Geography BA (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: L700
International Code: EECU063

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time with study abroad / professional placement

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

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 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.
  • The course is 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 successful graduation.
  • Throughout your studies, you will have opportunity to undertake residential field trips* to apply geographical knowledge to real-world concerns.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
human silhouette teaching in front of a blackdoard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

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 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 currently 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.
  • A 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.
  • 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 previously presented talks at the annual RGS conference. Students are encouraged to be active members of the RGS Ambassador scheme, which promotes the subject by giving talks at schools.

Accredited by:

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

This course is accredited by Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) up to and including the September 2022 intake.

Watch the video below to get a taste of one of our field trip experiences.

What you'll study

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.

The first year of the course, common across both our BA and BSc Geography courses, encompasses the study of people and place, spatial patterns, globalisation, economic, development, political social and cultural geographies as well as landscape, climate change, and meteorology. For example, we will examine how processes of globalisation have impacted people across the planet and in the UK.

You will also have opportunity to learn to apply qualitative and quantitative techniques and have certified training in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software to map and visualise geographical issues.

Modules

  • This module introduces the varied environments on Earth’s surface. The physical environment is considered, with an examination of different types of landscape and landform and the interrelated processes that have led to their formation.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides an innovative and interdisciplinary study of Earth System Science by offering an introduction to the geological, geomorphological and climatic processes affecting the Earth over different time and spatial scales; both in the geological past and at the present time.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce you to the nature and spatial outcome of global processes in the human environment. Established and new theories of globalisation are explored. Theories of place, space and culture are considered.

    Compulsory

  • This module will give you an introduction to selected key topics within contemporary Human Geography. This is achieved through providing you with a foundation in selected sub-disciplines within Human Geography including; cultural, social, economic, and development geography.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to and develop your research skills. It recognises the value of developing key research and practical skills that underpin geographical enquiry, including numerical and qualitative skills that are vital when it comes to conducting academic research, a knowledge of spatial principles and interpretation.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

In the second year you will explore in more depth the human geography themes studied in the first year, for example society and culture, consumption geographies and international development. Skills in research, data collection and analysis will be taught in class and put into practice on an international field trip. You will also have the opportunity to select one optional module to further your specific interests in GIS, climate change or contemporary environmental issues.

Modules

  • This module aims to provide a broad introduction to contemporary social and cultural geographies. It is both concerned with the traditions of social geographical enquiry and informed by more recent theoretical developments, sometimes conceptualised as a ‘cultural turn’ in human geography.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the geographies of consumption from both a political-economic and socio-cultural economic perspective.

    Compulsory

  • This module examines processes leading to social and economic development with a particular focus on the Global South. Theoretical and historical perspectives of the concept of development are introduced and different ways of measuring development evaluated.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module to further develop research methods and skills in geography, specifically focusing on developing the skills and understanding necessary to undertake a final year research project. The module is designed to challenge you to think critically, independently and as part of a team.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

  • This module is concerned with geo-referenced datasets of various types; their integration, analysis and presentation. The aim of this module is to convey understanding in the principles of geo-referenced data: the theory, acquisition, processing methods and presentation.

    Optional

  • Often described by politicians as the biggest threat to humanity, climate change is viewed by many as the most pressing issue facing the world today. This module aims to examine in detail the science of climate change so that you can begin to formulate your own critical opinion of the subject.

    Optional

  • This module is concerned with assessing human impacts on the environment. Environmental issues are often in the news, can be controversial, and sometimes engender conflicting views, but are frequently treated only partially or superficially in public debates.

    Optional

Following your second year, you will have an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or study abroad in a partner institution.*

If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year. However, we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module. Whilst the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any 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.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to study more specialised options including alternative subcultures, geographies of social exclusion and marginalisation and development, conflict and health. An international field trip* provides the opportunity to further your field skills and to widen your international experience. Trips are subsided for all students.

In addition, you will be able to focus on a topic of your own choice for your final year project. Past students have looked at Fairtrade cities, British Muslim identities, food waste, geographies of rap music culture, experiences of Polish migrants in the UK, sustainable development in West Africa and Cultural Economies, to name just a few examples.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem of relevance to their discipline. You would use different methods and research skills to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the academic and non-academic communities.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to give you the opportunity to extend fieldwork skills, methodologies and techniques by field study in a non-UK setting. A number of issues, depending on the specific degree studied, will be investigated in the field study location, all underpinned with a keen knowledge and appreciation of health and safety issues whilst in the field.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide critical insight into the geographies of marginalised social groups by examining processes and implications of social and spatial exclusion. It will focus on historical and contemporary case studies to understand issues faced by some marginalised groups who have traditionally been excluded from social life.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

  • The aim of the module is to explore planning and sustainability in relation to the built and natural environment. Using a range of historical and contemporary case studies in the UK and Global contexts, the module will examine debates around urban development, key concepts relating to urban design and issues pertaining to sustainability and the environment.

    Optional

  • The aim of this module is to examine contemporary issues related to conflict and peace, food security and insecurity, and disease. The module will examine the contested debates around conflict, violence and peace, including resulting population patterns such as migration, and their contexts within development.

    Optional

  • This module will enable you to develop a more detailed understanding of the principles and applications of GIS and Remote Sensing specific to your degree focus, and to use the knowledge and skills you acquire in a variety of human, physical and natural hazard applications.

    Optional

  • This module aims to provide critical insight into contemporary geographies of alternative lifestyles, subcultures and ‘other’ forms of pleasure. The module will use various theoretical perspectives, such as recent developments in Queer theory and feminist geographies, to critically engage with the often unseen or hidden geographies of people whose lifestyles may challenge accepted norms.

    Optional

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.

How you'll learn

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).
  • 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.

Assessment

This 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.

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.

Job ready

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 transferable professional skills including intellectual and problem-solving skills; effective teamwork; 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.

International experience opportunities

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.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSE's graded 9-4 / A* - C including English and Mathematics
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 29 points

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

Fair Access Scheme

Typical offer for 2022 entry

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £15,950 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

The faculty’s £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning. Our Sir John Laing Building also houses a variety of industry-standard labs and equipment.

Two students wearing lab coats using geotechnics lab facilities

Geotechnics Laboratory  

This specialist lab contains triaxial cells, direct shear box apparatus, a dimensional compression oedometer, California Bearing Ratio apparatus, soil classification equipment and Marshall test apparatus for asphalt mixes.

Three people wearing fluorescent jackets in the simulation centre

Simulation Centre

Our Simulation Centre uses an interactive screen and real-life scenarios to create a ‘virtual’ training environment. Role-play exercises are part of the course to help prepare you for situations in the workplace.

A birds eye view of students working on computers at desks in Informal study areas

Informal Study Areas

You will have access to a range of informal study areas. These include hot-desk computers, with access to specialist software you may need for studying, and bookable spaces where you can meet with academics or work in small groups.

Careers and opportunities

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.

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.

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.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Agroecology, Water and Food Sovereignty MSc, Disaster Management and Resilience MSc or Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

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  • Student Contract

    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 2021/22 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.

    Tuition fees

    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.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any 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.

    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), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).