Volunteering Half the World Away
Faye knew she wanted to find placement opportunities abroad. After much hard work and planning, Faye undertook a packed 36 week placement spanning half the globe.
Overview
Having taught geography for over 40 years, Coventry University is ranked as the 10th best university in the UK for ‘Geography and Environmental Studies’ in the Guardian University Guide 2020.
With field trips in all three years* (international trips in the second and third year), this dynamic course explores the relationships between people, places, environments and society. Tackling relevant and contemporary issues, you will have opportunity to develop an understanding of key issues affecting the world today. These include case studies that explore social justice and change, economic geographies, cultural theory, international development, geopolitics and the ways in which human activities affect the physical landscape and built environment.
We offer a common first year across two of our geography degrees (BA and BSc), ensuring students will be introduced to the breadth of the discipline of geography. Both degrees have field trips as integral components, located here in the UK and overseas.* Past students have visited the Lake District to study processes of change in human and physical environments; Berlin to put into practice various human geography field techniques, examining themes such as historical and cultural change of the urban landscape, society and conflict; and the Gambia to study international development in the West African context.
We also have an excellent track record of professional placements* which is a popular option between the second and third year, for example recent students have spent their placements with local authorities, national/international agencies, environmental consultancies, community action groups and research institutes.
We can provide the opportunity for a work based placement between second and final year*, which will be fully supported by your university tutors.
You can tailor the course to your own interests and career aspirations through a range of bespoke modules.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
This course was accredited by Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) for the 2019/20 intake. Following changes which have been made to improve the courses, we are applying for re-accreditation for entrants of 2020/21 onwards. We anticipate that our application for re-accreditation will be successful. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these courses, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
You will be enrolled for student membership of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) for the duration of your course, which includes a subscription to Geographical Magazine and access to their facilities in London, a programme of talks, as well as information and advice on career planning. Staff and students have presented talks at the annual RGS conference. Students are active members of the RGS Ambassador scheme, which promotes the subject by giving talks at schools.
What our students say...
It has been the best three years of life where I've been taught by passionate and enthusiastic staff but also created beautiful memories with my fellow students. If you're looking for an adventure and a challenge, this is the perfect course as it stimulates you to challenge key concepts and see the world from a completely different perspective. It definitely presents an eye-opening experience.
Course information
All of our Geography degrees are designed to develop your knowledge of the spatial organisation and evolution of the human and physical environment, within the broad field of geographical inquiry.
In all three years, you will be supported to develop your practical analytical and problem-solving skills, with appropriate training in how to conduct robust independent research in the field, as well as detailed critical analysis and methods of reporting. Our modular degree also allows for a strong element of personalisation. Students can tailor the course to their own interests and career aspirations through a range of bespoke modules.
Course specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
10th
Our geography and environmental studies courses are ranked 10th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2020.
In more detail...
You will explore the various geographical factors that contribute to the distribution of wealth, opportunities and privileges within society, engaging with key global issues including the sustainable provision of food, housing and livelihoods. You will also have opportunity to learn about how diverse communities interact with pressing socio-economic, geo-political and environmental concerns, such as climate change, poverty, social exclusion, population growth and sustainable living in a competitive global economy.
All of our geography courses have a strong focus on your future employability. They are designed to equip you with core knowledge, skills and expertise within the broad field of geography, together with a range of analytical abilities and transferrable professional skills to secure employment on graduation.
Throughout your studies, you will have opportunity to undertake residential field trips* to apply geographical knowledge to real-world concerns. In the first year, all students are required to take part in a three-day residential field trip*, followed in the second year and final years by international field trips.* In the past students, have visited The Gambia, Berlin and the Lake District to study social and cultural impacts of tourism, economic regeneration and impacts of people on landscape. Students have previously visited the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) in London to access the wealth of resources owned by the RGS and were able to see first-hand what student membership of the RGS can offer.
To augment field trip experiences, our students will be taught in the Simulation Centre, which is the most advanced interactive people training and development centre in the UK. Its cutting-edge technology which is unique in the UK, its learning curve interactive screen and real life scenarios using specially-trained actors not only help develop new ways of working in otherwise inaccessible environments.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- Current research expertise in development, economic, political and social and cultural geographies
- Coventry is ranked 10th in the UK for ‘Geography and Environmental Studies’ in the Guardian University Guide 2020
- Excellent support for and track record in employability
- Opportunities to participate in challenging and exciting residential field trips each year, exploring the UK and overseas*
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student. - Large range of optional modules allows you to tailor your degree to suit your interests with topics such as climate change, development, consumption geographies, alternative subcultures and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), planning and sustainability
Our main study themes are:
- Social Geography: How social processes operate through space, place and environments.
- Cultural Geography: The study of the ways in which people ascribe meaning to place.
- Development Geography: Understanding the nature of inequality in the world.
- Economic Geography: Geographies of production and consumption.
