Contemporary Geographical Research introduces you to geographical research, enabling you to identify and use geographical information in appropriate and effective ways. The module will develop a number of subject-specific skills including geographical research methodologies, map and cartographical skills, statistical analysis and fieldwork, from note-taking and sketching to risk assessments and specific geographical techniques. You will discover how to select and apply appropriate statistical tests for the analysis of geographical and environmental data and be guided in recording, analysing and interpreting such data and drawing considered and precise conclusions.

Contemporary Geographical Skills is a skills-based module that uses geographical knowledge to develop a range of subject-specific skills together with key transferable skills in ICT and communication. The module focuses on the handling, analysis and communication of spatial and graphical data. Core elements of contemporary geographical and environmental practice are the ability to handle, analyse and communicate spatial and graphical data. You will be introduced to the principles, uses and practical skills of geographical information systems (GIS), digital cartography and graphical software packages. You will also begin to develop a personal development portfolio.

Environmental Issues provides an awareness and understanding of the nature of environmental issues facing the world today. Issues such as climatic change, water quality, flooding, biodiversity loss and human vulnerability to natural hazards will be considered. Through case studies, the physical processes underlying the issues will be explained together with an evaluation of management responses.

Introducing Human Geographies provides a broad introduction to the study of human geography, identifying and exploring key inter-relationships, namely between people, places and environments. The module outlines conceptual and theoretical approaches to the study of human geography. Attention focuses on the role of time, space and scale in human geography. In addition, the module introduces students to current debates, concerns and issues within the discipline.

Introducing Physical Geographies provides an overview of physical geography which looks at basic concepts and their development. The module outlines the physical framework of the earth’s surface and investigates the materials and processes operating there. It covers aspects of biogeography, soils, climatology and geomorphology.

Practising Human Geographies focuses on the broad theme of ‘human geography in action’. The module will introduce you to the research process in human geography and the idea of ‘practising’ human geography. You will be guided through the research process, using local fieldwork activities to gain experience of practising and evaluating the effectiveness of a range of qualitative research methods. In addition, key themes and case studies in cultural, urban and environmental geography will be used to exemplify different ways in which human geography can be researched.

TLC1010 Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated element of your degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.

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.

Human Geography Research in Practice uses investigative research processes to enhance and develop essential field research methods in human geography. You will learn how to design a research project proposal using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods, carry out and report upon effective field investigations in an overseas setting, and identify the significance of the appropriate ethical, health and safety and environmental issues in human geographical fieldwork.

Research Methods for Human Geography uses investigative research processes to enhance and develop your knowledge and understanding of essential research methods in human geography.

Biogeography examines spatial and temporal patterns of living organisms over the earth’s surface and highlights the fundamental processes and causal factors which determine these patterns, examining contributions to these processes by human and physical phenomena. Key themes such as the history and development of ecological communities through time, human impacts on the biosphere and biodiversity run through the whole module.

Cultural Analysis in a Global World considers how we understand, make sense of and act upon cultural understandings of the globalised world. We are increasingly aware of the interconnectedness of the local, national and global, through cultural and representational forms, commodities and discourses. How do we make sense of them? How do we gain a sense of what is global, what is local, and how do we make comparative and critical examinations of past and present, and begin to speculate on future, on the basis of distinct and contrasting cultural analyses? This module will look at how both media and representational practices make meanings, generate understandings and act upon them in contemporary societies, with a particular focus on recognising the importance of post-colonial cultural critiques and critical discourse analysis as a means of looking below the surface of our globalised world.

Gender, Sex and Violence explores the concept of violence and the various forms it can take. Specifically, the module will focus on the relationships between gender, sex, sexuality and violence, and the ideological, cultural and religious underpinnings of such violent acts. You will be encouraged to look beyond established understandings of what constitutes a violent act to explore more abstract forms of violence such as harm, denial of rights, and poverty. Criminological and social science theory will form the basis of considerations of aspects of violence. The structural relations of class (production), ‘race’ (neo-colonialism) and gender/sexuality (reproduction) will be highlighted as the determining contexts in which such violence occurs and is legitimated. Power, dominance, legitimacy, hegemony and ideology  will be key themes of the module.

Geographies of Vulnerability, Risk and Hazard introduces the concepts and approaches 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 will include the study of case studies and scenarios and will consider the differences and similarities between disaster management approaches in developed and developing countries.

Geomorphology introduces you to the study of geomorphological processes and the landforms they produce in a range of earth surface environments. The module will outline important concepts for understanding the relationships between processes and landforms. You will study the linkages between landforms and processes in a selection of earth surface environments such as coastal, fluvial, desert and glacial. You will also be introduced to the identification of landforms and the observation of processes through work in the field and laboratory.

Political Geography is one of the most important subdisciplines of human geography. The module provides a deeper understanding of various ways in which power produces, and is produced by, spaces and places in which they operate. You will discover the spatial nature of political power, thereby enabling deeper theoretical and practical insights into the relationship between space, place, territory and politics. With specific attention to how power is related to and distributed across space, the module interposes theories, concepts and activism to enable you to appreciate the contemporary moments of politics emerging at various scales. The theories and concepts introduced in the module will help you to develop your own ideas on contemporary issues related to territory, sovereignty, border, conflicts, security, belongingness, citizenship, mobility and migration.

Political Ideologies explores the principle ideas, significance and impact of the major political ideologies in contemporary political life. The module first considers the nature of political ideology and then proceeds to examine and critique each system of ideas and consider the context that shaped their birth, development and evolution. You will also examine the ways in which political ideologies influence or determine political choices in contemporary societies.

Retail and Consumption Geographies 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.

States, Conflict and Political Violence recognises that the sociological study of armed conflict and political violence is an important and growing field of inquiry. Wars and conflicts within and between states are key problems facing the contemporary global community, rooted in the complex character of modern societies. They have been a central concern for sociological theorists since the founding of the discipline.  The study of armed conflict therefore does more than allow you to become familiar with the particular dynamics of specific wars. It also enables a series of key concepts, theories and issues in the social sciences (of power and authority, gender, ethnicity and class) to be investigated and applied to real world situations through the prism of organised violence by, between, against and beyond the state today.

Sustainable Urban Futures immerses you in the debate about sustainability  and explores the relationship between sustainable developments and the human-built environment. Exploring a number of the key issues, concepts and theories of architecture, urban planning and design, you will study the evolution of city culture and the transformation of the global built environment. Historical and contemporary urban planning/design maps, as well as remote sensing satellite images and census data, will be used to help you explore the role of spatial and socio-economic variables in the development of sustainable cities and guide you in describing and explaining the processes which shape modern western and contemporary developing world cities.

Urban and Rural Geographies investigates key themes, concepts and issues in urban and rural geography. The module’s attention focuses on exploring the similarities and differences encountered by people living and working in urban and rural environments through an examination of the economic, social and political processes which have shaped such lived experiences and relationships.

Violence and Society explores the concept of violence and the various forms it can take, ranging from intrapersonal violence (e.g. self harm) to interpersonal violence, institutional and state violence, and violence on a global scale.

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.

Work Based Learning for Geography, Environmental and Geological Science provides you with a professional setting in which you can apply the knowledge and skills acquired in lectures, workshops and practical classes, while simultaneously extending and refining your knowledge and skills, over and above the experiences provided through the mechanisms of fieldwork and dissertation work.

TLC2000 Language 2 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year of your degree or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from module TLC1010 Language 1. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.

Dissertation in Human Geography enables you to develop and apply a range of research and transferable skills in the planning, execution and reporting of an individual research project on a relevant topic in human geography of your choice. The module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to work independently and effectively, meeting deadlines and producing a professional product, in consultation with a supervisor.

Natural Hazards identifies the nature of geohazards and the relationships between hazards and risk to people. The module investigates the distribution, causes and management of a range of major geohazards. It will enable you to demonstrate your ability to research and evaluate information on geohazards both on an individual basis and in a group scenario.

