BA (Hons) Human Geography

Summary 2012/13

• The Department was ranked 2nd in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2011;
• Travel to a variety of fieldwork destinations in the UK and abroad;
• Develop a wide range of field and laboratory skills that will enhance your employability.

If you are interested in developing an informed and critical understanding of contemporary social, economic, political, cultural and environmental issues within a spatial context then this distinctive and individual degree will suit you. You will take a close look at the world you live in and develop opinions and the ability to analyse the issues faced by society today.

This enjoyable degree will see you becoming part of a highly motivated team with opportunities to travel. You will develop expertise in Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing using the latest industry standard technology.

2012 Entry Requirements

240 UCAS tariff points, normally to include Geography, Sociology or Environmental Science, or a related subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Summary 2013/14

• The Department was ranked 2nd in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2011;
• Travel to a variety of fieldwork destinations in the UK and abroad;
• Develop a wide range of field and laboratory skills that will enhance your employability.

If you are interested in developing an informed and critical understanding of contemporary social, economic, political, cultural and environmental issues within a spatial context then this distinctive and individual degree will suit you. You will take a close look at the world you live in and develop opinions and the ability to analyse the issues faced by society today.

This enjoyable degree will see you becoming part of a highly motivated team with opportunities to travel. You will develop expertise in Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing using the latest industry standard technology.

2013 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points, normally to include Geography, Sociology or Environmental Science, or a related subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Details

Who is this course for?

Our Human Geography programme is of relevance to anyone with an interest in the knowledge and skills that go into policy-making, planning and management.

What will I gain from this programme?

Those taking Human Geography develop an in-depth understanding of a range of themes such as urbanism, heritage tourism, environmental policy, planning and management, global sustainability and development, retailing geographies, historical geographies, and technology and cultural change.

What will I study?

Year 1 provides a foundation in Human Geography, as well as developing a range of subject-specific skills, fieldwork and key skills. The Geo.com module provides an introduction to generic skills in geography that you require to study, communicate, research and succeed in your degree programme, and to engage with lifelong learning.

In Years 2 and 3 you have the option of continuing with a human geography specialist pathway or taking a non-specialist route in Geography.

In Year 2 you will study specialist areas of human geography including sustainability, the geography of contemporary retailing systems, and key concepts and issues in urban and rural geography. You will also enhance and further develop essential research skills in human geography. There is also an opportunity to undertake work-based learning to enhance your career prospects.

In Year 3 you undertake independent research in the Dissertation module. The final year also includes a careers-based module which will prepare you for your transition into graduate employment or postgraduate study.

How will I study?

Teaching is through a combination of workshop practical activities, lectures and seminars, directed independent study, dissertation supervision, tutorials and fieldwork. Fieldwork is one of the most beneficial and enjoyable aspects of our programmes. Current fieldwork locations include Cumbria and the Netherlands as well as local sites. You may also have the opportunity to participate in additional, optional fieldwork overseas.

Placement

Our optional Year 2 work-based learning module provides you with an opportunity to apply and simultaneously extend and refine the knowledge and skills acquired during your degree in a professional setting. It may play a key role in enhancing your career prospects.

Who will be teaching me?

We have highly experienced and knowledgeable staff who take pride in the quality of their teaching. All staff are research active, which means that they keep up to date with current developments in their areas of interest and pass this knowledge on. We are not a large department so you will feel like you are treated as an individual.

How will I be assessed?

Methods of assessment to give you the opportunity to display your ability and to develop and demonstrate your competence in subject-specific and key skills. Modules are assessed by either coursework only or a mixture of coursework and examination. Exams never count for more than 40% of the total mark for those modules that include an examination. Coursework includes practical portfolios, essays, project reports, individual and group oral presentations and poster presentations.

What are my career prospects?

A geography degree is recognised by employers for the extensive range of transferable skills that graduates have including IT and communication skills, project management, report writing, statistical analysis, group work and oral presentation skills. These skills are of great value to them and to you in your career. You will be prepared for a career in administration, business, finance, tourism, local government, environmental management, urban and rural planning, environmental education, postgraduate study, teaching (further training required) and research.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,400 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

The Department of Natural, Geographical and Applied Sciences at Edge Hill University provides a wide range of learning opportunities in a positive, friendly and supportive environment. Teaching facilities include lecture rooms and laboratories for physical and human geography, information technology, remote sensing and geographical information systems, all of which have an extensive range of equipment and technical support.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application.

