BA (Hons) Geography with International Relations

• Year 1

• Lectures, tutorials, practicals and local fieldwork introduce you to the key concepts and theories in human geography and international relations. You are given training in research techniques such as data analysis, statistics and fieldwork.

  Core modules

  GGH1203
  Culture, Society and Space 20 credits

  Here we continue our overview of contemporary human geography. The module is again structured around key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about how society is organised spatially. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and through fieldwork and follow-up practical classes, we explore local examples using quantitative and qualitative data, and statistical analysis.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  GGX1206
  Sustainable Futures 20 credits

  In this module we explore how geographers use the concepts and principles of sustainable development, and critically examine their application to a range of real-world issues. You enhance your subject knowledge and understanding, and develop your key skills, by investigating an aspect of sustainability in practice, and you are supported through a full programme of tutorials.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  PIR4003
  Imagining World Order 20 credits

  This module introduces the essential terms, concepts and processes of international relations analysis. It describes the main features of the international system since its evolution from the Treaty of Westphalia, continuities and discontinuities with earlier international systems, plus the move from state sovereignty to global governance in the contemporary context. It also introduces the primary theories of international relations analysis, whilst putting their emergence and development into historical context.

  100% Coursework

  PIR4005
  International Relations Since 1945 20 credits

  This module provides an introduction to the historical development of the international political system since 1945. It provides a crucial background to the major processes and actors that have shaped the contemporary international system.

  100% Coursework

  GGH1204
  People and Place 20 credits

  Here we begin our overview of contemporary human geography. The module is structured around key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about how society is organised spatially. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and through fieldwork and follow-up practical classes, we explore examples of their local manifestation and how these are presented geographically.

  50% Coursework

  50% Remotely delivered assessments

  GGX1207
  Our Digital Planet 20 credits

  This module explores the challenges and most pressing issues facing our planet today. Students will discover the role of geographic data analyses and visualisation techniques to provide solutions.  Data analysis, GIS and cartographic techniques will be introduced using real-world examples. Students will meet with a personal tutor regularly, to support them through tutorials as they adjust to university-level study. 

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

• Year 2

• An overseas fieldwork option may also be chosen with trips recently having run to the USA, Iceland, Portugal, Ireland and France. You also have the chance to study abroad (Europe, North America or Australia). Develop your knowledge further by choosing optional modules which explore many important themes of human geography such as nature and society, social and cultural geography, transport, travel and mobilities.

  Core modules

  GGX2201
  Principles and Applications of Geography 1 20 credits

  In this module students learn about and critically reflect upon various approaches to the production of geographical knowledge, and the different ways and contexts in which this knowledge is applied. The module develops students' awareness of the place and importance of geographical research in preparation for dissertation study and fieldwork modules, and identifies links between geographical research and employability.

  70% Coursework

  30% Practicals

  GGX2202
  Principles and Applications of Geography 2 20 credits

  Students learn about, practise and critically reflect upon different research methods and techniques in the production of geographical knowledge. The module refines students' awareness of the place and importance of geographical research in preparation for dissertation study and fieldwork modules, and its links to employability. Tutorials are provided for additional, small group discussion of issues arising.

  60% Coursework

  40% Practicals

  GEES2000
  Placement Preparation 0 credits

  This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.

  100% Assessments

  Optional modules

  GGH2206
  Nature, Country and Society 20 credits

  This module explores the relationship of human societies to nature and the country. You will examine different understandings of nature and rurality, and how these affect the ways in which different cultures approach environmental problems.  We will consider how the countryside is changing and the implications for people and nature. The module will also ask you to think about your own lives in relation to these ideas.

