Human Geography (Joint Honours) BA/BSc (Hons)

• Overview

  What human factors are impacting on our environment? How are they being addressed at a local, national and international level? How can we influence change by combining expertise from different disciplines? If those sorts of questions interest you, then our Joint Honours Human Geography programme is for you.

  Informed by research and a contemporary approach, enthusiastic and experienced academic staff support learning throughout the degree.

  We prioritise seminars and workshops that allow closer interaction between staff and students. We achieve this level of personalisation through small group teaching and one-to-one tutorials.

  Staff ensure that students are ready for employment with effective study skills training and a career planning module.

  There are opportunities for residential fieldwork in the UK and overseas.

  We will support you to achieve your career and study ambitions, which is why if you complete our Employability Plus Gold programme or Changemaker Gold certificate alongside your studies and if you haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating* we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you, or support you into postgraduate study.

  *with a 2:2 degree classification or higher

  Course

  Highlights

  • Small class sizes, enabling us to provide high levels of support
  • Optional overseas fieldtrips.
  • Tailor degree to your individual needs and interests, combining modules from different subjects.
  • Flexible and diverse modules to specialise in your preferred area.
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.*

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  Open Days

  
• Course Details

  Our Human Geography degree course explores a range of topics, but specialises in human geography. This flexibility allows you to study the influence of humans on the environment.

  Within the programme, you will undertake a wide variety of activities and encounter new challenges that help support the theoretical underpinnings. Scientists must be able to explain their research to a wide range of audiences. This is particularly important for those studying the impact humans have on the world as this is an emotive subject with possible economic ramifications. This course will equip you with the skills you need to inform and influence people to effect positive changes at individual and governmental levels, including assessing the relevance of methodological options, presentation skills, and considering ethical demands.

  You will assess how issues in human geography affect the environment, including the biogeography and biodiversity of areas as well as how important repeatable, scientifically robust research is when reporting on environmental impacts and the effects of strategies to improve situations.

  Joint honours degrees allow you to study two subjects. You can study them both equally, or focus on one more than the other, creating a major/minor split.

  Visit our Twitter and Blog to see what we get up to on our course.

  Field trips

  Fieldwork is key to understanding geographical issues and developing transferable skills.  Many of our modules include part- and full-day field trips.  Typical locations include London and the Midlands.  In addition, we often conduct fieldwork on campus and in Northampton.

  There is a UK residential field trip at Stage 2.  Recent trips have involved a two-day stay in Sheffield, exploring urban geographies.

  As well as local area visits, there are optional overseas trips at Stages 2 and 3.  There is no charge for field visits within the UK, however there are additional fees for the optional overseas trips.

  Methods of Learning

  We prioritise small group teaching in seminars, workshops, and tutorials that allow closer interaction between staff and students.

  You will be taught through a variety of methods such as:

  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Individual and group tutorials
  • Field trips
  • Practical classes in the computer room
  • Online activities and materials
  • Guest speakers

  All learning is supported by enthusiastic and experienced academic staff.

  Assessments

  Each module includes two or three 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.

  Some modules have an exam.  For most students, examinations make up no more than a quarter of all assessment.

  A detailed set of instructions is provided for every assignment.  Students are encouraged to meet with academic staff to get one-to-one support.

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Careers

  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. Career planning workshops take place in all years of study. We are confident that this experience gives you the edge when applying for employment or postgraduate training.
  We work closely with careers advisers to ensure students get one-to-one career guidance and support.
  Guest speakers from a range of businesses and organisations – including lots of our own Geography graduates – contribute to the curriculum. This gives students ‘real-world’ insights into current issues, provides up-to-date information about the workplace, and gives opportunities for networking with potential employers.

• 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 Days

    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.

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    This course will open up a range of career opportunities, including…

    Transport Planner, Environment Officer, Planning Officer, Graduate Land Surveyor, Teacher.

    Previous students have gone on to do a range of roles for organisations such as the Environment Agency, Network Rail, local government, Stagecoach.

    
• 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.

  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

  Online enquiry form

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  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
  • Optional Placement Year
  • Stage 3

  You will develop your understanding of the fundamentals of human geography. Project and practical work will enable you to improve your evaluative and applied investigative skills.

  • 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

  You will focus on physical geography only, combining class activities with extensive online resources. You will also have the opportunity to go on local visits and residential field trips.

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

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

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

    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

  • The Placement Year Experience: Organisations in Context (40 Credits)
    Module code: HRM2053

    Core Module Y

  You will focus your studies on your particular areas of interest. You may choose to undertake an independent research dissertation in Human Geography, 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 is also an optional be career planning module to help you embark upon your career when you graduate.

  • Human Geography Dissertation (40 Credits)
    Module code: GEO4007

    Core Module N
  • Human Geography Project (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO4002

    Core Module N
  • Human Geography Joint Project (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO4003

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

    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

  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

  • Human Geography can be combined with a wide range of subjects
  • our academic staff are enthusiastic, experienced and excellent teachers
  • friendly and supportive environment, with individual support for learning and skills development
  • our study skills training and Geographers at Work module ensure you have the best opportunities to find work when you graduate
• Further Studies
  • Postgraduate Opportunities

    Further your Studies

    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

  20/21 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

  19/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 18/19 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module

  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 overseas where you will study the physical landscape, tourism and resource management.

  There is no charge for field visits within the UK, however the optional overseas trip would incur an additional to be confirmed by your tutor.

  20/21 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

  19/20 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

  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 overseas where you will study the physical landscape, tourism and resource management.

  There is no charge for field visits within the UK, however the optional overseas trip would incur an additional to be confirmed by your tutor.

  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,…

• Joint Honours Study

  This course will be a BA/BSc depending on the subject it is studied with. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for more information on Joint Honours Degree designations.

  If you choose to study a Joint Honours degree at the University of Northampton you can select a programme that suits your interests and strengths. This option opens up a host of possibilities to you, offering a wide range of opportunities for careers and further study at your fingertips. In the Joint Honours programme, you will select two subjects as joint for stage one. You may continue with equal emphasis on two subjects as a joint degree in stages two and three, or switch to a major or minor split. The degree title is derived from the two subjects.

  With a Joint Honours degree you can ensure that your programme has:

  • Breadth: you are not focused on a single specialism, but are able to study across two disciplines
  • Flexibility: you can adjust the balance of your programme depending on the interests and skills you develop during your time with us
  • Embedded skills: you will have all the graduate level skills that employers are looking for
  • Student support: your own personal tutor will work with you as you learn and progress.

  Click here for further information on Joints Honours.

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*Course data provided by Unistats