Geography

The interactions between humans and our physical world are fascinating, from our responses to the physical features and phenomena of our planet to the interplay between regional geographical characteristics and the cultures that call those regions home. Study Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London and you’ll enjoy a universal subject, exploring topics including social development, patterns of trade and how geographic factors interact with both one another and human goals.

This adaptable programme lets you choose from a range of optional modules to suit your preferences in years 2 and 3, from Political Geography to Global Warming to Post-Capitalist Cities. You’ll enjoy exciting fieldwork opportunities in the UK and abroad giving you the chance to bond with fellow students in a close, community-focussed department.

You’ll benefit from a renowned research culture, with the highest quality research and teaching in a supportive learning environment. You’ll acquire a broad range of skills and knowledge to take into your future career or further study and Geography graduates enjoyi excellent employability prospects in a range of fields.

Study Geography at Royal Holloway at you’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including world-class facilities for GIS, image analysis, advanced cartography and the physical and chemical analysis of soils, sediments and water.

Pursue your passion for Geography with us and graduate in a strong position to enjoy a rewarding career.

Course Modules

Core Modules

Year 1

• The Dynamic Planet: Introduction to Physical Geography

• Physical Geography 2: Biogeography, Ecology and Scales of Change

• Introduction to Human Geography

• Human Geography 2: Politics, Society, Development and Environment

• Geographical Techniques

• Digital Geographies: Introduction to Remote Sensing and GIS

• Geographical Research and Field Training 1

• Academic Integrity

Year 2

• Geographical Techniques 2

• Geographical Field Training 2

Year 3. You will take one of the following:

• Dissertation

• Independent Placement-Linked Dissertation

Optional Modules

Below is a taster of some of the exciting optional modules that students on the course could choose from during this academic year. Please be aware these do change over time, and optional modules may be withdrawn or new ones added.

Year 1

• All modules are core

Year 2

• Environmental Systems: Processes and Sustainability

• Earth Surface Processes and Hazards

• Environmental Change

• Biogeography

• Political Geography

• Cities: Economies and Ecologies

• Cultural Geographies of the Modern World

• Perspectives on Development

Year 3

• Coast and Estuarine Management

• Global Warming

• Wetland Environments: Process and Policy

• Managing River Environments

• Glacial Environments

• Digital Landscapes

• Arid Africa

• Mammals in a Changing World

• Volcanoes

• Regeneration and Urban Policy

• Geography of Commodities

• Post-Capitalist Cities

• Geopolitics of Media and Communications

• Exploration, Science and Making of Geography

• Geography, Museums and Collections

• Creative Geographies

• Gender & Development

• Cities and Development in the Global South

• Mobilities

• Challenging Development? Disasters, Conflict and Human (in)Security

• Critical GIS

• Atmosphere: Art, Science, Politics

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/geography/geography-bsc/

The course has a modular structure, whereby students take four course units per year. Some course units are compulsory while others are options, thereby offering flexibility and choice.

Assessment is by a mixture of coursework and end-of-year examination in varying proportions, depending on the course units you choose to take. In the final year you will complete a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choice, which you will research and write with individual guidance from your tutor. The first year is foundational and marks do not count towards your final degree. The second year and final year marks do count, with more importance being given to the final year marks in order to reward progress and achievement.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures and small seminar groups, tutorials and practical workshops. The department has a substantial and varied programme of field training and laboratory work, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge in a practical setting. Private study and preparation are essential parts of every course, and you will have access to many online resources including the University’s comprehensive e-learning facility, Moodle – which provides a wide range of supporting materials.

We use a range of assessment models to suit different learning styles, from fieldwork exercises and reports, individual and group presentations to coursework essays and examinations.  In your final year you will have the opportunity to write a research-led dissertation.