Human Geography BA(Hons)

Why choose this course?

This course is ideal if you are interested in the arts and social science aspects of geography. It is concerned with the interaction between humans and the world around them. You will be encouraged to engage in lively debate about contemporary economic, political and social issues, and to seek sustainable solutions to the challenges that face societies today. An emphasis on field-based study offers plenty of scope to travel, both in the UK and overseas.

You can also choose to study Human Geography on its own or in combination with Business. See the course combinations section for more information.

Watch a video to find out why you should study at Kingston University:

What will you study?

You will study the world and its people in their cultural, economic and social contexts. You will be offered a thorough introduction to contemporary thinking in both physical and human geography, as well as a comprehensive induction in the skills and techniques of the modern geographer. You will then gain a more in-depth knowledge of geographical principles and practices in a variety of contexts that will fire your imagination.

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

• Sustainable Development: Issues and Concepts
• Digital Earth

• Digital Earth

  Digital Earth introduces the underlying geographical skills of data collection, manipulation, analysis and presentation and the use of computers for dealing with digital spatial data. It focuses on the concepts and value of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in geosciences and the importance of digital spatial data in the modern geo-infrastructure.

  
   
• Immigration and Identity in Britain
• Globalising Worlds
• Western Historical Thought, 1700-2000
• 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.

  
   
• Introduction to the Human Geography of Europe
• Investigating the Earth and Environment

Year 2

• Culture, Place and Society
• Political Economy of Globalisation
• Planning and the Environment
• 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
  
   
• Geographies of Migration and Integration
• Geographical Analysis Techniques
• Design and Management of Projects
• Concepts and Issues in Geography

Year 3

• Geography at Work
• Dissertation Project
• Restructuring the British Countryside
• Crime Pattern and the Environment

• Crime Pattern and the Environment

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

  
   
• 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
• Achieving a Sustainable Future
• Global Environments: Strategic Assessment