BSc (Hons) Human Geography

Our geography degree programmes are designed and delivered by research-active staff with strong links to research institutions, national organisations and non-governmental bodies in the UK and overseas. You will benefit from learning and working alongside academics whose research in global environmental change and sustainability was ranked 5th in the UK for impact in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Our human geography programme will help you to develop an understanding of society and space, while equipping you with the tools to identify and apply appropriate management techniques to global challenges. With our range of modules, you will be able to explore and specialise in contemporary issues such as social justice, cultural identity, urbanisation, economic development, sustainability and citizenship in an increasingly connected and complex world.

We have shaped this degree around potential career pathways for our graduate human geographers, helping you to develop the geographical skills and knowledge that are highly desirable to employers. You will have access from first year to industry-standard geospatial software and applications to develop high-level skills in remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In your final year, you will undertake independent research on a topic of your choice, building on all the skills you have acquired in taught modules and potentially learning more specialist techniques alongside your supervisor and other experienced academics.

Our focus on practical experience includes many fieldwork opportunities. Day field trips around the North West of England bring to life theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom by providing hands-on experience using a variety of research skills in human geography. A residential field trip to Berlin in second year is the focus for training in research design and analysis, underpinning your final year independent dissertation. There is also an optional specialist research field course to Rome in the summer before final year (subject to numbers).

Throughout your degree, you will have many opportunities to develop your transferable skills, including written and oral communication, effective group work, numeracy and data handling, which are all vital for your career beyond university. Manchester Met’s sustainability agenda is a longstanding, core part of students’ experiences in the Department of Natural Sciences and, as part of that commitment, you will gain a Carbon Literacy certificate in your first year and the opportunity to become a Carbon Literacy trainer to get in-demand skills and experience.