Course Overview
Overview
Geography is key to understanding and resolving many of the most pressing problems faced by society.
Geography is the study of the Earth’s surface, with particular emphasis on the relationships between people and their environment. Few other subjects cover such a diversity of phenomena, combining elements of the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities.
You would normally apply for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree if you wish to study other science courses as well as your Geography courses during your degree, if you intend to specialise in Physical Geography, and/or if you wish to emphasise your science training beyond university.
However, your Geography degree provides great flexibility. After all, one of the great things about Geography is that it offers the widest possible curriculum, from studies of intercultural relationships, to deep understanding of the earth system.
AT A GLANCE
| LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
| DEGREE QUALIFICATION | BSc |
| DURATION | 48 months |
| STUDY MODE | Full Time |
Compulsory Courses
- Global Worlds, Global Challenges (NT1008) – 15 Credit Points
- Global Worlds, Local Challenges (NT1510) – 15 Credit Points
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
Optional Courses
Select a further 90 credit points from courses of choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Skills and Techniques in Geosciences (NT2508) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select at least three of the following:
- Physical Environments (NT2013)
- Space, Economy and Society (NT2014)
- Environment and Society (NT2509)
- Mapping and Monitoring the Environment (NT2510)
Plus select further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.
- Physical Environments (NT2013) – 15 Credit Points
- Space, Economy and Society (NT2014) – 15 Credit Points
- Environment and Society (NT2509) – 15 Credit Points
- Mapping and Monitoring the Environment (NT2510) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select one of the following:
- Approaches to Geography (NT3031)
- Approaches to Geography (NT3071) and Data Analysis (NT3068)
- Approaches to Geography (NT3071) and Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (NT3069)
Plus, select one of the following:
- Research Design (NT3573)
- Research Design (NT3574) and Human Geography Field Trip (NT4574)
- Research Design (NT3574) and Montane Environments (NT4573)
Plus, select further courses of choice to a total of 120 credits.
- Approaches to Geography (NT3031) – 30 Credit Points
- Approaches to Geography (NT3071) – 15 Credit Points
- Data Analysis (NT3068) – 15 Credit Points
- Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (NT3069) – 15 Credit Points
- Research Design (NT3573) – 30 Credit Points
- Research Design (NT3574) – 15 Credit Points
- Montane Environments (NT4573) – 15 Credit Points
- Human Geography: Honours Field Course (NT4574) – 15 Credit Points
The Honours year aims to explore in depth, specific aspects of genetics and immunology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.
Compulsory Courses
- Honours Genetics – Option 1 (NT4010) – 15 Credit Points
- Honours Advanced Molecular Biology (NT4050) – 30 Credit Points
- Genetics (Immunology) Honours Research Project (NT4501) – 60 Credit Points
- Honours Immunology – Option 2 (NT4307) – 15 Credit Points
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Geography?
If you are looking to study Geography and you have a stronger personal interest in the sciences then this is the most appropriate programme for you.
- Suited to those looking to study Geography but with a strong personal interest in the social sciences and humanities.
- Many courses in physical geography, including specialist Honours options, draw directly on the staff’s own research into hydrology, glaciology and past environmental change.
- Many courses in human geography, including specialist Honours options, draw directly on the staff’s own research into transport, digital technologies, contemporary environmental management and rural change.
- In years 1 and 2, you are taught across the full breadth of the subject. Courses are designed to provide an introduction to 21st century Geography, and cover major theories, perspectives and approaches. The modular structure brings great flexibility and choice; you can choose from a range of courses from across the university to complement your core Geography studies.
- Honours years (years 3 and 4) allow for specialisation, where you engage with the subject in greater depth.
- Northampton is a great place to study Geography, with the region’s spectacular mountain and coastal areas providing perfect field sites for the study of geography.
- Our Geography curriculum is designed to provide you with key skills and knowledge required by employers.
- Fieldwork is integral to Geography, and at the same time provides some of the most memorable experiences of your degree. The Physical Geography Field Course takes students to Mont Blanc in the Italian Alps.
- Fieldwork is integral to Geography, and at the same time provides some of the most memorable experiences of your degree. The Human Geography Honours Field Course currently takes students to Boston, New England, USA.
- Engage outside the classroom through our very active Geography Society.
According to a recent Guardian editorial, Geography is the new must-have A-level. The editorial cites both a recent jump in popularity (up 13% from last year) and a renewed realisation of the benefits the subject can offer. According to the article:
“…geography is a subject for our times. It is inherently multidisciplinary in a world that increasingly values people who have the skills needed to work across the physical and social sciences.”
Careers
Studying Geography develops a range of transferable skills such as: critical thinking, research design and data analysis skills, proficiency in IT and the ability to communicate effectively in various formats. Geographers also acquire specialist knowledge of cultural, political, economic and environmental issues and the ability to evaluate these from different perspectives – local, national and international. Employers value these attributes and Northampton graduates enter a wide range of careers including: environmental management, conservation and planning, government agencies, business and commerce, and work involving technical skills such as surveying, GIS and remote sensing.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Environmental Consultant
- GIS Technician
- Graduate Ecologist
- Graduate Environmental Planner
- Graduate Trainee – Waste Services
- Supply Chain Management Trainee
- Trainee Technician
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
How to apply
This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
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The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions