Environmental Science with Hazards and Disasters BSc (Hons)

30 credits

This module introduces key fundamental topics in physical geography, overviewing the various spheres of the Earth, associated processes and interaction. Themes are presented systematically as a cross-section of the Earth's physical structure: geological underpinning, Earth surface processes (introducing geomorphology, the pedosphere and hydrosphere), the atmosphere, and the biosphere.

Interwoven within these topics are lectures on associated environmental hazards, including geophysical hazards (e.g., volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis), atmospheric hazards (including hurricanes and tornadoes) and environmental and ecological hazards (including oil spills, and wildfires).

Processes behind these major natural and man-made environmental hazards will be described, with reasons provided for their occurrence and global spatial distribution. Detailed case studies from a variety of geographical regions will help to build a portfolio of examples, enhancing student knowledge of the processes, impacts and means of forecasting and mitigating against hazards becoming disasters.

The module introduces students to the application of environmental and geophysical knowledge and skills to real world challenges and potential discipline-related employment opportunities.

30 credits

Maps are tools for visualising spatial information to communicate pattern, processes, and the results of geographical analysis. This module explores the principles and practice of map design and production using Geographical Information System (GIS) software. Basic GIS principles are introduced, including data modelling, data quality, and simple analytical operations. The cartographic design process will be examined through the lens of the ‘map communication model’ (MCM) and graphic and cartographic design principles. The MCM will be critically evaluated in the modern context of interactive web maps, open source enabled self-production, crowdsourcing, personalisation, ‘big data’, and emerging AI technologies. Ethical and legal issues relating to data collection, linkage, copyright and attribution are explained. Digital literacy employability skills will be developed, and the module will provide a baseline for developing more advanced GIS and mapping skills in Levels 5 and 6.

30 credits

This module explores the foundations for academic and professional success, introducing you to the higher education learning environment and supports your development as an effective, independent learners.

The module equips you with essential academic and research skills to thrive in professional environments. It encourages you to take ownership of your learning journey by developing competencies aligned with Kingston University Graduate Attributes and discipline-specific professional standards. Through weekly sessions, you will explore effective learning strategies, assessment for learning, and the role of feedback and critical self-reflection. You are introduced to key research methods including research design, qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Fieldwork is a central component, offering hands-on experience in geographical and environmental investigation.

30 credits

This module introduces the basic principles of environmental science, including environmental chemistry, water quality analysis/assessment, environmental pollution, and ecology. The module further explains the core concepts and approaches of sustainability, including sustainable development and SDGs, environmental justice and perception. The module will investigate basic environmental principles to help you understand how physical and human processes and activities can promote change in environmental systems and sustainability at a range of spatial and temporal scales. You will investigate the impacts of environmental change, sustainable development, understand their significance, and show how this knowledge can be applied to the management of environmental and sustainability challenges. The importance of a holistic approach to problem solving in the environmental sciences will be introduced along with material on key underpinning scientific disciplines including environmental chemistry and ecology through the investigation of global habitats.

30 credits

This module explores the physical science of Earth's hydrosphere and the atmosphere, key processes and principles, and associated hazards. Through a sculpted narrative, the module will take students on an investigative journey to explore land, ocean and atmosphere environments and their interactions, with a persistent focus on the impact of climate change on these systems.

Environments to be explored include the dynamic coastal zone (including beaches, saltmarshes, estuaries and deltas), rivers and drainage basins, oceans and ocean circulation, and the atmosphere. Hydrological and sedimentological processes will be considered, following a source to sink approach.

A variety of hydrospheric and atmospheric hazards will be considered throughout the module. These include riverine and coastal flooding, sea-level rise, and severe weather hazards associated with ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation), the Indian Ocean Dipole and the SE Asian Monsoon System. Fieldwork, GIS and remote sensing practical sessions are integral to this module; they provide real-world skills and training relevant to a wide variety of environmental science, hazards and geography careers. An embedded field trip will investigate hazards associated with environmental change in the Thames Estuary and explore appropriate mitigation and adaptive strategies to best manage this environment in the future.

30 credits

You will be trained in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, as well as Geographical Information Science (GIS). You will learn how to collect, manipulate, and interpret environmental and geospatial data using industry-standard tools such as SPSS, Envivo and ArcGIS. The module will develop practical skills in statistical interpretation of environmental datasets, as well as in coding and interpreting qualitative data. You will also develop practical skills in visualisation, mapping and interpretation of different datasets (e.g., land use, pollution, biodiversity). Emphasis will be placed on critical evaluation of data sources and analytical methods. The skills acquired will support you in making evidence-based decisions and applying your learning to project-based investigations, including fieldwork and research projects.

