UCAS Code: F840

Course Length: 3 Years Full-Time

Start Dates: September 2020

Department: Department of Geography

Location: Edge Hill University

Example Offers: BBB (A Level) or DDM (BTEC)

View full entry criteria below

• Develop your knowledge and understanding of thephysical environments and landscapes, as well asthe physical and environmental processes,operating on the surface of the Earth;

• Travel to a variety of fieldwork destinations in theUK and abroad;

• Equip yourself with a wide range of fieldwork,laboratory and key skills that will enhance youremployability.

If you are interested in the environment around you andwant to know more about how it was formed and how it ischanging then this is the degree for you. You will gain adetailed understanding of the physical environment,including geomorphology, hydrology, climatology andecology. You will investigate environmental issues from alocal to a global level, becoming familiar with the impactof human activity on the Earth’s physical systems.Laboratory, practical and field-based study are key partsof the learning process. You will also develop expertise inGeographical Information Systems and remote sensingusing the latest industry-standard technology.

BSc (Hons) Physical Geography

Studying Abroad Option Available Sandwich Year Option Available International Students Can Apply

Fieldwork

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Course in Depth

What will I study?

Year 1 provides a foundation in Physical Geography aswell as developing a range of subject-specific skills,fieldwork skills and key skills. Residential fieldwork willalso form part of your first year.

In Year 2 you will develop an in-depth understanding ofparticular themes in physical geography including anunderstanding of the Earth's weather and climatesystems, geomorphological processes and the varyingnature and properties of soils. You will also enhance andfurther develop essential research skills in physicalgeography through laboratory work and local andoverseas fieldwork.

In Year 3, as well as covering subjects such as the natureof environmental change and the physical causes ofnatural hazards, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakesand landslides, you will complete an independentresearch project (dissertation). You also have the optionof further specialisation in remote sensing andgeographical information systems.

How will I study?

Teaching is through a combination of laboratory andworkshop practical activities, lectures, dissertationsupervision, directed independent study, tutorials andfieldwork. We place an emphasis on strengthening theemployability potential of our graduates through a rangeof subject-specific, key and career management skills, aswell as the development of knowledge andunderstanding.

Fieldwork in the UK and abroad is one of the mostbeneficial and enjoyable aspects of our degreeprogrammes. Current fieldwork locations includeCumbria and Mallorca as well as local sites. You may alsohave the opportunity to participate in additional optionalfieldwork visits to locations overseas.

How will I be assessed?

A range of methods display your knowledge andunderstanding and develop and demonstrate your

competence in subject-specific and key skills. PhysicalGeography modules are assessed by either courseworkonly or a mixture of coursework and examination. Examsnever count for more than 60% of the total mark forthose modules that include an examination. Courseworkincludes practical portfolios, essays, project reports, fieldnotebooks, individual and group oral presentations andposter presentations.

Who will be teaching me?

We have highly experienced and knowledgeable staffwho take pride in the quality of their teaching. All staffare research active which means that they keepup-to-date with current developments in their areas ofinterest and pass this knowledge on. We are a friendlyand approachable department where you won't get lostin the crowd and we will respond to your needs.

A Great Study Environment

The Department of Geography's modern andwide-ranging facilities combine with a friendly andsupportive learning environment to ensure that yourstudies are a rich and rewarding experience.

The Geosciences building features a large lecture theatre,small group teaching rooms, physical geography andenvironmental science laboratories, a geology laboratory,a geo-engineering laboratory, geo-informationlaboratories and a large social area.

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Modules

Year 1

GEO1045: Introducing Physical Geographies (20 credits)Introducing Physical Geographies provides an overview of physical geography which looks at basic concepts and theirdevelopment. The module outlines the physical framework of the Earth’s surface and investigates the materials andprocesses operating there. It covers aspects of biogeography, soils, climatology and geomorphology.

GEO1046: Environmental Issues (20 credits)Environmental Issues provides an awareness and understanding of the nature of environmental issues facing theworld today. Issues such as climatic change, water quality, flooding, biodiversity loss and human vulnerability to naturalhazards will be considered. Through case studies, the physical processes underlying the issues will be explainedtogether with an evaluation of management responses.

GEO1047: Practical Skills for Geography and Environmental Science (20 credits)Practical Skills for Geography and Environmental Science is a skills-based module, using geographical knowledge todevelop a range of subject-specific skills together with general use of ICT and communication skills. The modulefocuses on the handling, analysis and communication of spatial and graphical data. You will be introduced to theprinciples, uses and practical skills of Geographical Information Systems as part of the module.

