Human Geography (with integrated year studying abroad)

Why study Human 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:

• 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. massspectrometers and core scanners of which can be used for fieldwork and independent study;
• Experience an international experience with your year studying abroad with our partner University across Europe and the rest of the world.

Our Staff

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

What can I do with a degree in Human 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;
• 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.

Further opportunities

Work experience:

If you are interested in undertaking valuable work experience whilst studying Human Geography at Aberystwyth University, then our sister course (L703) may be for you. This sister course is identical to the BSc Human Geography (L700), however you could undertake a year of studying abroad rather than a year in industry.

DGES has also established Erasmus Exchange Programmes with the University of Bergen, the University of Oulu, Finland, and the University Centre in Svalbard, giving students the unique experience of studying in one of the world’s most extreme environments. We also have strong links with a number of universities in North America, where students can complete their second year of study. In recent years, our Exchange Co-ordinator has overseen placements at Purdue University (Indiana), the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, the University of Montana and the University of Ottawa in Canada.

What will I learn?

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;
• Economic development;
• Globalization.

In your second year you will:

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

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

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;
• Choose optional modules on a diverse range of specialist topics.

How will I be taught?

Our courses are taught through lectures, seminars, 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 many 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.