  100% Coursework

  GGH2207
  Transport, Travel and Mobilities 20 credits

  We establish a framework for investigating how and why people move, and why this is important. After focusing on the politics and policy of mobility, we consider people’s everyday mobilities (such as walking, cycling and commuting) and uses of travel time, socialities and embodied encounters. We look at the mobility of specific groups, in particular domestic and international students, within their everyday communities.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  GGX2203A
  Geographical Information Systems 20 credits

  Module provides grounding in theory and practical techniques of GIS. Lectures are on theory, methods and spatial literacy. Practical work covers stages of handling geospatial data, construction of GIS models and automation, provides exposure to a range of techniques in spatial analysis and visualisation, and gives context and experience to spatial literacy concepts. Knowledge and skills are developed in project work.

  50% Coursework

  50% Tests

  GGX2204
  Fieldwork in Geography 20 credits

  This module enhances students knowledge and understanding of geographical patterns and processes in the field environment, using appropriate research techniques. Parallel field trips are run to overseas destinations, to a comparable academic format.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  GGH2208
  Urban Planning, Design and Security 20 credits

  Planning, design and security increasingly play a crucial part in developing and managing relationships between people and the built environment and in shaping the geographies of urban places. This module provides a critical understanding of the evolution and operation of urban planning, design and security across a range of global contexts.

  60% Coursework

  40% Practicals

  PIR5008
  International Security Studies 20 credits

  This module considers the issue of security in contemporary international relations. It examines a variety of different security concepts from deterrence and the security dilemma to arms control, peacekeeping, terrorism, regional security complexes and governance. It then seeks to relate these to practical examples from world politics.

  100% Coursework

  PIR5005
  Democracy in the UK: An Introduction to British Politics 20 credits

  This module presents an introduction to a basic understanding of how governance and democracy is organised in the United Kingdom. We explore the post war history of the UK, its evolving constitutional settlement, political institutions, regions, political parties, and devolution. We apply theoretical notions of democracy to the empirical reality of political life in the United Kingdom in the present day, against the backdrop of declining trust in institutions and eroding political engagement.

  100% Coursework

  PIR5001
  The Politics of the European Union 20 credits

  This module introduces students to the history, structure, tensions and potential future development of the European Union. It examines these within the context of theories of democracy and power. There is a specific focus on the unique supranational element of the EU and the multilevel politics involved. It also offers case studies of key policies and the experience of specific states within the EU. Furthermore, Brexit and the process of leaving the European Union is covered.

  100% Coursework

  PIR5002
  Global Governance and the United Nations 20 credits

  This module explores the transformation of political community in the 21st century through the prism of international institutions such as the United Nations. The module offers an overview of international institutions and considers various theoretical approaches to understanding the resulting regimes of global governance. The aim is to evaluate the nature of ‘governance’ in world politics.

  100% Coursework

• Optional placement year

• This is your opportunity to spend a year working in industry to improve your knowledge of applied geography and gain invaluable work experience, leading to a Certificate of Work Experience. Our employability service will help you find a placement from our extensive network across all sectors.

  Core modules

  GEES3000
  Placement 0 credits

  This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.

  100% Coursework

• Final year

• In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation on your choice of topic. You can also choose from geography and international relations optional modules, including: political geography, the competitive city, global environmental politics and economic development in developing economies. 

  Core modules

  GGX3200
  Dissertation in Geography 40 credits

  Students undertake a major piece of independent, investigative research into a geographical issue of their choice and report on this in a dissertation of ca.12,000 words. The report should establish the wider academic context for the investigation and demonstrate originality and the effective application of intellectual, subject-specific and key skills.

  100% Coursework

  Optional modules

  GGH3207
  Sustainable Cities 20 credits

  The aim of the module is to explore the challenges of sustainable urban growth in contemporary cities, in the UK and internationally. A key focus is understanding how spatial planning and urban governance can tackle sustainable development and climate change challenges in an increasingly urban world. Using geographical concepts, these issues will be explored through case studies and good practice from a range of cities.

