Geography and History

In Geography you'll study both social and physical sciences to analyse and understand major challenges facing the world. You can specialise in human geography or physical geography, or combine elements of both. You will also have the opportunity to go on field trips, and to work with partner organisations to help them solve problems that they are currently facing.

Our teaching is based on the research carried out in the department and is focused on three broad themes: creating just communities and places, shaping environmental futures, and geospatial and digital methods.

You will cover specialisms within these themes including:

• health and well being
• city futures
• geopolitics and power
• tourism and globalisation
• policing and security
• hazards and risk

In History you'll examine social, cultural, and political history from the early modern period through to the contemporary period, focusing in particular on the British Isles, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and India.

Our emphasis is very much on 'doing history'. You'll use primary sources from the very beginning of your studies, and analyse various kinds of historical evidence, including written and oral materials, maps, visual images, feature films, art, and music.

You will consider how the use of sources and media representation inform our reconstructions of the past. You will reflect critically on key debates in history, looking at how they have developed over time, and how they have shaped our understanding of the world.

Studies by the Royal Geographical Society show that Geography degrees are an excellent basis for developing the transferable skills and knowledge that many employers value. You will be skilled in communication, problem solving, analysis and interpretation.

Many of our graduates pursue Geography-related careers in development or environmental consultancies, government, tourism, planning and teaching.

Our History course is designed to produce confident, intellectually engaged graduates, who can think creatively and independently, ask incisive questions, articulate their ideas, and solve complex problems. These are all attributes highly sought after by employers.

Our graduates go on to work in the media, the heritage industry, museums and archives, teaching, politics, the civil service, business, finance, the diplomatic service, and other diverse careers.