First year
The modular structure allows you maximum flexibility in developing your own interests without channeling you into decisive choices too early. In the first year you will study issues crucial to the shape of the world and our place within it, such as natural hazards, landslides, floods, global environmental change and cultural landscapes, as well as contemporary urban issues using Birmingham as a real-world laboratory. There are also fieldtrips to the likes of Ironbridge and the Lake District.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Contemporary Human Geography
Global Environmental Issues
Environmental Research Frontiers
Research methods, field work, and data analysis
Tutorials and Study Skills for Geographers
Statistical Methods and Applied Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Second year
The second year will provide you with deeper subject knowledge in areas of your choice. You will be introduced to specialist techniques such as computer cartography and the use of databases. You will also learn how to develop a research proposal, which may be the starting point for your dissertation in the final year. Training in more advanced fieldwork skills is provided by courses held in European centres.
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Statistical Methods and Applied Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Research Methods for Physical Geography
Research Labs and Fieldwork: Theory and Practice
Optional modules - Example optional modules may include:
Geomorphology and Palaeoenvironments
Catchment Water and Soil Management
Ecological Systems
Hydroclimatology: Climate and Water
Environmental Pollution
Social Geographies
Political Geographies
Geological Natural Hazards
Urban Policy Design and Planning Analysis
City Challenges and Policy Responses
Third year
In your final year you select from a wide range of modules that provide more specialised knowledge and skills in the areas of Geography that appeal to you. You also undertake a supervised dissertation on a topic of your own choice.
Year 3
Compulsory modules
Geography Research
Optional modules - Example optional modules may include:
Advanced Fieldwork Research
Catchment Processes and Environmental Change
Conservation: theory into practice
Embodiment and the Carceral
Environmental Research in High Latitudes
Geography in the Classroom
Geographies of the Global South
Professional Placement for Geographers
Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
Geographies of Childhood and Education
Geographies of Russia in a Regional and Global Context
Micrometerology, Weather, Climate and Society
Palaeoclimates
Climate change in the Earth System
Resource Governance
Politics of the Environment
Pollution impacts and Environmental Management
Work, Migration, Alternative Economies
Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2023. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules after that date; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.
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