Undergraduate study
Geography 2019/20
Our trophy cabinet The awards we’ve won don’t just make us feel proud. They give you an idea of what the University is like.
Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award Huddersfield is a TEF gold-rated institution delivering consistently outstanding teaching and learning of the highest quality found in the UK (Teaching Excellence Framework, 2017).
Global Teaching Excellence Award We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award. It recognised the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (HEA, 2017).
University of the Year The Times Higher Education named us as University of the Year in November 2013. They liked our “bold, imaginative and innovative initiatives.”
Queen’s Anniversary Prize The Queen’s Anniversary Prize is a big thing in UK Higher Education. We were delighted to earn one for our role in expanding global boundaries of new music.
A Four Star University QS Stars has given us four stars. That means we are “highly international, demonstrating excellence in both teaching and research with an excellent environment for students and staff.”
Athena Swan We’re serious about gender equality. We want an equal number of men and women on our science and engineering courses, for instance. Our commitment was recognised in 2015 with the Athena SWAN Bronze Award.
Find out more about our awards at hud.ac.uk/about/our-awards
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What’s inside Study with us
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Our courses
Open Days
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Welcome from Dr Robert Allan, Course Leader Welcome to Geography here at the University of Huddersfield. We foster a dynamic and innovative teaching and research environment within the School of Applied Sciences. We pride ourselves on the quality of our teaching, our tutors are committed to their teaching and care about what you achieve. In fact, we are the UK’s only University where 100% of permanent teaching staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.* We’re also a TEF Gold rated university and the winner of the first Global Teaching Excellence Award.**
You’ll have the opportunity to learn about many aspects of geography including gaining hands-on experience. Fieldwork is an integral part of any geographers training, so we’ve embedded field trips into all three of our Geography degree courses. Our main goal is to enthuse you about your subject and provide you with the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to enable you to enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling career after you graduate. Dr Robert Allan Course Leader and Director of Teaching and Learning
*Permanent staff, after probation: some recently appointed colleagues will only obtain recognition in the months after their arrival in Huddersfield, once they have started teaching; research degrees applies to those on contracts of more than half-time. **Higher Education Academy 2017.
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Are you interested in understanding the physical world we inhabit and the social structures we have developed to occupy specific spaces? Do you want to make a valuable contribution to solving many of the problems facing contemporary society?
Study with us Geography is part of Huddersfield’s exciting expansion in Life Sciences. Globalization, technology and mobility enhance the lives of many, others are not so fortunate. Addressing inequality and learning how to live well within our changing environment are major 21st century challenges. Professor Michael Ginger, Head of Department for Biological Sciences
Viking Longboat in Iceland: image by Dr Rob Allan, Director of Teaching and Learning, University of Huddersfield. 4
Check this out! 100% The UK’s only University where all our permanent teaching staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.*
So how do we define geography? Well, it essentially deals with people living in a place, which exploits a specific space. Geographers not only help us to understand the physical world we inhabit, and the social structures we have developed to occupy specific spaces, they also make a valuable contribution to solving many of the problems facing society today. If all this makes your world turn then our Geography degrees here at Huddersfield could be the first vital step into a career in sectors like central and local government, education, environmental consultancies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or the commercial sector. Graduates can consider roles such as cartographers, data analysts, environmental management and consultancy, planners, policy advisors, quality management and researchers. At Huddersfield we offer three different, but inter-related, degrees in geography that are underpinned by the principles of sustainability, particularly the concept of planetary boundaries.
Real-world experience Field trips are embedded into all three of our Geography degree courses.
Our Geography degrees aim to stimulate your curiosities and position you for a wide range of career choices. Depending on where your interests lie, there’s the Geography BSc(Hons), which combines elements of human and physical geography, Human Geography BSc(Hons), which focuses on how society has evolved to exploit spaces or Physical Geography BSc(Hons), which specialises in the physical world we inhibit. To secure a job, you’re going to have to show that you’ve got the practical skills to deliver, so we include an optional work placement year, in the third year of our courses, for you to gain that all-important real-world experience. We also firmly believe in ‘learning through doing’ and since fieldwork is an integral part of any geographers training, you’ll find that we’ve embedded field-trips into all three of our Geography degrees, so you can fully embrace the fantastic opportunities that learning in the field presents.
