Geography and Environmental Hazards

Geography is the study of the complex relationships between human societies and the physical components of the Earth.

The aim of our BSc Geography and Environmental Hazards course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of environmental hazards and the physical environment.

Key Course Benefits

• The BSc Geography and Environmental Hazards course, following the requirements of the QAA Subject Benchmark, has fieldwork embedded at every level, including at least one mandatory residential field trip2 to enhance their applied geographical skills. All our students will experience international mobility at least once in their programme through a mandatory international fieldtrip2. Students are required to contribute to the costs of the mandatory international field trip, the precise amount of which will vary year to year and be dependent on location and the availability of university subsidies.

• There is a strong career/employability focus throughout our Geography degree courses, which is truly manifested in the four-year sandwich degree, where the third year offers the option of a year in industry or study abroad, based on our long experience of organising placements with a wide range of professional contacts.

• Every student will acquire basic capabilities in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), a key skill sought by many employers. All students receive certificates of GIS training on successful completion of an appropriate exercise. These certificates are intended to improve the employability skills of students.

• Geography courses make use of the University’s teaching facilities including laboratories to develop quantitative analytical skills and the simulation centre, a facility that allows simulation of real-life scenarios. This unique aspect of studying geography at Coventry facilitates an experience of fieldwork, research methods and hazard simulation, all within a monitored and recorded environment that allows students to develop skills, receive immediate feedback on their development and prepare for the transition into the workplace after graduation.

This course has a common first year

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses

Geography BA (Hons)
Geography BSc (Hons)

During the first year, you will have the opportunity to study the fundamentals of the natural and human environment including modules that encompass the nature of landscapes, environmental systems and their relationship with society. The geography and natural hazards degree will be framed within the context of natural hazards and the disaster management cycle. For example, we explore why particular communities are more vulnerable to the impacts of natural hazards and their capacity to mitigate these effects. You will also have the opportunity to learn skills in geographical research including statistical analysis, laboratory analysis and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Modules
A Changing Environment
Dynamic Landscapes
Research/Practical Toolkit
People and Place
Global Environmental Issues
Sustainable Environments

Year Two
In the second year, you will have the chance to study optional modules to gain an in-depth understanding of the physical processes that govern natural hazards and the behaviour of the physical and human environment in relation to hazard events. We also aim to develop your skills in quantitative and qualitative research including data collection, data handling, critical analysis and methods of reporting.

Modules
Climate Change
Applied GIS and Remote Sensing
Hydrometeorological Hazards
Geohazards
Fieldwork and Research Applications
Sustainable Environments in Society: Developing Solutions

Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement* can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee* of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Final Year
Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with geoinfomatics, quaternary environments, and nature-based climate solutions, amongst others.

Modules
Emerging Hazards
Research Dissertation
Global and Comparative Field Studies
Optional module, 1 from the following 2: Hazard Management and Mitigation / Nature Based Climate Solutions
Optional modules, 2 from the following 3: Geoinfomatics / Pressures on our Planet / Humans and Hazards

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website.

*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website