COURSE CURRICULUM

The Geography course at UEA offers a comprehensive four-year structure that builds students’ knowledge and skills through academic and practical experience. The first year lays a broad foundation across human and physical geography, exploring global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and inequality. Modules such as Our World, Living Planet, and Geographies of an Unequal World combine theoretical approaches with hands-on learning, including laboratory work and local field trips. These are complemented by modules in research and data skills, introducing students to both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis.In the second year, students deepen their understanding of geographical theory and practice through core modules like Geographical Perspectives and Research Practice, while also choosing from a range of optional topics including global health, environmental politics, and GIS. A key feature is the flexible strand-based learning within Research Practice, enabling students to tailor their skillset in preparation for their final-year independent research project. Optional field courses and project-based modules allow students to apply knowledge in real-world contexts and develop project management skills relevant to careers in the sector.Year three is dedicated to an industrial placement, giving students the opportunity to gain 9–14 months of professional experience in fields such as environmental consultancy, local government, or NGOs. Supported by academic mentors, students develop key employability skills while applying their learning in real workplace settings.In the final year, students complete an Independent Project, carrying out a research study on a topic of their choice with expert supervision. This capstone project consolidates research, analytical, and communication skills developed throughout the degree. Students can also choose from a diverse range of optional modules, including overseas field trips, to further explore areas of personal interest. Overall, the course equips students with both academic expertise and practical experience to pursue impactful careers in geography and beyond.The BSc Geography course at UEA provides a comprehensive and flexible program designed to help students understand and address global environmental and social challenges. In the first year, students are introduced to both human and physical geography through core modules such as Our World, Sustainability Challenges and Solutions, and Living Planet. These modules explore pressing issues including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainability, offering insights into the interconnectedness of human activity and natural systems. Alongside this, students develop essential research and analytical skills in Data and Research Skills A and B, where they gain experience with fieldwork, data analysis, GIS, and programming. These practical modules are supported by hands-on workshops and a residential field trip, helping students to apply their knowledge to real-world environmental questions.In the second year, students continue to build on these foundations by engaging with more advanced topics and methods. The compulsory module Research Practice prepares students for their final year project by offering training in project planning, proposal writing, and discipline-specific techniques. Students also take Geographical Perspectives, a module that explores geography’s critical role in analysing complex global issues such as migration, inequality, and the climate crisis. Optional modules allow students to begin specialising in areas such as global health, environmental politics, energy transitions, and geographical information systems.The final year centres on the Independent Project, where students carry out a substantial piece of original research on a topic of their choice, supported by an academic supervisor. This major component enables students to demonstrate their ability to independently design, conduct, and present academic research. Further optional modules and field course opportunities offer students the chance to deepen their expertise in topics such as conservation, urban futures, humanitarian crises, and environmental consultancy. The course equips graduates with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to pursue careers across environmental sectors, research, and policy-making.