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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 at the same time enhance your employability with our integrated year in industry programme.
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 accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) will equip you with the academic and enhanced employability skills.
Student Satisfaction and Employability Results
92% overall student satisfaction for the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences (NSS 2020).
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
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.
Modules
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.
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
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
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.
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.
Learning & Teaching
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
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
you will 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.