BSc

Geography (with integrated year studying abroad)

Geography (with integrated year studying abroad) Code F802 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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You are viewing this course for September start 2024

Aberystwyth University’s Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is one of the most established and experienced departments of its kind. Aberystwyth University offers you the unique opportunity to study geography in one of the most picturesque locations in Europe and undertake a year studying with one of our International or European partners.

Set on the coast of Cardigan Bay and surrounded by a great diversity of beautiful environments, including marine, moorland, mountain and grassland, the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is uniquely placed to make the most of the stunning landscapes that surround it, providing you with a fabulous variety of fieldwork and recreational opportunities. This degree is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and will equip you with the enhanced skills, abilities and expertise to face and engage with the challenges facing society today.

Course Overview

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 specialism, 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.

Modules September start - 2024

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Concepts for Geographers GS20410 10
Geographical Information Systems GS23710 10
Geography Research Design and Fieldwork Skills GS20020 20
Physical Analysis of Natural Materials GS22010 10
Quantitative Data Analysis GS23810 10
Social Research Methods * GS20510 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Catchment Systems GS25210 10
Geographical Perspectives on the Sustainable Society GS28910 10
Placing Culture GS22920 20
Placing Politics GS23020 20
Reconstructing Past Environments GS21910 10
The Frozen Planet GS23510 10

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

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 amongst many other things.

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
  • the 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

Teaching & Learning

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 your first year you will be introduced to:

  • key concepts in geographical study
  • issues and techniques in the collection, analysis and presentation of geographical data
  • climate change
  • landscape processes
  • economic development
  • globalization

In your second year you will develop further your:

  • laboratory and computer research skills in preparation for your independent research project
  • analysis of quantitative and qualitative datasets
  • knowledge of producing maps and other graphical representations of geographical data

You will also participate in a residential field trip in the UK or overseas and you can choose optional modules to specialise or simply maintain a broad interest across Geography.

In your third year you will embark on your study placement.

In your final year you will:

  • undertake an independent research project involving collection, analysis and interpretation of your own data
  • be allocated your own advisor who will provide expert guidance;
  • take optional modules as diverse as glaciology, hydrology, volcanic hazards, past climate change, urbanisation, and rural change which 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. 

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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