BSc (Hons) Geoenvironmental Hazards

  • Studying Abroad Option Available
  • Sandwich Year Option Available
  • International Students Can Apply
  • Fieldwork

Overview

UCAS Code:FF77
Course Length:3 Years Full-Time, 6 Years Part-Time
Start Dates:September 2019, September 2020
Department:Department of Geography
Location:Edge Hill University
  • Discover how to analyse, monitor, mitigate and manage natural and environmental hazards;
  • Travel to a variety of fieldwork destinations in the UK and abroad;
  • Equip yourself with a wide range of fieldwork, laboratory and key skills that will enhance your employability.

Natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes and tsunamis are some of the most significant challenges facing society on a global scale. Other environmental hazards and issues such as flooding, landslides, contaminated land and polluted water often arise from human impact on the earth’s surface and resources. Furthermore, there are growing concerns that climate change is increasing the frequency and magnitude of environmental hazards and disasters. This course will provide you with a scientific understanding of the causes and effects of geoenvironmental hazards, as well as the skills to analyse, evaluate and monitor hazards and to predict, mitigate and manage their impact and future effects.

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In Depth

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will be introduced to the main components of the physical environment through natural and geological hazards, environmental science and geological science and develop a range of subject-specific skills, key skills and fieldwork techniques. At least one period of residential fieldwork will also form part of your first year.

During Year 2 you will explore the main characteristics of natural and environmental hazards, disaster management and risk reduction, alongside deepening your knowledge of the physical environment. You will also enhance and further develop expertise in geographical information systems and remote sensing, while increasing your research skills through laboratory work and local and overseas fieldwork.

In Year 3 you will further explore approaches to evaluating and monitoring hazards, prediction of impact and risk, and the mitigation and management of the impact of hazards and their potential future effects. You will also complete an independent research project (dissertation) on a topic of your choice.

How will I study?

Teaching is through fieldwork, laboratory and practical activities, lectures, tutorials, dissertation supervision, and directed independent learning. We place an emphasis on strengthening the employability potential of our graduates through the acquisition of a range of subject-specific, key and career management skills, as well as the development of knowledge and understanding.

Fieldwork, in the UK and abroad, is one of the most beneficial and enjoyable aspects of this degree.

How will I be assessed?

Methods of assessment display your knowledge and understanding and develop and demonstrate your competence in subject-specific and key skills. All modules are assessed by either coursework only or a mixture of coursework and examination. Coursework typically includes practical portfolios, essays, project reports, field notebooks, individual and group oral presentations and poster presentations.

Who will be teaching me?

We have 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 the latest developments in their areas of interest and pass this knowledge on. We are not a large department so you won’t get lost in the crowd.

A Great Study Environment

Three students walk near the Geosciences building on campus.The Department of Geography’s modern and wide-ranging facilities combine with a friendly and supportive learning environment to ensure that your studies are a rich and rewarding experience.

The Geosciences building features a large lecture theatre, small group teaching rooms, physical geography and environmental science laboratories, a geology laboratory, a geo-engineering laboratory, geo-information laboratories and a large social area.

Modules

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Level 4 (Year 1 of Full-Time Programme)

GEO1047Practical Skills for Geography and Environmental Science (20 credits)

Practical Skills for Geography and Environmental Science is a skills-based module, using geographical knowledge to develop a range of subject-specific skills together with general use of ICT and communication skills. The module focuses on the handling, analysis and communication of spatial and graphical data. You will be introduced to the principles, uses and practical skills of Geographical Information Systems as part of the module.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

GEO1048Introduction to Geographical and Environmental Science Research (20 credits)

Introduction to Geographical and Environmental Science Research provides an overview of the subject specific and generic skills in Geography and Environmental Science that you will require to study, research and succeed in your studies. This includes the development of research skills, cartographical skills, statistical analysis and fieldwork skills.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

GEO1049Introduction to Natural Hazards (20 credits)

Introduction to Natural Hazards covers the scientific theory for different kinds of natural hazards. These include geological/geophysical hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes, meteorological hazards such as hurricanes, geomorphological hazards such as mass movements, climatic hazards including floods, drought and wildfires, and environmental hazards such as disease. The module equips you with an understanding of the primary and secondary impacts, both negative and positive, of different natural hazards on the environment and society.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

GEO1050Dynamic Earth (20 credits)

Dynamic Earth provides a broad overview of, and introduction to, the science of geology. The module will describe the Earth as a dynamic system, and explain how that system has operated throughout the history of the planet. It will introduce the formation of the Earth, the concept of geological time, and the major processes operating on Earth, from plate tectonics to ocean circulation, evolution and geochemical cycles.


Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Written Exam(s): 40%.

GEO1051Geological Hazards (20 credits)

Geological Hazards introduces you to the scientific theory for different kinds of geological hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and soil erosion. The module equips you with an understanding of the primary and secondary impacts (both negative and positive) of different geological hazards on the environment and society.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

GEO1140Science of the Physical Environment (20 credits)

Science of the Physical Environment provides an introduction to the nature, structure and composition of the physical environment and the processes and interactions that operate within and between the various components. An understanding of our physical environment is fundamental to environmental science.


Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Written Exam(s): 40%.

Level 5 (Year 2 of Full-Time Programme)

GEO2071Research Methods for Physical Geography and Environmental Science (20 credits)

Research Methods for Physical Geography and Environmental Science uses investigative research processes to enhance and develop your knowledge and understanding of essential research methods in physical geographical and environmental science.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

GEO2077Weather, Climate and Soils (20 credits)

Weather, Climate and Soils provides you with a detailed understanding of the climate system and the soil system. The module covers a range of atmospheric processes through to the development of weather systems, with a specific focus on mid-latitude weather. The varying nature and properties of soils, and the soil processes which give rise to soil formation and development are then considered. You will receive practical training in the analysis and interpretation of meteorological data as well as being guided in the methods used in the field and laboratory analysis of soils.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

GEO2080Digital Geographies (20 credits)

Digital Geographies develops your knowledge and skills in remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) which are widely used in a variety of fields including planning, health studies, environmental investigations and resource management. The module focuses on remote sensing analysis and interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery, which has transformed the manner in which geographers and geoscientists view the Earth. You will explore how remote sensing and GIS have greatly improved our understanding of atmospheric, oceanic and landform processes, helped to sustain environmental management and enabled a better understanding of the interaction of humans with the natural world. The module also extensively covers the use of Geographical Information Systems as one of the most important tool to process and analyse geographical data.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

GEO2082Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (20 credits)

Disaster Management and Risk Reduction introduces the concepts and approaches/methods used in disaster management including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The module also provides knowledge and understanding of the theories and practices involved in disaster risk reduction including vulnerability assessment and reduction, mitigation, risk assessment, analysis and emergency planning.The module includes the study of case studies and scenarios and considers the differences and similarities between disaster management approaches in developed and developing countries.


Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Written Exam(s): 40%.

GEO2083Field-Based Investigation of Natural Hazards (20 credits)

Field-Based Investigation of Natural Hazards focuses on applying theory to a series of field-based problems in a European destination.  The module provides an integrated geoscientific case study, incorporating geological history, hazard assessment, risk and vulnerability evaluation, and evaluation of existing disaster management strategies. During a residential field course, you will study the products of past volcanic activity, with a view to assessing the risk to future hazard events and developing disaster risk reduction strategies for given hazard scenarios.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

GEO2142Environmental Pollution (20 credits)

Environmental Pollution focuses on the origins, pathways and consequences of anthropogenic pollutants in the environment as well as discussing the various approaches to pollution control and remediation. The module will provide you with a detailed understanding of the actual or possible effects that humans may have on environmental systems, over a variety of scales in time and space.


Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Written Exam(s): 40%.

Level 6 (Year 3 of Full-Time Programme)

GEO3084Dissertation in Natural and Environmental Hazards (40 credits)

Dissertation in Natural and Environmental Hazards develops further understanding of the concepts, theories and skills acquired through earlier studies in natural and environmental hazards in relation to a topic of your own choice within this academic field. Through the dissertation experience, you will develop a range of transferable skills in the planning, execution and reporting of an individual research report. You will also demonstrate an ability to work independently and effectively, meeting deadlines and producing a professional product, in consultation with a supervisor.


Assessment: Coursework: 90%, Practical(s): 10%.

GEO3085Disaster Management and Response in the Professional World (20 credits)

Disaster Management and Response in the Professional World provides training in the techniques practised by professionals in the fields of emergency planning and disaster management. The module will focus on five key themes: search and rescue, humanitarian aid during and following disasters, emergency first aid, the role of the media and social media in disaster reportage, and community education for disaster mitigation, response and recovery. The module will include contributions from emergency planning and management practitioners.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

GEO3086GIS Solutions for Hazard Management (20 credits)

GIS Solutions for Hazard Management focuses on the application of geographic information system (GIS) technology to the natural environment and hazards domains, encompassing both natural and anthropogenic events. In the module, you will integrate spatial data from a range of sources to map and evaluate exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity to hazards and analyse mitigation strategies. You will develop key technological skills which will enhance your employability.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

GEO3140Environmental Monitoring and Management (20 credits)

Environmental Monitoring and Management provides you with some of the important building blocks for understanding and evaluating current environmental issues and the range of monitoring and management techniques required to address them. The module focuses on the role that an ecological and chemical approach can play in understanding and monitoring pollution effects. It provides an overview of the biological and chemical effects of pollutants released into the environment and considers how they and other environmental issues may be managed.


Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Written Exam(s): 40%.

You will select one of the following modules:

GEO3087Climate Change (20 credits)

Climate Change provides you with a detailed understanding of the nature and causes of climate change on both longer and recent timescales, and the methods used to reconstruct past and recent climate variability. The module will also consider future climate change and the potential impacts on society and the physical environment.


Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Written Exam(s): 40%.

GEO3088Environmental Hydrology and Flood Management (20 credits)

Environmental Hydrology and Flood Management provides an understanding of input, storage and output processes within the catchment unit in the hydrological cycle. The module will develop knowledge and experience of the measurement, analysis and simulation techniques available to the modern hydrologist. You will gain an holistic appreciation of flood estimation and modelling techniques, in addition to river catchment and flood risk management, in the context of extant policies, legislation and planning.


Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Written Exam(s): 40%.

LAW3055Environmental Law (20 credits)

Environmental Law examines one of the most important contemporary global political and regulatory issues, namely how to put in place effective rules to ensure sustainable economic development. Striking a balance between the competing global economic interests is remarkably difficult notwithstanding the fact that environmental hazards tend not to respect jurisdictional boundaries. The growing, but nonetheless, essentially patchwork quality of international laws on the environment are the main focus of this module.


Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.

Timetables

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Entry Criteria 2019/20

Entry Requirements

Typical offer 120 UCAS Tariff points, including Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or a related subject. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or Adult Numeracy at Level 2 or above, or equivalent, is also required.

Example Offers

Some examples of how you can achieve 120 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

  • A Level: BBB;
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Distinction, Merit (DDM);
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

English Language Requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’).

Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

Entry Criteria 2020/21

Entry Requirements

Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, including Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or a related subject. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or Adult Numeracy at Level 2 or above, or equivalent, is also required.

Example Offers

Some examples of how you can achieve 112-120 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

  • A Level: BBC-BBB;
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

English Language Requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’).

Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

Career Prospects

What are my career prospects?

The geoenvironmental hazards degree will provide you with an extensive range of graduate skills that employers are looking for, including IT and communication skills, project management, report writing, problem solving, group work and oral presentation skills. These skills are of great value to them and to you in your career.

Career options may include graduate positions with local authority planning departments, Government agencies, international development agencies, utility companies, charitable organisations and environmental consultancies.

How can I enhance my employability?

It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.

Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:

  • Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
  • Erasmus+ and Study Abroad – you may have the opportunity to apply to spend time studying or working abroad, usually as the third year of a four year degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;
  • Learning a Language – you may be able to participate in Language Steps classes, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as additional study.

Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or studying abroad opportunities or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.

Finance

Tuition Fees

If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a full-time basis in academic year 2019/20, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2019/20 are £12,000 per annum.

If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a part-time basis in academic year 2019/20, the tuition fee will be £77 per credit, i.e. £1,540 per 20 credit module. 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree.

If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will be joining this undergraduate degree in academic year 2020/21, tuition fees are still to be announced. You are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21 are £12,250 per annum.

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

Financial Support

Subject to eligibility, UK and EU students joining this undergraduate degree in academic year 2019/20 can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK and EU students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2019/20 may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining this programme in academic year 2019/20, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters guide for your intended mode of study.

Financial support arrangements for eligible UK and EU students joining this programme in academic year 2020/21 are still to be announced. You are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information.

Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

Scholarships

Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students. These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

Additional scholarships, which you may qualify to receive, reward outstanding grades and are available to eligible UK and EU students.

To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

Apply

How to Apply

If you wish to study full-time, apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com. Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.

If you wish to study part-time, apply directly to Edge Hill University at www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply-part-time.

Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Visit Us

If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about all of our events for prospective students, including monthly campus tours, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

Request a Prospectus

If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

Course Changes

Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

22nd January 2019 - Change to Entry Requirements

112-120 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2020 entry.

8th January 2018 - Change to Entry Requirements

An A-Level (or equivalent qualification) in Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or a related subject is now essential in order to meet the standard entry criteria for this degree.