Geography with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

What you will study

You’ll study modules such as:

Foundation year

• English
• Maths
• Study Skills in Science
• Research Methods in Data Handling
• Foundations in Geoscience
• Organisms and their Environment
• Principles of Chemistry or Fundamentals of Human Behaviour
• Sociology

If you already have level 2 English and Maths, you will not be required to take English and Maths core modules.

Stage one

Introduction to Human Geography - The module examines urbanization and offers an insight into the conflicts behind decisions affecting land use and the allocation of resources in urban and rural settings

Physical Geography of the Anthropocene - The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the structure, function, and characteristics of the Earth’s physical environment and its links with the human realm

Intellectual and Applied Skills for Geographers - This zero credit module is done alongside other Stage 1 modules to support you in transitioning from an FE teaching environment to a HE learning environment and developing the skills crucial for your academic studies at University and beyond

Cartography and Mapping - This module considers fundamental ideas about maps and map making which are intended to equip you with the skills required to both interpret and create maps

Geographical Methods (1) - Supported by UK residential fieldwork, this module introduces basic methods of field survey, mapping and data collection, analysis and reporting to underpin geographical studies

Global Environmental Issues (1) - This module will introduce the current environmental issues that provide the greatest challenges to today’s global society

Geography and Geographers - The module aims to provide an appreciation of a range of theories and approaches in the discipline of Geography

Stage two

Career Preparation for Geographers - The purpose of this module is to help you enhance your graduate employability and prepare you for a professional career as a geography graduate

Mediterranean Environments (2) - This module examines how contemporary geographical processes are expressed within specific spaces, places and landscapes of a specific Mediterranean location

Research Methods in Geography - Focusing on both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, this module evaluates data types and sources in human and physical geography

Water: Resource and Hazard (1) - This module aims to develop a holistic, interdisciplinary understanding of water through a rigorous examination of both geographical as well as a geological analysis

Preparing for the Independent Study in Geoscience - This module aims to prepare students for their Independent study. Independent study often includes fieldwork which normally starts at the end of the second year

Optional modules:

Sustainable Energy Resources (1) - This module will review the current sources of conventional and renewable fuels used for energy production in the UK and globally

Social and Cultural Landscapes - The module aims to introduce students to, and develop their understanding of, the core concerns of contemporary social and cultural geography: its substantive concerns, theoretical perspectives, and methodological innovations

Glacial Environments (1) - This module examines the nature of surface processes operating in cold environments and their role in landform development

Introduction to Remote Sensing and GIS - This module provides a basic understanding of the theories and principles underpinning both satellite remote sensing and GIS and their application

Sustainable Cities - This module will introduce current discussions of sustainable cities highlighting the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly urbanisation taking place all across the world

Industrial Placement Year (optional)

This course offers an ‘Industrial Placement Year’ giving you the opportunity to enhance your practical skills by putting theory into practice, network in your industry and stand-out in the graduate job market. The placement year takes place in your third year, once completed, you would return to University to complete your final year of studies.

• Applied Professional Practice
• Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice

Stage three

Independent Studies for Geoscience - This module is a continuation of the process of Personal Development Planning (PDP) initiated in level 4 and 5, to develop an advanced skill-set which will enhance the graduateness and employability of students

Environment, Landscape and Place (2) - This module explores the interaction between society and environment in the context of issues of environmental management

Optional modules:

Applied GIS (1) - This module provides an appropriate portfolio of subject knowledge and applied skills typically required for an introductory position in the field of GIS or for going on to specialist postgraduate study in GIS

Climate Change: Adaptation and Mitigation Perspectives - This module aims to develop a sound understanding of the nature and causes of climate change

Global Food Security and Food Futures - The overall aim of this module is to explore theoretical arguments and analysis of food security

Environmental Management: Critical Perspectives (1) - This module will consider the role that environmental management plays in the reduction of waste and in the effective management of natural resources

Terrain Evaluation (1) - This module investigates the theory and practice of terrain evaluation with particular reference to engineering construction

Migration and displacement (1) - This module aims to define the theories and concepts of migration worldwide and explore contemporary geographical approaches to understanding migration and integration processes and their history, interaction, challenges, and prospects

Vocational Module (Work Placement or Volunteering) - This module provides an opportunity for students to obtain and undertake a placement with a company, voluntary body, the University of Derby or a public establishment