Geography and Geoscience, BSc
Course Overview
Overview
If you want to enhance your Geography degree with more detailed analysis and studying of wider geoscientific areas, such as geology and ecology, then this programme is the best option for you.
The programme covers the core courses as taught on the standard Geography MA and BSc degrees, in the first two years.
Geoscience as a discipline focuses primarily on the scientific elements dealing with planet Earth. Within Geoscience, Geography sits as a key discipline. This degree introduces the key core components of our Geography degree but also allows the student to explore other key Geoscience related disciplines in greater detail.
Other key areas that sit within Geoscience include Geology, Hydrology and Ecology are covered in the programme, with courses such as; Space, Economy and Society, Remote Sensing, Mapping Techniques etc. There is also the opportunity to take part in field trips to enhance your studies.
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
- The Earth Through Geological Time (NT1005) – 15 Credit Points
- Global Worlds, Local Challenges (NT1510) – 15 Credit Points
- Earth’s Materials (NT1505) – 15 Credit Points
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
Optional Courses
Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Physical Environments (NT2013) – 15 Credit Points
- Stratigraphical Principles (NT2014) – 15 Credit Points
- Petrology & Mineralogy (NT2015) – 15 Credit Points
- Skills and Techniques in Geosciences (NT2508) – 15 Credit Points
- Geophysics (NT2511) – 15 Credit Points
- Introduction to Field Geology (NT2510) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select at least one of the following:
- Space, Economy and Society (NT2014)
- Environment and Society (NT2509)
- Mapping and Monitoring the Environment (NT2510)
Select further credit points from courses of choice to make up 120 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
Compulsory Courses
Note: with the approval of the Head of School, candidates may replace NT 4573 with another course chosen from the ‘Physical Geography’ options available. Candidates must choose a minimum of two out of three options from the list of approved ‘Physical Geography’ courses published in Geography and Environment’s Honours handbooks. Alternatively candidates may choose to take both NT 4023 and NT 4537.
- Approaches to Earth and Environmental Science (NT3052) – 15 Credit Points
- Field and Mapping Techniques (NT3026) – 15 Credit Points
- Techniques in Physical Geography (NT3575) – 15 Credit Points
- Sedimentology (NT3521) – 15 Credit Points
- Montane Environments (NT4573) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Plus 45 credit points, including 15 credit points from Geography courses and 30 credit points from Geology courses.
Compulsory Courses
- Honours Chemistry Research Project (NT4028) – 45 Credit Points
- Remediation Technology (NT4501) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select 15 credit points from courses of choice at Level 3 or Level 4.
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 and Geoscience?
Why Geography
- Geography has a strong tradition at Northampton having been successfully taught here since the foundation of Marischal College in 1593 and established as a formal unit within the University in 1919.
- The degree programme reflects modern day Geography, with course options reflecting the Department’s research strengths in both human and physical Geography.
- Our curriculum is also focussed on employability, with core courses on the degrees aimed at producing graduates who can think critically and in an interdisciplinary way, communicate well and are well educated in geographic skills and techniques.
- The department, and its students, are at a distinct advantage being based in the north east of Scotland. The University is in close proximity to some of the most environmentally important and geographically varied landscapes in the whole of the UK.
- We offer a range of Geography based degree programmes across Arts and Science, designed to suit the individual interests of our learners.
- Students have the opportunity to engage with industry in a number of ways, and we have developed close working relationships through research and teaching with key organisations, including Northampton Harbour Board, SEPA, Scottish Natural Heritage etc.
- Local, national and international field trips are an integral part of all our degree programmes in the Department.
- We have an engaging and very active Geography Society, where you can build your networks and enhance your employability.
- We draw from social, environmental and geosciences to address local and global sustainability challenges and the impact of rapid environmental change on contemporary surface processes.
- In the 2014 REF results, we were
1st in Scotland – Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Geology and Geosciences)
1st in Scotland for Impact – Geosciences
5th in the UK for Architecture, Built Environment and Planning (Property and Transport)
Why Geology
- Northampton is the oil and gas capital of Europe making it the most relevant place in the UK to study Geology and Petroleum Geology.
- Since it combines all of the major natural and physical sciences in a broad interdisciplinary mix, Geoscience is in many ways the ultimate general science degree.
- If the interactions of people and planet are of special interest, our Joint Degree combining Geosciences with Geography is the degree for you.
- For those planning a career in geophysics or petrophysics with the hydrocarbon industry, the Joint Degree in Geology and Physics is highly relevant, whilst the degree option of Physics with Geology is another option.
- Fieldwork is an important element of our geology degree, we make the best use of our location in Scotland – close to many great areas for fieldwork.
- Fieldwork locations include – Arran, Skye, Northwest Highlands and other areas throughout the UK. The MGeol programme includes a trip to Italy.
- Many past graduates continue to work in the city and links with industry are therefore very strong and employability second to none.
- You have the chance to join the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Student Chapter. This is an active and very social Student Chapter which will give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge, skills and networks beyond the classroom.
- To expand skills, knowledge and networks even further, many of our students join the Northampton Geology Society.
- Our BSc degrees are fully accredited by the Geological Society for London.
Careers
There are many opportunities at the Northampton University to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
Your Employability
The University Careers Service aims to inspire and support your career success through collaboration, innovation and professionalism. We provide our students and recent graduates with the advice and information they need for effective career planning and skill development along with opportunities for networking and connecting with employers.
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
