Human Geography (BSc)

Why study this course

This programme will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the role of space and place in shaping economic, social, cultural and political activity at different scales and across different cultural contexts.

You will develop your knowledge and critical understanding of the complex relations between the natural and human world and an awareness of how places outside your everyday experience are created. You will learn how to use this knowledge to shape the views and actions of elected decision-makers, the voluntary sector and industry in order to improve society.

Together, we will explore geographical ideas and practice at various spatial scales, making connections between the local, regional, national and global levels. While the programme will emphasise the social, cultural, political, economic, development and environmental components of geography, it also includes a range of specialist modules which will enable you to pursue your own interests and passions. It culminates in a substantive piece of original research (supervised by one of our expert staff) which offers you the chance to design, conduct and present a piece of primary geographic research on a topic of your choosing.

We recognise the value of professional experience and have designed the programme with this in mind. You will have the opportunity to translate your geographical knowledge into practice through a work placement module in the second year. This module is designed to ease the transition between higher education and the ‘real world’ by providing crucial work experience and developing your employability skills. It will also enable you to start building your professional profile and network.

Fieldwork and experiential learning are key facets in the development of undergraduate knowledge and skills within the discipline of Geography. 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.

Accreditations

• Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

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.

Our graduates occupy a number key positions in national and local governments, business consultancies, multi-national companies, sustainable energy centres, international development agencies, environmental agencies, housing strategy companies, construction, surveying and are active in both the public and private sectors.

Typical examples of roles open to geographers include logistics, retail management, economic analyst, aid worker, charity officer, human rights officer, refugee and asylum adviser, environmental campaign organiser, conservation worker, environmental health officer, environmental engineer, pollution analyst, forestry manager, environmental consultant, surveyor, urban regeneration officer, town planner, transport officer, teacher, public policy researcher, heritage site management, TV researcher, GIS specialist, census data specialist and cartographer.

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.

There is also a four-year option to the full-time degree programme.

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.