Geography BA/BSc(Hons)

Why choose this course?

Kingston's BA/BSc(Hons) Geography degree offers you plenty of choice in your studies. You can choose from a range of option modules in both human and physical geography and specialise in either area later in the course. The curriculum has a strong practical and field-based emphasis, with scope for fieldwork both in the UK and abroad.

You can choose to study geography on its own or in combination with another subject. See the 'course combinations' section for more information.

What will you study?

Year 1 of the course is designed to give you a thorough understanding of both human and physical geography, enabling you to specialise in either area in later years. You can then choose from a wide range of option modules to explore subjects of special interest, supported by core modules in geographical and research skills.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Understanding the Environment
• Earth Environments
• Applications of Geo-Analysis

• Applications of Geo-Analysis

  This module presents current research topics being undertaken by members of the Centre for GIS. This provides an opportunity to discuss and apply the methodologies employed to the subject domains. A group research project forms a significant assessment element, allowing you to apply the techniques you learn to contemporary research areas.

  
   
• Investigating the Earth and Environment
• Digital Earth
• Sustainable Development
• Globalising Worlds
• Introduction to the Human Geography of Europe
• The Dynamic Earth

Year 2

• Concepts and Issues in Geography
• Geographical Information Systems
• Geographical Analysis Techniques
• Design and Management of Projects
• Culture, Place and Society
• Planning and the Environment
• Political Economy of Globalisation
• Geomorphology
• Geographical Analysis and Modelling

• Geographical Analysis and Modelling

  This module develops your skills in spatial data analysis and modelling. You also explore:

  • the application of techniques using GIS;
  • methods for the analysis of point patterns, spatially continuous data, area based data, spatial interaction data and networks;
  • issues of data visualisation, exploration and modelling;
  • the philosophy of an applied GIS approach; and
  • uncertainty and limitations
  
   
• Option modules

• Option modules

  Option modules may include:

  • Ecology: Principles and Practice;
  • Geodemographic Analysis; 
  • Geographies of Migration and Integration; and/or
  • Hydrology.
  
   

Year 3

• Geography at Work
• Dissertation
• Project
• Crime Patterns and the Environment

• Crime Patterns and the Environment

  This module covers the application of Geographical Information Systems to the analysis of crime and its geo-expression.

  
   
• Water Resources Management
• Achieving a Sustainable Future
• Managing Environmental Change
• Sustainable Cities

• Sustainable Cities

  This module is a critical appreciation of urban society and its future – as it becomes the norm for the majority of the world's population, it is an essential requirement for the built environment professional.

  The module provides an opportunity to debate the theoretical concepts of sustainable cities, allowing critical analysis of the drivers, legislation and processes governing sustainable urban environments. The ability to consider issues from a variety of perspectives and evaluate strategies for spatial planning is engendered.

  The module intends to encourage a commitment to social, economic and environmental issues, which influence the creation, delivery and maintenance of sustainable cities.

  
   
• Development Geographies: African and Asian Realities
• Global Environments: Strategic Assessment
• Restructuring the British Countryside
• Option modules

• Option modules

  Option modules may include:

  • Contemporary Issues in GIS;
  • Ecology and Conservation in Temperate Ecosystems;
  • Geodemographic Analysis; and
  • Land Degradation and Management.