GEO1048: Introduction to Geographical and Environmental Science Research (20 credits)Introduction to Geographical and Environmental Science Research provides an overview of the subject specific andgeneric skills in Geography and Environmental Science that you will require to study, research and succeed in yourstudies. This includes the development of research skills, cartographical skills, statistical analysis and fieldwork skills.

You will select two of the following modules. You will study a combination of either GEO1043 Introducing HumanGeographies and GEO1044 Practising Human Geographies or GEO1240 Rocks, Minerals and Fossils and GEO1242Earth History.

GEO1043: Introducing Human Geographies (20 credits)Introducing Human Geographies provides a broad introduction to the study of human geography, identifying andexploring key inter-relationships, namely between people, places and environments. The module outlines conceptualand theoretical approaches to the study of human geography. Attention focuses on the role of time, space and scale inhuman geography. In addition, the module introduces students to current debates, concerns and issues within thediscipline.

GEO1044: Practising Human Geographies (20 credits)Practising Human Geographies focuses on the broad theme of ‘human geography in action’. The module will introduceyou to the research process in human geography and the idea of ‘practising’ human geography. You will be guidedthrough the research process, using local fieldwork activities to gain experience of practising and evaluating theeffectiveness of a range of qualitative research methods. In addition, key themes and case studies in cultural, urban andenvironmental geography will be used to exemplify different ways in which human geography can be researched.

GEO1240: Rocks, Minerals and Fossils (20 credits)Rocks, Minerals and Fossils enables you to appreciate the origin, composition, dynamics and history of the Earth as a

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planet. The module will show plate tectonics as a unifying concept in the geological sciences, illustrating thecomposition and formation of major mineral and rock groups and equipping you with the skills and knowledge requiredto describe, identify and classify marine and terrestrial fossils.

GEO1242: Earth History (20 credits)Earth History enables you to appreciate geological time. In particular, the module will look at the evolution of theEarth from both a global perspective as well as the development of the British Isles. You will examine the beginning ofthe solar system and the theories behind the origin of the Earth and the Moon. The early conditions of Earth's historywill also be examined by considering the early continental crust, the likely nature of plate tectonics and the origin ofthe atmosphere and hydrosphere. The rise of modern style plate tectonics, the origin of life and the rise of atmosphericoxygen will be introduced alongside changes in the oceans and evolution of the Earth's climate. Major episodes such as"Snowball and Greenhouse Earth" along with asteroid impacts, mass extinctions and super-massive volcanic eruptionswill be outlined.

Language modules, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, are available to study as an integral part of this degree.A single Language module can be studied instead of either GEO1044 Practising Human Geographies or GEO1242Earth History.

Year 2

GEO2071: Research Methods for Physical Geography and Environmental Science (20 credits)Research Methods for Physical Geography and Environmental Science uses investigative research processes toenhance and develop your knowledge and understanding of essential research methods in physical geographical andenvironmental science.

GEO2073: Environmental Research in Practice (20 credits)Environmental Research in Practice uses investigative research processes to enhance and develop essential fieldresearch methods in physical geography and environmental science. You will learn how to design a research projectproposal using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods, carry out and report upon effective fieldinvestigations in an overseas setting, and identify the significance of the appropriate ethical, health and safety, andenvironmental issues in related fieldwork.

GEO2079: Biogeography (20 credits)Biogeography examines spatial and temporal patterns of living organisms over the Earth's surface and highlights thefundamental processes and causal factors which determine these patterns, examining contributions to theseprocesses by human and physical phenomena. Key themes such as the history and development of ecologicalcommunities through time, human impacts on the biosphere and biodiversity run through the whole module.

GEO2080: Digital Geographies (20 credits)Digital Geographies develops your knowledge and skills in remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems(GIS) which are widely used in a variety of fields including planning, health studies, environmental investigations andresource management. The module focuses on remote sensing analysis and interpretation of aerial and satelliteimagery, which has transformed the manner in which geographers and geoscientists view the Earth. You willexplore how remote sensing and GIS have greatly improved our understanding of atmospheric, oceanic and landformprocesses, helped to sustain environmental management and enabled a better understanding of the interaction ofhumans with the natural world. The module also extensively covers the use of Geographical Information Systems asone of the most important tool to process and analyse geographical data.

You will select two of the following modules:

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GEO2075: Geomorphology (20 credits)Geomorphology introduces you to the study of geomorphological processes and the landforms they produce in arange of Earth surface environments. The module will outline important concepts for understanding the relationshipsbetween processes and landforms. You will study the linkages between landforms and processes in a selection of Earthsurface environments such as coastal, fluvial, desert and glacial. You will also be introduced to the identification oflandforms and the observation of processes through work in the field and laboratory.

