Human Geography and Planning (BSc)

Why study this course

The programme fosters an understanding of the main geographical trends in the world today, along with the analytical skills needed to study spatial change. You will examine the changing nature of spaces and places, the relationship between society and space, and the role of the state. Placing local and national issues in a global context, we cover topics from environmental change in the UK, and economic and social change in Wales, to regional and international development.

You will gain an understanding of global, national and local processes of change, key environmental, social, cultural, political and economic trends and the role that planning plays in shaping their effects on different places. While, detailed case study work through field study visits, away days and projects will give you an appreciation of transnational spatial change.

Recognising how competitive the job market is for graduates, the programme has been specifically designed to provide you with the key employability skills to help kickstart your career and make your mark in your chosen field.

Fieldwork and experiential learning are key facets in the development of undergraduate knowledge and skills within the disciplines of Geography and Planning. This programme provides a range of opportunities for students to develop this knowledge and skill set, including in-module 1 or 1/2-day field visits; group data collection and analysis assessments; and dedicated Year 2 and Final Year field study modules.

We offer an RTPI-accredited version of this programme that you can transfer onto following enrolment. The accredited route will require specific module selections in year 1 which will be discussed during enrolment.

Careers and placements

Career prospects

We are committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions, providing you with the skills, curiosity and confidence to make your mark in your chosen field.

There are numerous exciting and varied career opportunities open to graduates of this degree programme, and many occupy key positions in a range of public, private and third sector organisations. These include national and local governments, business consultancies, sustainable energy centres, environmental agencies, housing strategy companies, construction, surveying

Specific planning career pathways include surveying, design and development, as well as fields such as transport, economic development and urban regeneration. You could practise in local planning authorities, local and national government, neighbourhood planning organisations, transport organisations, private planning consultancies, private developers and environmental organisations in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe and internationally.

Placements

The Geographies of Work and Employability module offers you the opportunity to undertake a short-term placement to apply your learning in practice during your second year.

We offer an RTPI-accredited version of this programme that you can transfer onto following enrolment and subject to module selection. For information on the module structure of the accredited pathway please visit the Human Geography and Planning with a Professional Placement Year listing – you would follow these modules but without the year in professional practice.  

Each academic year also offers a subsidised field study visit which allows you to research and investigate a live issue/case study, on location. 

In year one, these field study visits are local to the Cardiff city region. In year two and three, you can opt for a residential field study visit. These often encompass UK and overseas destinations. Please see the ‘additional costs’ section for more information.