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Culture, Society and Space (GGH1203)
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.
Sustainable Futures (GGX1206)
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.
Imagining World Order (PIR4003)
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.
International Relations Since 1945 (PIR4005)
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.
People and Place (GGH1204)
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.
Our Digital Planet (GGX1207)
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.
Principles and Applications of Geography 1 (GGX2201)
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.
Principles and Applications of Geography 2 (GGX2202)
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.
Placement Preparation (GEES2000)
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.
Nature, Country and Society (GGH2206)
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.
Transport, Travel and Mobilities (GGH2207)
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.
Geographical Information Systems (GGX2203A)
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.
Fieldwork in Geography (GGX2204)
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.
Urban Planning, Design and Security (GGH2208)
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.
International Security Studies (PIR5008)
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.
Democracy in the UK: An Introduction to British Politics (PIR5005)
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.
The Politics of the European Union (PIR5001)
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.
Global Governance and the United Nations (PIR5002)
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.
Placement (GEES3000)
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.
Dissertation in Geography (GGX3200)
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.
Sustainable Cities (GGH3207)
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.
Citizenship, Territory and War (GGH3208)
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.
Living Landscapes (GGH3209)
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.
Environmental Politics and Governance (GGH3210)
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.
Big Data & Spatial Analytics (GGX3204)
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.
Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability (GEES3001)
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.
NATO after the Cold War and Beyond (PIR6002)
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.
Mao to Now: the Politics of Modern China (PIR6009)
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.
The Politics of the United States (PIR6006)
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.
Africa in the International System (PIR6003)
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.
Europe in the World (PIR6004)
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.
Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
UCAS tariff
104 - 112
Student | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
---|---|---|
Home | £9,250 | £9,250 |
International | £16,300 | £18,100 |
Part time (Home) | £770 | £770 |
To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.
6Practical: 10%
.Exams: 0%
bCoursework: 88%
bOpen book assessment: 2%
Fieldwork is an essential part of studying geography. Our Royal Geographical Society accreditation means that all of our degree courses include learning through practical experience from the field.
Oscar, BA (Hons) Geography student, shares his experience of a course field trip in Torquay.
Professor Ian Bailey is an expert on national climate change acts and their contribution to accelerating action on climate change. He combines his research and teaching on climate and environmental politics in modules on sustainable futures and environmental politics and governance.
Immerse yourself in the ideologies, political interests, and debates that influence past and present relationships between people, places, and environments, and explore the decisions made by governments and global institutions.