*Permanent staff, after probation: some recently appointed colleagues will only obtain recognition in the months after their arrival in Huddersfield, once they have started teaching.
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Key information: UCAS code: F800 Duration: 3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBC** at A Level inc. a min. grade C in an accepted Science subject.*** DDM at BTEC in Applied Science. Alternatively a BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care is accepted but must be accompanied by an A Level at a min. grade C. 112 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications inc. a grade C in an accepted Science subject*** at A Level. If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0), see page 9.
Geography BSc(Hons)
A warming planet, all manner of inequality and the consequences of political instability are big themes in the world today. Our Geography BSc(Hons) covers the core principles and contemporary views of both human and physical geography, plus the opportunity to specialize a little depending upon how our modules shape your interests. You’ll have the chance to study a range of subjects including biogeography, earth processes, landscape and fluvial systems,
climate science, environment and society, environment and cultural challenges, and migration and geopolitics before specializing in your final year. In the third year of the course you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from a work placement. This could help you to gain relevant real-world experience and give you a head start in your chosen career. In the final year you’ll have the chance to develop and hone your independent research skills as part of your dissertation module.
Geyser in Iceland: image by Dr Rob Allan, Director of Teaching and Learning, University of Huddersfield.
** The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of your Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree courses. *** The accepted Science A Level subjects are: Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, Geology and Applied Sciences. Level 3 BTEC Applied Science with 32 UCAS points or above is accepted as an alternative to these Science A Levels at grade C.
For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk
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Key information: UCAS code: L700 Duration: 3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBC** at A Level inc. a min. grade C in an accepted Science subject.**** DDM at BTEC in Applied Science. Alternatively a BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care is accepted but must be accompanied by an A Level at a min. grade C. 112 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications inc. a grade C in an accepted Science subject at A Level.**** If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0), see page 9.
Human Geography BSc(Hons)
People, communities, cultures, economies and their influence on why things happen the way they do; that’s what encapsulates human geography. It helps shape the view of how we might do things tomorrow and in the years ahead. This course covers a range of subjects including contemporary social structures and inequalities within society, cultures and regions, plus the opportunity to examine the role geopolitics has on our contemporary world. Underpinning all of this is the theme of
sustainability and planetary boundaries. You’ll have the chance to concentrate on human geography themes but will also be offered module options from the Geography BSc(Hons) course. There’s an optional work placement year in the third year to help you to gain real-world experience and insight to boost your employability. During your final year you’ll also have the opportunity to conduct independent research as part of your dissertation.
** The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of your Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree courses. **** The accepted Science A Level subjects are: Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, Geology, Applied Sciences, Psychology, Sociology and Health and Social Care. Level 3 BTEC Applied Science with 32 UCAS points or above is accepted as an alternative to these Science A Levels at grade C.
For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk
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Key information: UCAS code: F840 Duration: 3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBC** at A Level inc. a min. grade C in an accepted Science subject.*** DDM at BTEC in Applied Science. Alternatively a BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care is accepted but must be accompanied by an A Level at a min. grade C. 112 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications inc. a grade C in an accepted Science subject*** at A Level. If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree ((BCF0), see page 9.
Physical Geography BSc(Hons)
Ever wondered why natural disasters happen? If they’re becoming more prevalent? Or perhaps considered how best to deal with their consequences? With its focus on how physical spaces on our planet are sculpted and the interplay of people, the environment and biodiversity - physical geography allows you to consider these and other questions at length. For example you’ll have the opportunity to examine the contemporary landscape and the processes which have influenced its formation, before following specific routes in your final year.