GEO2077: Weather, Climate and Soils (20 credits)Weather, Climate and Soils provides you with a detailed understanding of the climate system and the soil system. Themodule covers a range of atmospheric processes through to the development of weather systems, with a specific focuson mid-latitude weather. The varying nature and properties of soils, and the soil processes which give rise to soilformation and development are then considered. You will receive practical training in the analysis and interpretationof meteorological data as well as being guided in the methods used in the field and laboratory analysis of soils.

GEO2081: Work Based Learning for Geography, Environmental and Geological Science (20 credits)Work Based Learning for Geography, Environmental and Geological Science provides you with a professional settingin which you can apply the knowledge and skills acquired in lectures, workshops and practical classes, whilesimultaneously extending and refining your knowledge and skills, over and above the experiences provided throughthe mechanisms of fieldwork and dissertation work.

If you studied a Language module in Year 1, you may wish to study a further Language module in Year 2. This wouldform an integral part of your degree in place of one of the optional modules above.

Year 3

GEO3075: Rivers and Coasts (20 credits)Rivers and Coasts immerses you in the advanced study of fluvial and coastal landscapes. The module draws ongeomorphological, environmental and management issues in rivers and coastlines in the UK and around the world,with particular emphasis on fluvial/coastal processes and resources. The impact of management strategies and climatechange on fluvial and coastal landscapes will also be explored. The module considers key theories on fluvial and coastalgeomorphology, examines recent papers in each topic area and explores some of the techniques and instrumentationin modern research. A number of examples will be drawn from research in the North West of England and other areasof the UK.

GEO3077: Wetlands (20 credits)Wetlands explores the largest terrestrial carbon store; wetlands. The module studies the flora and fauna that haveadapted to and formed these environments. You will examine the sensitivity of these environments to climate changeand analyse the historic, current and future management strategies required to preserve these ecosystems.

GEO3081: Dissertation in Physical Geography (40 credits)Dissertation in Physical Geography enables you to develop and apply a range of research and transferable skills in theplanning, execution and reporting of an individual research project on a relevant topic in physical geography of yourchoice. The module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to work independently andeffectively, meeting deadlines and producing a professional product, in consultation with a supervisor.

You will select two of the following modules:

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GEO3071: Natural Hazards (20 credits)Natural Hazards identifies the nature of geohazards and the relationships between hazards and risk to people. Themodule investigates the distribution, causes and management of a range of major geohazards. It will enable you todemonstrate your ability to research and evaluate information on geohazards both on an individual basis and in agroup scenario.

GEO3073: Environmental Change (20 credits)Environmental Change develops your knowledge and understanding of the nature of environmental change from thelast glacial period to the recent past. You will examine the evidence for change, consider potential causes, and analysethe spatial and temporal responses. The module explores the major changes of the Late Glacial, Holocene and recentperiods and examines the relative contibutions of forcing factors, such as climatic variability and anthropogenicactivity. In addition, the module critically considers the techniques and methodologies used in the reconstrcution ofenvironmental change.

GEO3079: Remote Sensing (20 credits)Remote Sensing facilitates advanced learning in remote sensing, covering the theory behind the acquisition,interrogation and application of Earth observation imagery and the practice of image analysis. Module content willinclude remote sensing basics – the remote sensing process, the nature of imagery and image processing procedures,as well as the application of remote sensing to different environmental and social issues. These include deforestation,agricultural production and urban growth.

GEO3089: Applied Geographical Information Systems (20 credits)Applied Geographical Information Systems recognises that GIS is an increasingly specialised and growing field,providing spatial data management and analysis to many academic disciplines as well as a broad range of business andpublic organisations. The module focuses on the theory and application of GIS technologies for geographical andenvironmental enquiry and/or application. You will develop advanced technological skills which will enhance youremployability.

If you studied Language modules in Years 1 and 2, you may wish to study a further Language module in Year 3. Thiswould form an integral part of your degree in place of one of the optional modules above.

Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modulesmay vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that theavailability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected bytimetabling requirements.

Timetables

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You canexpect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while wemake every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place onany day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes aresubject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellationof, courses.

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Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarksstatements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right tomake variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

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Entry Criteria

Entry Requirements

Typical offer 120 UCAS Tariff points, includingGeography, Geology, Environmental Science or a relatedsubject. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 orabove, or Adult Numeracy at Level 2 or above, orequivalent, is also required.

Example Offers

Some examples of how you can achieve 120 UCAS Tariffpoints are detailed below.

• A Level: BBB;

• BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTECQCF qualifications): Distinction, Distinction, Merit(DDM);

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits atLevel 3, for example 24 credits at Distinction and21 credits at Merit. The required total can beattained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actualoffers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awardsmay also be accepted.

