Geography with foundation year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information

Course summary

• Specialise in human or physical geography, or a combination of both

• Explore critical global issues such as disaster risk reduction, glacial retreat, geopolitical conflict, poverty, inequality and social justice

• Access cutting-edge labs and technology to conduct your own research

• Develop hands-on skills in urban and rural environments, in the UK and beyond

• Gain real-world work experience and placements at every level of study – plus the chance to study and work abroad

• Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.

On the BA/BSc Geography course, you’ll develop a dynamic understanding of human and physical geography – gaining knowledge of the world and understanding how to shape its shared destiny. You’ll graduate with a degree that’s professionally accredited by the Royal Geographical Society.

How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The BA/BSc Geography course introduces you to a wide range of topics, before allowing you to tailor the course to your interests. You’ll begin on an identical course structure in the first year of human and physical geography. You’ll then specialise in human or physical geography, or a combination of both, in your second and final years.

You’ll be taught by geographers who are at the forefront of research and public debate shaping the discipline. This is reflected in our teaching and external work – on everything from the geographies of social justice to the geographies of glacial retreat in an era of climate change.

You learn through:

• Fieldwork

• Lectures and seminars

• Tutorials and workshops

• Work experience and professional placements

• Laboratory classes

• IT sessions

• Residential field trips

• Group debates

• Case studies

Key themes
We design our programmes with input from professional bodies, including the Royal Geographical Society, to ensure your learning meets today’s employment demands. You’ll have access to cutting-edge equipment and software, meaning you’ll get the best practical learning experiences, giving you crucial training ahead of your future career.

Our course community provides a comprehensive level of support. Our staff will help you with everything from finding placements to the transition from A level to university – we’ll help you succeed in a collaborative and supportive environment.

You’ll dive headfirst into real-life case studies and projects – learning how to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges, locations and organisations. You’ll be able to explore how geographical theory intertwines with the practical and professional realities of the world around us.

The course combines both the academic and applied aspects of human and physical geography, preparing you for an exciting career in this ever-evolving field.

Applied learning
Your course has been designed to embrace real-world challenges and provide you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Work experience is integrated within the curriculum at each year of study. We put applied learning and practical experience to the forefront of your learning – aiming to give you as much tangible practice as possible.

Work placements
You’ll have the option to undertake a year-long professional work placement between your second and final years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.