  100% Coursework

  GGH3208
  Citizenship, Territory and War 20 credits

  As Brexit, climate-change protests and national independence movements demonstrate, politics and geography matter. Using contemporary case studies, this module explores the geographies of citizenship, territory and war. We identify and discuss varied forms of spatial governance, from local to national, maritime to global, as well as exploring contemporary processes and ideologies that challenge these forms.

  100% Coursework

  GGH3209
  Living Landscapes 20 credits

  This module introduces students to the geographic study of landscape. The module considers everyday practices of living in landscapes in terms of the construction of identity, memory, and power; how such landscapes come to be portrayed through a variety of media, including film, literature, and music. The module expands students’ understanding of the forms that landscapes can take and the complexity of living therein.

  100% Coursework

  GGH3210
  Environmental Politics and Governance 20 credits

  This module explores the main concepts and forces shaping environmental politics and governance. It examines how science, ethics, interests and power influence environmental debate and decision-making, using case studies of climate change, energy, deforestation, air pollution, marine protection and Antarctica to interrogate how governments and other actors have strived to address global to local environmental challenges.

  100% Coursework

  GGX3204
  Big Data & Spatial Analytics 20 credits

  This module provides an overview of advanced spatial analysis concepts and facilitates practice of data processing and management skills. Data manipulation through programming is introduced and the concept of big data is presented. Themes and practice around the acquisition, processing, analysis, visualisation and application of big data are explored, drawing on examples from across the natural and social sciences.

  Explore this module

  100% Coursework

  GEES3001
  Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability 20 credits

  This module provides an opportunity for students to experience professional practice in environmental management and sustainability. Students will undertake a minimum of 100 hours service with a professional organisation (private, public or third sector). You will investigate the organisation's practice in environmental management and sustainability and further develop professional attitudes and behaviours.

  70% Coursework

  30% Practicals

  PIR6002
  NATO after the Cold War and Beyond 20 credits

  This module proposes to study the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) from a theoretical as well policy point of view. The aim is to investigate the relevance of NATO in the 21st century by looking at how NATO survived and developed in the aftermath of the Cold War as it appeared to have lost its original purpose of containing the Soviet Union. By looking at key developments within NATO in the post-Cold War period, this module also looks at the challenges which NATO has faced and overcome but it also critically reflects on the contemporary relevance of NATO.

  100% Coursework

  PIR6009
  Mao to Now: the Politics of Modern China 20 credits

  This module introduces students to politics in China. It provides them with the analytical skills and historical understanding to examine the structure of the contemporary Chinese state, looking in particular at Maoist legacies, nationalism and ideology, the relationships between party, law, state and market, and China’s involvement in international affairs.

  100% Coursework

  PIR6006
  The Politics of the United States 20 credits

  This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of politics in the United States. While domestic politics are privileged, consideration is given to the foreign policy of the US. Specific emphasis placed on the role of the Constitution and institutions of governance in promoting (or inhibiting) democracy both domestically and abroad.

  100% Coursework

  PIR6003
  Africa in the International System 20 credits

  This module provides an introduction to African politics, examining the historical, economic and socio-political developments of over fifty states with a strong regional emphasis, and a particular focus on political economy, state-society relations, foreign policy and conflict analysis. The module’s regional focus allows comparison between different approaches to international relations. It also seeks to provide the tools to analyse and understand what is going on in Africa today.

  50% Coursework

  50% Remotely delivered assessments

  PIR6004
  Europe in the World 20 credits

  Europe includes the European Union (the world’s major trading bloc and its most integrated regional institution) as well as many states of importance in their own right. This module takes a holistic look at the EU’s role in the world and the link between its economic and political presence. Furthermore it analyses the role of individual European states (inside and outside the EU). Apart from the policies and strategies of European actors vis-à-vis Russia, the US, China and countries in the Middle East and Africa it will also cover these states’ opinions of Europe and the European Union.

  60% Coursework

  40% Remotely delivered assessments

BA Geography With International Relations Programme Specification September 2024 1873