Students with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

If you do not have a Mathematics GCSE, or lack the required grade, you can sit an Edge Hill equivalency test to gain the equivalent qualification.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Dr Nigel Richardson, Department of Natural, Geographical and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel. 01695 584421
• Email: richardn@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Combinations

Combined

• BA (Hons) Human Geography with Information Technology (L7G4)
• BA (Hons) Human Geography with Management (L7NF)

Modules

Year 1

Introducing Human Geographies provides a broad introduction to the scope of human geography, including different approaches and contemporary developments in the subject.

Practising Human Geographies focuses on the broad theme of ‘human geography in action’. You will be introduced to the research process in human geography and the idea of ‘practising’ human geography.

Geographical Skills will develop your map skills, aerial photography, satellite image interpretation, research skills, statistical analysis and fieldwork skills. The module involves a residential field course.

Geo.com focuses on the handling, analysis and communication of spatial and graphical data and geo-information by providing an introduction to the principles, uses and practical skills of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), digital cartography and graphical software packages.

Year 2

Research Methods in Geography. Using investigative research processes, this module will enhance and develop essential geographical research methods and provide a broad base for future choices in terms of physical, human or environmental study.

Fieldwork in Geography. Within a foreign field setting, this module further enhances the field and research skills developed in years 1 and 2.

Digital Geographies is a fusion of Remote Sensing - the analysis and interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery, and Geographical Information Systems – the management, processing, analysis and presentation of spatial and non-spatial data from different sources. An understanding of these systems will help your career prospects and support your geographical learning.

Retail and Consumption examines the workings of the retail industry, exploring how this industry impacts on people, places and environments. The module considers the ways in which the retail sector has changed over time, in particular in terms of space, technology and behaviour.

Urban and Rural Geographies aims to investigate key themes, concepts and issues in urban and rural geography. Attention focuses on exploring similarities and differences encountered by people in living and working in urban and rural environments via an examination of the economic, social and political processes which have shaped such lived experiences and relationships.

Sustainability and the Global Built Environment explores the human-built environment relations and sustainable development through a number of key themes, concepts and theories of architecture, urban planning and design. Particular emphasis will be on the evolution of the city culture and the transformation of the global built environment.

Work-based Learning provides a professional setting in which you can apply and simultaneously extend and refine the knowledge and skills acquired during your degree. It may play a key role in enhancing your career prospects.

Year 3

Dissertation. Through the dissertation experience you develop and apply a range of research and transferable skills in the planning, execution, and reporting of an individual research project.

Approaches and Concepts in Geography considers the history of geography, and the major geographical concepts, approaches and developments that have taken place in the discipline.

Geo-careers is designed to assist you in making the necessary transition from academia to the world of employment or postgraduate study. The module provides opportunities to develop career planning and management skills and, therefore, should enhance your employability and career prospects.

Heritage Tourism explores the presence of the past in contemporary society, focusing on the role of heritage and culture in the tourism industry.

Postmodern Geographies challenges traditional conceptions of human geography and explores alternative geographies of contemporary experience of the articulation of space, culture and technology.

Historical Geographies provides an outline of the main features of contemporary historical geography, equipping you with detailed knowledge of substantive issues and theoretical approaches. In addition, the module provides a contextual understanding of the historical geography of northwest England.

Sport Geographies. Modern sport is used to explore geographical concepts of space, place and identity. The module examines the economic, social, political, health, environmental and cultural impacts of sport. Attention focuses on the economic, political and social processes operating at various spatial scales to produce a range of sporting opportunities, experiences and modes of engagement.

Population and Medical Geographies explores the links between population and medical geographies through a number of key themes, concepts and theories of demography, epidemiology and accessibility to health care provision.

Popular Culture of South Asia provides a broad understanding of the rich but diverse culture of the South Asian subcontinent. South Asian history, religion, art and architecture, literature and cinema are all considered in the module.

Advanced Digital Geographies is a blend of GIS and remote sensing and is the systematic study and theory of digital representations of the Earth and the processes that can be applied.