Climate (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2111

    Core Module N
  • Biogeography (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV2103

    Core Module N
  • Past Environments (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2034

    Core Module N
  • Approaches to Research in Human Geography (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2029

    Core Module N
  • Transport and Mobility (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2030

    Core Module N
  • Populations and Migrations (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2032

    Core Module N

  You will undertake an independent research dissertation on a topic of your choice, allowing you to explore an area you are particularly interested in while demonstrating all that you have learned in your degree. At this stage there will also be career planning modules to help you embark upon your career when you graduate.

  • Geography Dissertation (40 Credits)
    Module code: GEO4008

    Core Module Y
  • Geographers at Work (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO3030

    Core Module Y
  • Climate (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO3108

    Core Module N
  • Understanding Change in the Physical Environment (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO3130

    Core Module N
  • Water Resource Management (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO3124

    Core Module N
  • Sustainable Development: Land Use and Planning (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV3013

    Core Module N
  • Leisure, People and the Environment (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO3019

    Core Module N
  • Children's Geographies (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO3007

    Core Module N
  • Geographies of Sport (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO3031

    Core Module N

  • Investigations into your Subject Area 1: Science & Health (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN012

    Core Module Y
  • Investigations into your Subject Area 2: Science & Health (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN015

    Core Module Y
  • Investigation into your Subject Area 3: Changemaking (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN016

    Core Module Y

  Module information is quoted for 19/20 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  We offer an innovative approach to enhancing your employability. Our geography programmes feature career planning modules, which focus on developing your awareness of your subject-specific and transferable skills and a reflective approach to learning. We are confident that this experience gives you the edge when applying for employment or postgraduate training.

• Further Studies
  • Postgraduate Study

    Postgraduate Opportunities

    Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give yourself a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

    Managing Waste and Environmental Resources MSc

    
  • Research

    We are committed to delivering outstanding research that makes a difference to society. Our Research Institutes and Centres work closely with external partner organisations, locally, nationally and internationally. We produce internationally renowned and relevant research and disseminate knowledge on an international scale.

    Visit our Research Hub page for more information.

    
  • Business and Enterprise

    We are committed to supporting and encouraging business growth and we are involved in a variety of initiatives which seek to benefit the wider community as well as students and staff of the University.

    Discover what businesses we work with and what opportunities may be available to you on our Business and Enterprise pages.

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  Foundation Study Framework: £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module
  Foundation Study Framework: £6,600 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  Please note that tuition fees for EU students will remain the same as UK fees for 2018/19. For more information, please visit the Gov UK website.

  Additional Costs

  This course includes residential and day fieldwork trips within the UK and overseas. These opportunities help you to develop your skills and also visit sites that may be restricted for the general public.

  As well as local area visits, there is a residential trip to America where you will study the physical landscape, tourism and resource management.

  There is no charge for field visits within the UK, however the optional 15 night trip to the USA typically costs about £2,000.

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900
  Foundation Study Framework: £12,900 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  For information on the scholarships available to you as an international student, please see our International scholarships page.

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,500
  Foundation Study Framework: £9,800 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  Additional Costs

  This course includes residential and day fieldwork trips within the UK and overseas. These opportunities help you to develop your skills and also visit sites that may be restricted for the general public.

  As well as local area visits, there is a residential trip to America where you will study the physical landscape, tourism and resource management.

  There is no charge for field visits within the UK, however the optional 15 night trip to the USA typically costs about £2,000.

  Scholarships

  EU and International Scholarships

  We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

  Sir Thomas White Scholarship

  The Sir Thomas White scholarship will support and acknowledge an academically gifted student, with the proviso that the selection panel is confident that there is…

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

  The Reid Science and Engineering Bursary

  The Reid Science and Engineering Bursary supports a small number of undergraduate students who are studying a full-time three year BSc or BEng in Environmental…

  Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

• Foundation

  Course information

  The Foundation Study Framework 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 Geography we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Geography programme which includes a Foundation Study Framework Year. The Foundation Study Framework 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.

  Course Structure

  In your first year of study on the four year Geography you will study three 40 credit modules that form the Foundation Study Framework. These are:

  Investigations into your subject 1 – Academic & Investigation skills.

  Introduces the concept of research and provides the tools of how to do it, with short assessment tasks involving identifying resources and describing how they would be used.

   

  Investigations into your Subject 2 – Employability and Professional Context. Provides a framework and opportunity to start relating research to own practice and employability – making connections.

   

  Investigations into your Subject 3: Changemaking, Introduction to Social Innovation.

  Focuses specifically on the generation and development of ideas around our social development aspirations.

   

   

  Upon successful completion of these modules, you will progress to Stage two Geography.

  Typical timetabled week of study

  Foundation Study Framework teaching will be a combination of lectures, seminars and/or workshop based sessions. Each module involves a teaching contact time of 12 hours per week and you are also expected to engage in approximately 12 hours of independent study, to support your learning experience.

  Foundation study will help you to build a solid understanding of the study skills and general theoretical and practical aspects that will underpin Geography. Throughout all stages of your programme you will also be supported by a Personal Academic Tutor, to guide you through the learning experience and help you make informed study choices.

  Foundation study will enable you to acquire the necessary study skills to succeed in higher education, as well as developing your understanding of key subject concepts delivered through taught sessions, tutorials and online support.

  Visit our Foundation Framework page to learn more.

  Read more

*Course data provided by Unistats