Environmental Change develops your knowledge and understanding of the nature of environmental change from the last glacial period to the recent past. You will examine the evidence for change, consider potential causes, and analyse the spatial and temporal responses.  The module explores the major changes of the Late Glacial, Holocene and recent periods and examines the relative contributions of forcing factors, such as climatic variability and anthropogenic activity. In addition, the module critically considers the techniques and methodologies used in the reconstruction of environmental change.

Sport Geographies investigates how 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. You will focus on the economic, political and social processes operating at various spatial scales and build your understanding of how they produce a range of sporting opportunities, experiences and modes of engagement.

Rivers and Coasts immerses you in the advanced study of fluvial and coastal landscapes. The module draws on geomorphological, environmental and management issues in rivers and coastlines in the UK and around the world, with particular emphasis on fluvial/coastal processes and resources. The impact of management strategies and climate change on fluvial and coastal landscapes will also be explored. The module considers key theories on fluvial and coastal geomorphology, examines recent papers in each topic area and explores some of the techniques and instrumentation in modern research. A number of examples will be drawn from research in the North West of England and other areas of the UK.

Heritage Tourism explores the presence of the past in contemporary society, focusing on the role of heritage and culture in the tourism industry. You will define and understand classifications of heritage themed attractions, identify and critically evaluate the role of heritage in place promotion and economic regeneration, critically evaluate debates surrounding the representation of people, places and cultures, and assess key issues surrounding the management of heritage sites and attractions.

Wetlands explores the largest terrestrial carbon store; wetlands. The module studies the flora and fauna that have adapted to and formed these environments. You will examine the sensitivity of these environments to climate change and analyse the historic, current and future management strategies required to preserve these ecosystems.

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.

Applied Geographical Information Systems recognises that GIS is an increasingly specialised and growing field, providing spatial data management and analysis to many academic disciplines as well as a broad range of business and public organisations. The module focuses on the theory and application of GIS technologies for geographical and environmental enquiry and/or application. You will develop advanced technological skills which will enhance your employability.

Landscape Ecology facilitates advanced learning in landscape ecology, involving the application of remote sensing image data collection and computational spatial analysis to solve environmental problems. Landscape ecology is a growth area, underpinning much large-scale environmental analysis due to its synoptic scale, the wide and growing availability of digital image data and the ease of automated, computer-based analysis. The module covers the theory underpinning landscape ecology and provides advanced technical training in acquiring and analysing various forms of imagery, including optical, hyperspectral, lidar and drone data. You will learn how to apply spatial analyses to a range of environmental and ecological problems such as land use planning, habitat assessment, forest monitoring and peatland conservation.

Critical Geographies of Modern Slavery engages you in analysis and fresh perspectives on human trafficking, modern slavery, and forced labour. The module introduces you to the historical debates on labour and migration that led to the current international laws on human trafficking. You will critically analyse the geopolitics of several competing terminologies like ‘human trafficking’, ‘modern slavery’, ‘worst forms of labour’, ‘unacceptable forms of work’, ‘forced labour’, and ‘unfreedom’. You will critically evaluate whether and how these terms help address labour exploitation and examine whether they are selectively deployed in line with particular political ideologies. The module will provide an insight into critical perspectives on modern slavery and encourage you to go beyond these critical approaches and develop your own original ideas on how to address the exploitation, oppression and rightlessness of all workers.

Critical Autism Studies adopts a critical approach to understanding autism and seeks to challenge the dominant medical model of neurological deficit. Rather than viewing autism as a cognitive development disability, you will be encouraged to consider it as a naturally occurring form of cognitive diversity. The module will examine the argument that autism has been constructed as a neurobiological deficit in a context of neurotypicality or cognitive normality. Understanding autism as neurodiversity opens up spaces for more positive interpretations of autistic people’s experiences, skills and identities. The module is underpinned and, in part, informed by, research by members of the programme team which is focused on areas of sexuality and autism and, specifically, what professionals and care workers should do when providing support for people whose intellectual disability or mental condition makes their consent – being informed, competent and free from coercion – legally unreliable.