- Environmental Geography: The relationship between people and their environment, especially the relationship between human activity and environmental degradation.
- Career management and employment skills: An insight into the skills required for geography-related careers and how these skills are truly transferrable.
The programme can be studied full-time over three years with the option of extending this to four years, by taking a sandwich year in the form of study abroad or professional placement between Year 2 and Year 3*. Some of our past students have chosen to work in local authority planning and sustainability departments, charities, delivered practical skills training in field study centres or taught in schools.
We utilise a wide range of teaching methods which are an established feature of all of our geography courses. For example, you will have opportunity to participate in the UK’s only Simulation Centre to experience what it is like to visit a refugee camp, computer workshops to undertake data analysis using bespoke specialist software, such as ArcGIS.
The field trips, which occur in each year, provide an unrivalled opportunity to contextualise classroom-based learning and develop practical skills through real-life application. In addition to the residential field trips, you will have opportunity to undertake a range of day trips to gain practical experience of applying your knowledge.*
You will be taught by current experienced, qualified teaching staff who bring professional and research expertise into their teaching; for example, children’s geographies, development geographies, political, social and cultural geographies and consumption geographies particularly relating to the fashion industry and ethical fashion. In addition, your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice during published hours.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Meet our staff
Michelle Newman
Michelle Newman is a senior lecturer in human geography.
Read full profileThis course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework reports, essays, practicals, presentations, posters, formal examinations, timed exercises, field notebooks, infographics and project work.
Coventry University assessment strategy endeavours to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- The nature, practical value and application of human geography and its concepts, methods and techniques.
- The constitution and character of space, place and landscape.
- Concepts of spatial and temporal scale, variation and change in the human and physical worlds.
- Reciprocal relationships between physical and human aspects of environments and landscapes.
- Patterns, processes and consequences of uneven development, difference and inequality.
- The relationship between place, society and culture.
- Nature, mitigation and management of contemporary environmental problems and hazards.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Plan, design and execute a piece of rigorous research or enquiry using appropriate methods and strategies of acquiring, interpreting and analysing information.
- Conduct field and laboratory work effectively utilising data collection and associated investigative and analytical skills.
- Recognise the moral and ethical issues involved in debates and inquiries.
- Think critically and analytically about the world around you.
- Show awareness of how skills and training can be applied to work of a geographical nature.
- Observe, contextualise and analyse information through field and laboratory studies (including computational).
- Demonstrate a range of transferrable professional skills including: intellectual and problem-solving skills; effective team work; initiative and responsibility your own learning and development; self-reflection; time management and personal organisation, including working to deadlines; excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials and small group teaching; medium group teaching (e.g. seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops); and large group teaching (lectures).
In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12-13 contact hours per week.
Geography is a global subject and international themes are core to our teaching. As such, much of our teaching relies on the use of case studies from around the world; your lecturers will often draw on examples related to their research, such as child headed households in post-conflict Rwanda.
There are exciting international field trips* in your second and final year. Our students have previously had the opportunity to visit Berlin* to explore themes such as memory, conflict and reconciliation. Final year students have previously had the opportunity to explore The Gambia in West Africa to experience first-hand the workings of village communities and the challenges they face in education and health. Students were given strategic briefings by government officials, investigate the relationship between trade, aid and development and conduct fieldwork in rapidly urbanising environments throughout the duration of this trip.
The optional sandwich year* provides additional opportunities to broaden your international perspective by either studying or working abroad for a year. In the past, some students have chosen to study related subjects in Stockholm and Madrid, while others have undertaken placements volunteering in schools in South Africa, working for global charities in India and participating in a community outreach programme in Jordan, assisting local communities in development projects. Others have taken the opportunity to spend their summer performing voluntary work in the USA, Uganda and The Gambia to enhance their skills and experience of an increasingly connected world.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
Course essentials - additional costs
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas. This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, clothing, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say...
I’ve always felt part of the department as the lecturers are so approachable.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Successful geography graduates should possess a number of skills that are highly valued by employers. They should be literate and numerate, experienced in solving complex problems and developing solutions for multiple stakeholders through the collection and analysis of information. As such, excellent employment prospects should be available to graduates.
Our Talent Team will help you in finding work experience while you study* and employment on graduation. Professional placements significantly enhance your employability* and many of our students have found their first graduate job through the organisation they worked for on placement, for example local authorities and planning departments.
Typically, our graduates seek work with local authorities, government agencies, utility companies, research institutes, charitable organisations, field test centres and consultancies. Alternatively, they progress onto MSc or PGCE studies.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
*This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
Where our graduates work
Recent examples of graduate employers include: Transport for London; KPMG; Barclays Bank; Grays Travel; Parsons Brinckerhoff; Football in the Community; Urban and Transport Planning; Network West Midlands; non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Concern Universal; and various graduate training schemes, including that of the Civil Service.
What our students say...
An enriching experience that has allowed me to view the world significantly differently.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
