Geography

Durham University

Explore the challenges facing the world today, from climate change to geopolitical conflict. This flexible course will enhance your understanding of the planet, while furnishing you with the knowledge and skills for a broad range of career options.,Geographical science is leading the way in tackling global challenges, from climate change to environmental risk mitigation. Studying this research-led modular degree in physical geography will help you develop the necessary skills and experience you’ll need for a broad range of employment opportunities. Our flexible study programme at one of the world’s leading centres for geographical research puts you in control. There is no such thing as a typical Geography career but if you want to make sure that you are highly employable with a variety of transferable skills, but also want to leave your options open, then Geography is a great choice.The BSc degree begins with a broad foundation, during which you are introduced to both human and physical geography. Year 1 commences with three compulsory modules and residential fieldwork. In the second and third years, our modules lead progressively to increasing specialised content focused on the cutting-edge of physical geography and environmental research. There is also the opportunity to study integrated modules that span the human/physical geography interface and optional overseas fieldwork. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four. In the final year, you will undertake your own research project.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Human Geography: Space and Place in a Changing World introduces the core concepts of human geography along with the approaches used to understand these concepts in response to specific societal challenges. A variety of case studies is used to illustrate the content.Introduction to Geographical Research (BSc) covers a variety of methods for research and analysis used in human geography and how to select the appropriate methods for a range of geographical contexts.Physical Geography coversa broad range of interlinking themes in physical geography, using scale, from global to local, as the organising framework.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Geographies of CrisisIntroduction to Climate Change.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Scientific Research in Geography provides the skills needed for good research design, interpretation, presentation and evaluation of research findings. You will acquire practical experience through residential fieldwork in the UK.Handling Geographic Information provides students with essential skills in acquiring, modifying, analysing and displaying geographical data.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Carbon and Biogeochemical CyclesGlaciers and GlaciationHandling Geographic InformationManaging River CatchmentsMountain LandscapesReconstructing Environmental ChangeYear 3 modulesCore modules:Dissertation is a substantial piece of independent geographical research. It develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning and provides you with an opportunity to research a specific topic in greater depth and present your findings and conclusions.Field trip modules: Iceland: Field Research in Glacial EnvironmentsThe ArcticBerlin: Culture, Politics and ContestationJerusalem: Political Geographies of Settler ColonialismChicago: Sites of Global Change Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Glacial Sedimentary EnvironmentsCatchment ModellingLandslides: Machanisms, Hazard and RiskLiving Landscapes: Stability and Change in the AnthropoceneAntarctic EnvironmentsIce Age EnvironmentsEarth Surface Processes and Landscape EvolutionPeatland Landscapes and ManagementCritical Resource Geographies Additional Pathways Students can apply to be