Critical Terrorism Studies recognises that in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and those in London, Madrid, Paris and beyond, terrorism and political violence have become ever more pressing contemporary issues. But, what is ‘terrorism’; what does the term itself actually mean? What causes political violence, how is it represented in modern multi-mediated societies and how does the issue of ‘counter terrorism’ impact on the lives of people today? How has the ‘fear’ of terrorism come to affect our society? These are the sort of questions this module is designed to address. You will be invited to employ and develop your understanding of critical sociological theories, concepts and approaches in order to investigate these matters of great contemporary social importance.

Childhood and Sexuality juxtaposes how children and young people are constructed simultaneously as desexualised or pre-sexual beings and, therefore, in need of protection and, at the same time, young people, in particular, are portrayed as sexually ‘promiscuous’ or engaged in sexual ‘risk taking behaviour’. The module introduces you to the tensions between these contradictory constructions of youth sexuality and explores the ways in which young people understand their sexuality and develop their sexual identity.

Superdiversity and Community explores the theoretical and conceptual platform of (super)diversity as well as its implications for policy and practice. (Super)diversity has slowly gained ground as an important concept in explaining the diversification of urban areas in the North Western world as a result of increased immigration and the contact between people of various backgrounds. At the same time, superdiversity research and the broader social science literature consider diversification a topic worthy of investigation in its own right. Recently the attention of scholars concerned with issues of diversification has turned to the implications that conceptual and societal developments linked to (super)diversity have for communities and practitioners. The module will analyse these implications in light of burgeoning literature in the field of diversification and community and social relations.

Socio-Cultural Issues and Questions provides you with the opportunity to intensively study a particular society and culture through some of its contemporary issues. The module allows for the comparative cultural analysis of a different society to the one you live in, focused around some preparatory lectures and reflective sessions and an intensive study trip to that country. The focus of the study trip will be to explore both comparisons and contrasts, and use the experience of difference to explore social and cultural issues and problems.

Sociology of the Body and the Emotions introduces you to different ways of understanding ‘the body’ and its significance in past and contemporary societies. Relevant classical social theorists, such as Bourdieu, Elias, Le Breton, Foucault, Mauss and Goffman, will be covered, as will more contemporary sociologists such as Turner, Shilling, Fraser, Butler, Burkitt and Williams. The social production of bodies, how the body is deployed socially and culturally, the socially constructed dualism between body and mind, and the relationship between power and the body, are key issues for evaluation and analysis. They will be illustrated through a range of substantive topics such as gendered, classed and racialised bodies, the body, health and illness, body modification, biotechnology, and social and digital media and the body.

TLC3000 Language 3 further enhances your language skills in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish and introduces you to a new culture and way of life. It is suitable if you have studied the prior language module in the previous year of your degree or if you can demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from module TLC2000 Language 2. You will develop language skills to a level of proficiency that will enable you to spend time living or working abroad. Classes will be conducted as much as possible in the target language. They will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.

CRI2025 Gender, Sex and Violence (20 credits), CRI2220 Violence and Society (20 credits), GEO2246 Political Geography (20 credits), GEO2247 Geographies of Vulnerability, Risk and Hazard (20 credits), POL2003 Political Ideologies (20 credits), SPY2136 States, Conflict and Political Violence (20 credits) and SPY2138 Cultural Analysis in a Global World (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 2.

GEO3088 Environmental Hydrology and Flood Management (20 credits) and GEO3245 Critical Geographies of Modern Slavery (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 3.

GEO1054 Contemporary Geographical Skills (20 credits) and GEO1055 Contemporary Geographical Research (20 credits) replace GEO1047 Practical Skills for Geography and Environmental Science (20 credits) and GEO1048 Introduction to Geographical and Environmental Science Research (20 credits) as compulsory modules in Year 1.

GEO3072 Population and Medical Geographies (20 credits) and GEO3078 Popular Culture of South Asia (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 3.