Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 108

NATURAL SCIENCES

Geography
Overview

Geography is uniquely positioned at the interface
between the physical and the social sciences. This
position enables geographers to explore a range
of contemporary issues such as environmental
change and migration from a genuinely integrated
perspective. In combination with their strong
transferable skills base and a particular ability to
work with spatial data, geography graduates are well
placed to access a broad range of career options.
Geography at Keele can be studied as a single
honours, a dual honours or major route programme
in combination with another subject. In all cases,
the first year involves a broad-based introductory
programme that provides a platform from which
knowledge, understanding and skills can be
developed. The second and third years provide a
variety of choices enabling you to specialise in the
areas of geography that you find most interesting.
Fieldwork is an essential aspect of any geography
degree programme and field trips visiting both the
diverse environments surrounding Keele as well as a
series of exciting overseas destinations are integral to
the programmes.

Course content

First year
The first year introduces a range of core concepts
and skills that establish a firm foundation for further
study. Small group tutorials run by academic staff
help support your transition into university and
develop key study skills at a critical stage in your
academic development.
Lecture based modules like Human Geographies
and Fundamentals of Physical Geography
provide introductions to key components of the
subject. People and the Environment develops an
understanding and appreciation of a range of current
environmental issues including pollution, natural
hazards and sustainable development.
Practical sessions throughout the year introduce you
to a range of core techniques including information
literacy skills, data analysis and presentation,
surveying and the use of geographic information
systems. Associated field excursions to a variety of
local sites offer an opportunity to practise newly
acquired skills and provide first hand training in the
use of field methods and techniques.
Single honours Geography students take three
additional modules: The Practice of Physical
Geography, The Practice of Human Geography
and Geography and Geographers.

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Second year
The second year provides the opportunity to examine
geographical topics in greater depth and to acquire
specialist subject skills. You also have the opportunity
to study abroad at partner universities overseas.
Dynamic Geographies provides an opportunity
to examine various subjects that currently include
hydrology and oceanography, meteorology,
population geographies, nature and society
and representing the world. In addition,
Practical Physical Geography or Practical Human
Geography provide first hand experience of specialist
research techniques.
Regional Landsystems investigates global variations
in geomorphic processes whilst Space and Society
explores how societal relationships and formations
shape spaces and places. Finally, Geographical
Research Training introduces students to
independent research methods and culminates
in an overseas field course for which financial
assistance is provided.
Single honours students can also study Concepts
and Debates in Geography or take a Work
Placement module involving an internship in
a company or organisation.
Third year
In the final year, most students carry out a supervised
research project based on a topic of your choice. 
You will then choose a number of specialist option
modules on topics that reflect staff members’
research expertise (dual honours students select
two or three, whilst single honours and major
students select six or seven).
Current options include:
• Water Resources
• Glaciers and Glacial Geomorphology
• Global Environmental Change
• Natural Hazards
• Coastal Environments
• Families and Communities
• Applied Environmental
(Geographical Information Systems)
• Inspirational Landscapes
• Post-Colonialism in South Asia
• Economic Development
and Environmental Transformation
• Geographies of Children and Youth
• Rural Geographies
(The availability of options
can be subject to change).