Geography BSc Welcome Pack
Welcome to Geography BSc – September 2026.
Welcome to BSc (Hons) Geography! The programme will help you to explore geographical approaches to problem-solve contemporary and emerging environmental, social and cultural issues.
You will study a range of different topics in both Human Geography and Physical Geography and will benefit from an exceptional level of academic support. Modules are delivered via a mix of practical, field and classroom teaching, supported by online resources.
Employability skills are embedded throughout the programme, and you will receive individual careers support and complete a work experience placement.
Your Course Leader
Dr Faith Tucker
Senior Lecturer in Human Geography
faith.tucker@northampton.ac.uk
Your Course Leader can help you get the most out of your university experience, through connecting you with support services and ensuring that your course is managed effectively. Your Course Leader is here to ensure that you have a great student experience.
Additional staff
- Dr Chris Holt, Senior Lecturer in Geography
- Dr Greg Spellman, Senior Lecturer in Geography
- Dr Toby Tonkin, Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences
- Dr Catherine Waite, Senior Lecturer in Geography
- Dr Ruth Copeland-Phillips, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science
- Vivenne Finch, Technician Demonstrator
Preparing for your course
In preparation for your course starting in September, we hold some online sessions beforehand so you can meet your Academic Team and other students studying the same course. These will be held on Thursday 3 September and Wednesday 9 September. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact induction organiser Dr Faith Tucker: Faith.Tucker@northampton.ac.uk.
Thursday 3 September
Session: Studying Geography at the University of Northampton
- Time: 6 – 6.45pm (BST)
- Link: https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/24d8560605a04fbcb0294a06a0060ee8
Wednesday 9 September
Session: Ask Your Questions about Studying Geography at the University of Northampton
- Time: 6 – 6.45pm (BST)
- Link: https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/c234e24c93b04b4085f1513ffc19e5fa
These online sessions will be delivered using Blackboard Collaborate (which is broadly similar to using Zoom, which you may have used before). You don’t need to download any software or set up an account in order to participate.
Test whether your browser will work with Collaborate. Review the student guide to using Collaborate. You won’t need to put on your camera or microphone, but can if you wish.
Monday 21 September
Session: Introduction to BSc Geography and studying at UON
- Time: 10am – 12pm and 1 – 3pm (BST)
- Location: Learning Hub, Floor 1, Room LH114, Waterside campus
You will find out about the course and meet your Course Leader. You will also learn how to access your timetable and IT account, and how to access learning resources via NILE and reading lists. Please bring your phone and, if you can, a laptop.
Tuesday 22 September
Session: Fieldwork activities
- Time: 10am – 12pm and 1 – 3pm (BST)
- Location: Learning Hub, Floor 1, Room LH114, Waterside campus
This activity will develop your fieldwork skills and help you get to know other members of the class. Please dress appropriately for the weather as we will be spending part of the day outside in the local area. There will be a lunch break, so either bring some lunch with you or some money to buy food on campus/in the town centre. We will provide more details about this activity in the previous session and will check any accessibility needs. Any queries or concerns, email faith.tucker@northampton.ac.uk
Wednesday 23 September
Session: Getting ready for study at university and meeting your Personal Academic Tutor
- Time: 10am – 12pm and 1 – 3 pm (BST)
- Location: Learning Hub, Floor 1, Room LH114, Waterside campus
You will be working with other members of the class to look at resources related to your first classes. You will also have an individual meeting with your Personal Academic Tutor.
Thursday 24 September
Session: Fieldwork activities and cake!
- Time: 1 – 4pm (BST)
- Location: Learning Hub, Floor 1, Room LH114, Waterside campus
We will do a fieldwork activity around Waterside Campus for a couple of hours. Be prepared to work outside and to wear comfortable shoes. Once the fieldwork is complete, we will meet some Year 2 and Year 3 students – and eat cake. Any queries or concerns, email faith.tucker@northampton.ac.uk
Equipment
We recommend that you have a waterproof coat and some shoes suitable for walking on uneven or muddy ground, as we plan to do some fieldwork activities.
