Social Sciences (Geography) (R23-GEO)

This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Social Sciences. You'll study core modules in social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in ideas central to the social sciences. This will be combined with learning how key geographical concepts can be applied to some of the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century, including globalisation, development, climate change, migration and urbanisation. On completion of your degree, you’ll be able to apply geographical and social theories to current debates, analyse and assess different types of evidence, including statistical data, and carry out independent project-based work.

Key features of the course

• Specialise in human geography within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.

• Explore real-world problems such as globalisation and climate change.

• Enhance your employability with valued skills, including analysing and evaluating evidence, and communicating specialist ideas and information to different audiences.

• Gain a degree directly relevant to careers in planning, local government, environmental management and teaching.

Course Modules

This social sciences degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

At Stage 1, you’ll begin with a broad introductory module exploring key concepts, evidence and sources of knowledge in the social sciences, examining topics from criminology, development, economics, geography, politics, philosophy, religious studies, and sociology. You’ll then progress to exploring important global challenges: the climate crisis, legacies of colonialism and enslavement, and digital technology. You’ll investigate how social science helps us understand those challenges and how you can respond to them as an active citizen.

At Stage 2, you'll explore how the social world is being transformed by the internet and digital technology. For your geography module, you'll choose between exploring environmental issues, investigating how social science perspectives change how we understand and respond to major environmental challenges, or examining changes in the contemporary United Kingdom from a geographical perspective.

At Stage 3, you’ll investigate climate change from scientific and social perspectives; explore issues of food security and biodiversity; and consider the debates and dilemmas involved in developing policy on important environmental issues. You’ll complete your degree by choosing from a range of social science modules.