30 credits

This module presents a series of thematic taught sessions, overviewing major geomorphological processes and landforms, sedimentary environments, and potential geohazards associated with these environments, as well as the approaches adopted by societies to make themselves resilient to these and other hazards. You will investigate diverse geomorphological environments, examining geomorphological features and the processes shaping them. The module addresses geomorphological change, climate change impacts, effects on populations, and risk management. You will gain an understanding of major surface processes, their geomorphological significance, and you will be able to interpret varied landscapes. The module also introduces key theories and concepts in the social science approaches to understanding disasters. Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies are evaluated across a range of spatial scales. The challenges posed by the interdisciplinary approaches necessary to tackle disasters, and the need to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, are examined. The relationship between evolving theories and practice is explored through several case studies. Emphasis is placed on mastering skills through experiential learning linked to lectures, while practical work develops the evaluation of concepts and analytical techniques. Fieldwork applies acquired skills and knowledge, and the module integrates theoretical and applied approaches to develop critical and practical competencies.

30 credits

This module explores how we manage the environment and promote climate resilience through the study of environmental policy and practice. It develops the Level 5 Future Skills Explore Learning Outcomes and encourages you to reflect on the Kingston University Graduate Attributes through project-based learning. The first part focuses on environmental policy, examining global challenges and the legal, political, and economic systems that shape our relationship with the environment. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to informed decision-making. In the second part, you apply your teamwork skills to an industry live brief, pitching solutions to a Dragon’s Den-style panel of professionals and academics. Through assignment-led learning, you connect environmental policy with practical action and reflect on your growing professional competence via a shared and personal blog. The module also supports preparation for Level 6 and your future professional pathway, helping you make informed decisions about industrial placements or Apply projects. Integrated Personal Tutorial System (PTS) sessions provide small-group discussions that reinforce key ideas, develop reflective practice, and deepen understanding of environmental management and sustainability challenges.

30 credits

This module provides students with experiences in the design, preparation and execution of an independent and supervised programme of research.

The module guides students to employ reflective learning techniques and to develop a variety of level-appropriate employability skills by engaging with their research project as academic research with commercial, policy or political value which requires effective dissemination and communication to a range of suitable audiences. Employability skills developments are integral to the Research Project module.

The specific nature of the research project chosen allows the students to target specific skills they wish to develop in their learning pathway and the project supervisors will work closely with the students to identify and articulate these skills and relate these to Future Skills.

30 credits

This module investigates key issues relating to climate change, with a particular focus on the role of policy, governance, and social action in creating appropriate responses to this challenge. The aim is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to critically assess different options for dealing with the challenge of climate change and to identify potential ways forward, based on evidence and lessons from implementing climate change policy and programming.

Core material will be provided in lectures, supported by a range of seminars and workshops to facilitate further discussion, reflection, and analysis. Where feasible, these will draw on the experience of practitioners from a variety of settings and perspectives, or the students themselves. Field visits will be organised to complement the lecture series and to give further practical demonstration of the complexities of climate change-related policy and practice.

15 credits

This module presents a series of thematic taught sessions (classroom and field-based) overviewing geophysical hazards, accompanying impacts, and how risk can be limited through disaster risk reduction methods. In studying earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis, module curricula will provide a detailed exploration of the scientific processes underpinning these hazards; e.g., students will learn how magma geochemistry, texture and transport history are fundamental to the resulting style of volcanism (e.g., effusive or explosive), and how all these characteristics can be tied to the tectonic and/or geological setting of a volcano.

Through gaining a more detailed understanding of the scientific processes and mechanisms that drive the various geophysical hazards, students are provided with the knowledge base required to record evidence of past geophysical events for a given location. The fieldwork programme will provide the students with the opportunity to learn how this knowledge can be utilised to produce risk maps and investigate the most up-to-date methods in which risk associated with these hazards can be measured and reduced through a variety of engineering solutions and disaster management.

15 credits

This module gives you a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. 

At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile. You will determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. In this process, you will be supported by a dedicated career coach, helping you explore a range of options that includes self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. Throughout the module, you will be given opportunities to engage with external mentors, to support reflection and to develop a professional network.

You will undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals, from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities outside the University that develop your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.

30 credits

This module provides a critical examination of disaster management, with a primary focus on the UK's emergency management framework. It explores how historical, social, economic, and political factors influence the development and implementation of emergency management, its policy structure and regulatory framework. This includes consideration of the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in this field, weighing its potential benefits, risks, and ethical implications. The complex web of stakeholder responsibilities and the challenge this poses to communication and coordination are considered. You are also introduced to international humanitarian disaster response, highlighting some of the key challenges and how it differs from national emergency efforts. To prepare you for careers in this field, the module develops key employability skills, including stakeholder interaction. It uses an authentic assessment strategy that challenges you to find practical solutions to real-world problems.