Human Geography with a Professional Placement Year (BSc)

Why study this course

Tackle the social, political, economic and environmental challenges which affect how and where we live.

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 and are the only UK top 10 rated Geography programme offering a year-long work placement.

You will undertake your placement year in practice during the third year of the programme. This is an excellent opportunity to translate and apply your learning to the modern workplace and develop key employability skills while building your professional experience, 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.

The experience and knowledge you gain from your placement year is highly valued by employers and could help give you a competitive advantage after graduation.

Placements

This degree is a four-year option with a placement year in the third year. The placement may be paid or unpaid. You won’t need to make a final decision on whether or not you want to explore this option until year two.

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 your final year, 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.