Human Geography with a Professional Placement Year

Overview and aims of the Programme

This programme will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the role of space and place in shaping economic, social, cultural and political activity at different scales and across different cultural contexts.

You will develop your knowledge and critical understanding of the complex relations between the natural and human world and an awareness of how places outside your everyday experience are created. You will learn how to use this knowledge to shape the views and actions of elected decision-makers, the voluntary sector and industry in order to improve society.

Together, we will explore geographical ideas and practice at various spatial scales, making connections between the local, regional, national and global levels. While the programme will emphasise the social, cultural, political, economic, development and environmental components of geography, it also includes a range of specialist modules which will enable you to pursue your own interests and passions. It culminates in a substantive piece of original research (supervised by one of our expert staff) which offers you the chance to design, conduct and present a piece of primary geographic research on a topic of your choosing.
We recognise the value of professional experience and have designed the programme with this in mind. You will have the opportunity to translate your geographical knowledge into practice through a work placement module in the second year. This module is designed to ease the transition between higher education and the ‘real world’ by providing crucial work experience and developing your employability skills. It will also enable you to start building your professional profile and network.

In addition to the placement year you will also have the opportunity to take part in a number of practical projects and field visits. Field-based learning, taking you outside the lecture theatre, gives you a chance to explore issues and theory in real world contexts around the world. Recent destinations have included Amsterdam, Berlin, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles and Tanzania.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

• The opportunity to study in a School consistently highly rated for its research excellence.

• A valuable year-long work placement experience to develop your professional skills and know-how.

• Teaching delivered by internationally respected and research-active staff with expertise across the span of human geography.

• Benefit from excellent relationships with policy institutions in the UK, Europe and globally.

• Well-resourced facilities including access to a computing laboratory with high-quality printing facilities, GIS (Geographic Information System) and Edina digimap mapping facilities.

• Local, European, and global destination field study visits to explore issues in real world contexts and practically apply taught skills.