We offer two modules on environment and society to ensure that you appreciate how the physical world has influenced how we, as a society, have developed. You can also gain valuable insights and real-world experience, in the third year from an optional work placement, to help you get ahead in the career of your choice. In the final year of this course you’ll have the chance to complete a dissertation that includes a piece of independent research.
Mountains in Austria: image by Dr Rob Allan, Director of Teaching and Learning, University of Huddersfield.
** The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of your Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree courses. *** The accepted Science A Level subjects are: Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, Geology and Applied Sciences. Level 3 BTEC Applied Science with 32 UCAS points or above is accepted as an alternative to these Science A Levels at grade C.
For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk
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Key information: UCAS code: BCF0 Duration: Full-time (Year 0 of a 4/5 year degree including placement year)
Science Extended Degree leading a BSc(Hons) Degree
Entry requirements: CCE at A Level MMP at BTEC. This does not need to be in a technical or Science subject. 80 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications. As part of the selection process applicants are normally required to complete an aptitude test and interview.
* Progression onto Chemical Engineering BEng(Hons) is also dependent on achieving a minimum pass mark of 60% in the Foundation Maths module. Progression onto Chemical Engineering MEng is also dependent on achieving a minimum pass mark of 60% in the Foundation Maths module, plus an overall pass mark of at least 70%.
If you don’t have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to one of our science based degrees, you can apply to our Science Extended Degree. Getting stuck into the four main disciplines of biology, chemistry, maths and physics, you’ll have the chance to get a grounding in the scientific knowledge you’ll need no matter which route you eventually decide to take.
Taught through lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals in our modern facilities, you’ll get the benefit of the staff’s expertise in both academia and industry. Optional drop-in sessions offer a great opportunity for you to strengthen your knowledge and make sure you’ve got a clear understanding of all the material as you go along.
But it’s not just about theory here. Our professional, dedicated and friendly staff are on hand to help reshape the way you learn, challenge you to rethink your own practices and equip you with the skills that will be the foundations for your further studies.
On successful completion of this year (you must pass all six modules), you’ll be able to start the first year of your degree in the subject areas of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering*, Forensic Science or Pharmacy.**
** Progression onto Pharmacy MPharm is dependent on meeting stringent performance levels in the Science Extended Degree. You must pass all six modules with an overall pass mark of at least 70%. Plus at least 70% in the Chemistry in Action module and 70% on the maths element of the Foundation Maths module. You must also successfully undertake an interview with the Pharmacy admissions staff. For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk
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We hope you’ve found all the information you need to inspire you to become a student here at Huddersfield. Now all you need to do is apply.
Apply to us UCAS If this is your first (undergraduate) degree and you want to study a full-time course, then you’ll apply via UCAS at ucas.com If you’re at a college or school right now, it’s probably already registered with UCAS. The best thing to do is ask your teacher or careers adviser to help with your application. Once you’ve applied we’ll keep in touch with you throughout the application process, so you’re up to speed with what’s going on.
When to apply If you want to start your course in September 2019, you can apply to UCAS any time from 1 September 2018 onwards. Please make sure UCAS receives your application by 15 January 2019. Course codes The UCAS website gives you codes for all courses but you’ll also find these with the course details in this brochure. Make sure you enter the right code on your application form. The institution code for Huddersfield is HUDDS H60.
Contact us Got a question? Get in touch with us. Tel. +44 (0)1484 473867 Email. geography@hud.ac.uk Web: hud.ac.uk/sas @hudsas huddersfieldscience
Important Information This brochure is provided for information only and will not form part of your student contract. For full, up to date details on our courses, including when and how that information may change, visit our website at www.courses.hud.ac.uk
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Open Days Everything starts now
2018
Saturday 30 June Saturday 22 September Saturday 20 October Wednesday 7 November Friday 30 November
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University of Huddersfield Queensgate Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD1 3DH UK Tel. +44 (0)1484 422288 Email. askhud@hud.ac.uk www.hud.ac.uk
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