BA (Hons) Geography with International Relations

This degree presents diverse fields of study and opens up a great range of career opportunities. Employment areas directly linked to geography and
international relations include working in consultancy, planning, tourism, local/regional/national government, NGOs and teaching.

• Maximise your choice of option modules by studying geography as a major subject within a BA combined honours degree. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, international residential fieldwork and tutorials.
• Develop your understanding of the ways in which humans interpret, organise and respond to aspects in their social, cultural, economic, political and physical environments.
• Seize the opportunity to gain 'problem-solving' experience. You’ll also be equipped with advanced computer and information technology competence and expertise in other job-related skills.
• Examine the way political, economic and social issues affect all our lives – international relations will introduce you to key events and debates, with the opportunity to study a number of relevant themes.
  
• Gain excellent communication skills by working independently and as part of a team and learn from our accessible, supportive staff – expert researchers in their field. 
  
• Benefit from our unique location in the heart of the historical city of Plymouth, bordered by Dartmoor National Park as well as the Tamar Valley and South Hams Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Devon and Cornwall have glorious beaches, coasts, rivers and estuaries.
  
• Choose to study abroad in Europe or the USA. You can also experience a valuable work placement programme, opening up a range of career opportunities.
  

• 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. You can also select an optional module from a range of disciplines.
  

  Core modules

  • GGH1202 Changing Places

    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, and how it changes. Lectures provide a framework for understanding, and through fieldwork and follow-up practical classes, we explore examples these themes using quantitative data, graphic and spatial statistical analysis.

  • GGH1203 Culture, Society and Space

    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.

  • GGX1205 Geographical Journeys

    In this module we introduce geography as an undergraduate subject. Through lectures, residential fieldwork and a suite of tutorials we explore the interactions between human and physical geography, and consider the subject in relation to students¿ personal and future professional development. The tutorials support students adjusting to university-level study, in relation to both subject and key / transferable skills.

  • GGX1206 Sustainable Futures

    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.

  • IRL100 Imagining World Order

    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.

  • IRL102 International Relations Since 1945

    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.

• 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

  • APIE205 Preparation for a Year Long Work Placement in Geography

    This module is designed to assist students in their search and preparation for a year long work placement. It is aimed at students who would like to undertake the placement to enhance both programme specific and employment-related skills during Stage 3.

  • GGX2201 Principles and Applications of Geography 1

    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.

  • GGX2202 Principles and Applications of Geography 2

    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.

  • IRL200 Understanding Global Politics

    This module provides an introduction to the main authors and debates in contemporary IR theory, from mainstream theories to critical approaches. The module pays particular attention to the historical context of each approach, and the relationship between theory and practice in contemporary global politics.

  Optional modules

  • GGH2203 Nature and Society

    This module critically evaluates relationships between nature and society, through the consideration of a range of historical and contemporary examples in Britain and beyond. The core premise of the module is that `nature¿ is inseparable from the realms of culture, politics, economy and science.

  • GGH2204 Transport, Travel and Mobilities

    The module covers key themes, concepts and issues in contemporary transport and mobilities geographies. The geographical nature of transport and travel is discussed, and spatial aspects of the relationships between transport and the economy, society and the environment are explored. The focus is on passenger movement.

  • GGH2205 Social and Cultural Geography

    The module examines the development of the subdisciplines of social and cultural geography, drawing on contemporary case studies. Key geographical concepts and elements are explored within a variety of social and cultural contexts. The module explores the ways in which spaces and places are imagined, practised, and contested, and analyses the role of space in the production or contestation of inequalities and injustices.

  • GGX2203A Geographical Information Systems

    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.

  • GGX2204 Fieldwork in Geography

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

  • IRL201 International Security Studies

    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.

  • IRL203 International Relations of the Developing World

    This module embraces both theoretical and empirical approaches to understanding development issues and policies, at national, international and multilateral scale. The approach taken is deliberately inter-disciplinary, incorporating historical, economic, political and social perspectives. The module also uses case studies based in Africa, Latin America and Asia to illustrate and provide context for the discussion of various developmental concerns. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the development policy arena; how it is framed and constituted; the power relations between actors; and the impact on human communities and their environments.

• 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.

  Optional modules

  • APIE305 Geography:Placement

    This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least six months duration with an approved company or host organisation between stage 2 and 5. While on placement, students will gain experience of how geography is used in the workplace, be able to apply their geographical knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.

• 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

    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.

  Optional modules

  • GGH3200 The Competitive City

    This module examines the global competitiveness of cities in the twenty-first century and the strategies adopted to enhance and maintain their performance in economic, social and environmental agendas (representing the three pillars of sustainability). The module is global in focus, focusing on a wide range of in-depth urban case studies to illustrate approaches, concepts, ideas and debates in urban studies.

  • GGH3201 Geographies of Citizenship

    This module uses geographical ideas of citizenship to analyse social, political and cultural issues affecting first world societies. It examines how the use of citizenship by policy makers and other agencies has shaped relations between the public and the state. Particular attention is given to the geographies of participation, power, inclusion and exclusion.

  • GGH3202 Geographies of Landscape

    This module introduces students to the geographic study of landscape. The module looks at the portrayal of landscape through a variety of media, including film, literature, and music, as well as considering `real¿ built and natural landscapes. In doing so, the module expands students¿ understanding of a range of key social, cultural and political geographic themes such as power, memory, identity, place, and dwelling.

  • GGH3206 Changing States and Global Political Geography

    This module explores how the state became the dominant unit in world politics and the challenges states face from globalisation, nationalist movements, non-state actors, and extremist networks. Using contemporary case studies, students will examine key theories in political geography regarding identity, power, and how political authority has been (and might be) arranged over different territorial divisions worldwide.

  • GGX3201 Advanced Fieldwork in Geography

    Students will undertake an advanced field study, relating to key human and / or physical geographical issues in the visited area. After an introduction to key themes in the context of both urban and rural areas, students will conduct a group research project of their own design.

  • GGX3203 Work Based Learning in Geography

    This module provides an opportunity for work based learning. Students work with an appropriate host organisation for a minimum of 100 hours, engaged on activities relevant to geographical skills, knowledge and expertise.

  • IRL302 NATO after the Cold War and Beyond

    "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. "

  • PIR304 US Foreign Policy Since 1945

    This module introduces students to different approaches to studying US foreign policy. As well as providing an empirical survey of America's foreign relations since 1945, it draws on IR theory to examine its changing place in the world. Students will examine historical and contemporary themes in US foreign policy and explore the complex mix of factors that combine to influence it. The module will examine US interests in different parts of the world and evaluate how US foreign policy has affected regional and international orders. The ultimate objective of the course is to explore how US foreign policy shapes the world we live in.

  • PIR307 Europe in the World

    The European Union is the world's major trading block and its most integrated region. This module takes a holistic look at the EU's role in the world and the link between its economic and political presence. Accordingly it concentrates on the impact of the EU on the world (including the developing world) but also considers the internal dynamics of Europe.

  • PIR312 The Politics and International Relations of the Middle East

    "The module introduces students to international relations in the Middle East. It equips them with the analytical skills to examine the Arab-Israeli conflict, Gulf conflicts, and the impact of the Arab Spring on regional politics. "

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:

BA Geography with International Relations programme specification 1873

UCAS tariff

104 - 112