Geography (with integrated foundation year)

Following the foundation year, the syllabus of this course is identical to its sister course [Geography, F800].

Why study Geography at Aberystwyth University?

• This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

As a large dynamic Geography community we are able to offer you an extremely broad range of geographical specialisms, opportunities and facilities:

• River catchment processes;
• Glaciology;
• Biogeography;
• Quaternary Environmental change;
• Current trends in Geohazards;
• Urban sustainability;
• Regional Development;
• Political and Cultural geography;
• Fieldwork opportunities in New Zealand, Crete, New York, and Ireland;
• Travel awards available each year to fund your own adventures (up to £400);
• State of the art teaching facilities with the latest technology to enhance learning;
• Fully stocked laboratories with an array of analytical instruments e.g. mass spectrometers and core scanners of which can be used for fieldwork and independent study.

Our Staff

Department of Geography and Earth Science: lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.

Employability is embedded within all courses provided by us. Our degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of careers across a range of sectors. In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.

The skill sets include:

• Enhanced mathematical and computational skills;
• Effective problem solving and creative thinking skills;
• Information technology skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Time-management, organisational skills;
• Communication skills both written and oral;
• Self-motivation and self-reliance.

What can I do with a degree in Geography?

Our graduates have, for example, found employment as environmental consultants, planners, civil servants, surveyors, and in education to name a few.

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four-year degree scheme.

In the first foundation year, you will be introduced to core components of Geography.

In your second year, you will be introduced to:

• Key concepts in the geographical study;
• Issues and techniques in the collection, analysis and presentation of geographical data;
• Climate change;
• Landscape processes;
• Economic development;
• Globalization.

In your third year you will develop further in:

• Laboratory and computer research skills in preparation for your independent research project;
• You will learn how to analyse quantitative and qualitative datasets;
• Produce maps and other graphical representations of geographical data;
• Participate in a residential field trip in the UK or overseas;
• You can also choose optional modules to specialise or simply maintain a broad interest across Geography.

In your final year:

• You will undertake an independent research project involving collection, analysis and interpretation of your own data;
• You will be allocated your own advisor who will provide expert guidance;
• Optional modules as diverse as glaciology, hydrology, volcanic hazards, past climate change, urbanisation, and rural change will enable you to tailor your study to suit your interests.

How will I be taught?

Our courses are taught through lectures, seminars, laboratory and computer practical classes, small group tutorials, field courses and individual supervision of project work.

How will I be assessed?

We assess our students through a different range of methods. Some modules are assessed in part through traditional exams, but some have elements of coursework. We also have some modules that may require the student to produce practical reports, oral presentations, the design of web pages, production of short films, or contribution to online discussion forums. Some modules, notably the tutorials and field courses are assessed entirely through coursework.