As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (orequivalent), there is no maximum number ofqualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. Thisincludes additional qualifications such as the WelshBaccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ),AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, andGeneral Studies AS or A Level awards.

For further information on how you can meet the entryrequirements, including details ofalternative qualifications, please visitwww.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

EU students can get country-specific information aboutthe University's entry requirements and equivalentnational qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/

international for information on the entry criteria foroverseas applicants.

English Language Requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score nolower than 5.5 in each individual component, or anequivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band lower, eitheroverall or in one or two elements, our Pre-SessionalEnglish course might be for you.

Are there any alternative ways to meet theentry requirements?

If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack thenecessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack:Preparation for Higher Education course could be foryou. This free, seven-week programme provides a greatopportunity to enhance your study skills and subjectknowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to studya particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCASTariff points in the entry criteria.

Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you willbe well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge HillUniversity degree, although additional entryrequirements may apply and the availability of specificprogrammes cannot be guaranteed. For moreinformation, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Edge Hill University recognises learning gainedelsewhere, whether through academic credit andqualifications acquired from other relevant courses ofstudy or through recognition of an individual'sprofessional and employment experience (also referredto as 'experiential learning').

Previous learning that is recognised in this way may beused towards meeting the entry requirements for aprogramme and/or for exemption from part of aprogramme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for

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recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consultthe University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and

contact the faculty in which you are interested instudying.

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Career Prospects

What are my career prospects?

A geography degree is recognised by employers for theextensive range of transferable skills that graduates haveincluding IT and communication skills, projectmanagement, report writing, statistical analysis, groupwork and oral presentation skills. These skills are of greatvalue to them, and to you in your career.

Physical Geography graduates are suited to careers inindustry, environmental management, environmentalmonitoring and consultancy, remote sensing, mineralresources, landscape engineering or environmentaleducation, postgraduate study, teaching (further trainingrequired) and research.

How can I enhance my employability?

It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how youwill spend your time while studying and make the most ofyour university experience.

Optional, additional activities may be available on thisdegree which could help to prepare you for a stimulatingand rewarding career. These include:

• Sandwich Years - you may have the opportunity toapply to complete a sandwich year placement,usually as the third year of a four year degree, andgain highly relevant work experience;

• Erasmus+ and Study Abroad - you may have theopportunity to apply to spend time studying orworking abroad, usually as the third year of a fouryear degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in adifferent culture;

• Language Learning - you may be able to selectlanguage modules, delivered at the Edge HillLanguage Centre, as an integral part of your degree(for which you will gain academic credits).Alternatively, it may be possible to participate inLanguage Steps classes as additional study.

Please note, the availability of these additional activitiescannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending onavailability and the number of students wanting toparticipate, there may be a competitive applicationprocess for sandwich year placements or studying abroadopportunities or you may be required to secure a relevantplacement yourself.

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Finance

Tuition Fees

If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will bejoining this undergraduate degree in academic year2019/20, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum(subject to final Government approval). Tuition fees forinternational students enrolling on the programme inacademic year 2019/20 are £12,000 per annum.

The University may administer a small inflationary rise intuition fees, in line with Government policy, insubsequent academic years as you progress through thecourse.

Financial Support

Subject to eligibility, UK and EU students can apply for aTuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the fullcost of tuition fees. UK and EU students may also beeligible to apply for additional funding to help with livingcosts.

Financial support arrangements for eligible UK and EUstudents joining this programme in academic year 2019/20 are still to be announced by the Government. You areadvised to check this page regularly and once the positionhas been confirmed we will update this information.

Financial support information for international studentscan be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

Scholarships

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with acompetitive application process for prospective full-timeundergraduate students. These scholarships aren't linkedto academic success and celebrate determination, talentand achievement beyond your coursework, for instancein creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport orvolunteering.

Additional scholarships, which you may qualify to receive,reward outstanding grades and are available to eligibleUK and EU students.

To find out more about scholarships, to assess youreligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarshipwinners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out moreabout the application process.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us andformally enrol as a student, you will be subject to theprovisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions andpolicies which apply to our students. These are availableat www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Visit Us

If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill

University, the best way to gain an insight into studentlife is to discover our stunning campus for yourself byattending an open day. You can view dates and book yourplace at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, youcan find out more about all of our events for prospectivestudents, including monthly campus tours,at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

Request a Prospectus

If you would like to explore our full range of degreesbefore you apply, you can order an undergraduateprospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about this programme or whatit's like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

• Course Enquiries

• Tel: 01695 657000

• Email: study@edgehill.ac.uk

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk withany queries about overseas study.

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