Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
BSc (Hons) Geography with Applied GIS with Study Abroad
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Geography with Applied GIS with Study Abroad | Programme code | UFS4GOAGOA05 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
This version of our popular programme on the Streatham campus will provide you with a broad understanding of geographical processes and the physical environment. It provides you with the opportunity to develop your interests and research in physical geography whilst developing transferable and discipline specific skills. Underpinning theory and core concepts are taught in lectures, seminars and tutorials, whilst computer practicals, fieldwork and your dissertation project allows you to apply this knowledge to real physical geography data.
You will develop a range of skills specific to the geographer as well as a series of cognitive, generic and transferable skills. In compulsory modules of the programme you develop skills such as statistical analysis, learning to code for data analysis, geospatial investigation and mapping through the use of GIS, image analysis of earth observation data and data collection in the field. Training is provided on industry-standard software packages for spatial data analysis which are important skills across all sectors in business, government and science.
The BSc Geography with Applied GIS programmes provide the science and framework to better understand physical Geography. GIS is revolutionising this understanding through spatial analysis with mapping and geo-technologies to provide the technical means for data exploration, visualisation and dissemination of developed understanding. This variant of the BSc Geography programme will allow you to develop understanding of recent GIS innovations, transforming the way data is collected, the research we undertake, the networks we reach, the way we communicate through geo-apps and the decisions that we make as individuals and organisations. You will discover how mapping and analytics is accelerating our understanding of big data, empowering digital transformation and how it is being applied in a growing industry crossing all sectors including business, government, science and leisure.
The BSc programmes offer the opportunity for you to undertake physical geography research methods, participate in a physical geography field course, and carry out a physical geography dissertation. These are the key features that distinguish them from the BA Geography programmes.
This programme also offers you the possibility to apply for a place to study Geography for one academic year at one of our partner Universities. Subject to a competitive application process, you may opt to take the GEO3601 Study Abroad option worth 120 credits. If you are accepted onto the programme, you will spend one academic year studying at a partner university in either the United States, China (Hong Kong), New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands or Ireland, usually the third year of a four-year programme. If you are not successful in the competitive application process, you will remain on the three year programme.
See for a current list of institutions.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/studyabroad/outbound/research/where/#a1
Studying abroad offers you a fantastic opportunity to expand your educational and cultural experiences. Moreover, research indicates that many employers consider an international experience important for recruitment and report that graduates with an international background are given greater responsibility more frequently.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The BSc (Hons) Geography with Applied GIS with Study Abroad programme is intended to show Geography as a dynamic discipline concerned with processes and patterns in human and natural environments. It aims to provide you with a broad understanding of the complex interrelationships of the physical environment and human society. The programme offers opportunity to develop interests in the discipline and research into the specific aspects of physical geography in which the department has specialised. Through fieldwork in physical geography and other forms of experiential learning, this programme particularly aims to promote curiosity about natural environments, ability to problem solve and critically evaluate and, through a variety of pedagogies, to enable you to develop a range of skills specific to the physical geographer as well as a series of cognitive, generic and transferable skills.
Through research-led inquiry the GIS modules in the programme develop understanding of theoretical and practical skills required to capture, store, manage, manipulate, analyse and present a range of geographically-referenced data in GIS. Through applying methods for collection and analysis of spatial data including remote sensing and coding for data analysis this programme provides opportunity to discover why geolocated data and geospatial technologies are transforming geography and society in a digital world.
The Study Abroad module will provide you with the opportunity to study some aspects of Geography in a university abroad and to give you an insight into the culture of the host country.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://geography.exeter.ac.uk/newstudents/ugstreatham
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in each stage of the programme with permission as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO1211 | Earth System Science: The History of Our Planet | 15 | No |
| GEO1213 | Earth System Science: Our Changing Planet | 15 | No |
| GEO1310 | Geographies of Environment and Sustainability | 15 | No |
| GEO1311 | Study Skills for Physical Geographers | 15 | Yes |
| GEO1312 | Fieldwork in Physical Geography | 15 | No |
| GEO1316 | Concepts in Geography | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoS S1 Human opt for BSc Geog 2023-24 | |||
| GEO1105 | Geographies of Place, Identity and Culture | 15 | No |
| GEO1106 | Geographies of Global Change | 15 | No |
Stage 2
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
a You must pass both GEO2333 and GEO2321 to progress to the next stage of the BSc Geography with Applied GIS with Study Abroad programme. If you fail either of these modules you will be transferred to the standard BSc Geography with Study Abroad.
b You must choose 15-45 credits from the Physical Geography and interdisciplinary Geography modules listed, subject to choosing 45 credits of options in total.
c You may then choose 0-30 credits from other level 5 Geography modules listed, subject to choosing 45 credits of options in total.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO2333 | Applied GIS: Mapping with Technology [See note a above] | 15 | Yes |
| GEO2321 | Introduction to Remote Sensing [See note a above] | 15 | Yes |
| GEO2331 | Research Design in Physical Geography | 15 | No |
| GEO2332 | Numerical Methods for Physical Geographers | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoS S2 Physical-Inter opt for BSc Geog-GIS 2023-4 [See note b above] | |||
| GEO2230 | Reconstructing Past Environments | 15 | No |
| GEO2232 | The Cryosphere | 15 | No |
| GEO2233 | Landscape Response to Environmental Change: from Source to Sink | 15 | No |
| GEO2234 | The 'Anthropocene' | 15 | No |
| GEO2235 | Ecosystems of the future: climate change, terrestrial feedbacks and nature-based solutions | 15 | No |
| GEO2317 | Climate Change: Science and Society | 15 | No |
| GEO2322C | Nature, Environment and Sustainability Field Course | 15 | No |
| GeoS S2 Human opt for BSc Geog 2023-4 [See note c above] | |||
| GEO2131 | Nature, Development and Justice | 15 | No |
| GEO2132 | Global Urban Futures | 15 | No |
| GEO2135 | In/visible Spaces of Modern Life | 15 | No |
| GEO2136 | Geographies of Migration | 15 | No |
Stage 3
120 credits of compulsory modules.
For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the Geography Study Abroad Co-ordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s website at
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/studyabroad/outbound/research/where/#a1
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO3601 | Study Abroad | 120 | Yes |
Stage 4
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
d To qualify for the award of BSc Geography with Applied GIS with Study Abroad you must select and pass at least 60 credits from GEO3223, GEO3239, GEO3321, and GEO3322. If you fail these 60 credits you will be transferred to the standard BSc Geography with Study Abroad. You may select only one Dissertation module, so your selection must be one of the following combinations:
- GEO3223, GEO3239, and GEO3322, or
- GEO3223, and GEO3321, or
- GEO3239, and GEO3321, or
- GEO3223, GEO3239 and GEO3321 (GEO3223 or GEO3239 becomes condonable)
Your Dissertation must include GIS analysis and must be approved as such at the project proposal stage by the programme director.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoS SF BSc Geog-GIS comp 2023-4 [See note d above] | |||
| GEO3223 | Landscape Systems Management | 15 | No |
| GEO3239 | GIS for Professionals | 15 | No |
| GEO3321 | BSc Dissertation | 45 | No |
| GEO3322 | BSc Dissertation | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoS SF BSc Geog opt 2023-24 | |||
| GEO3101 | Gender and Geography | 15 | No |
| GEO3123 | Geographies of Material Culture | 15 | No |
| GEO3126 | The Geography of Monsters: Science, Society and Environmental Risk | 15 | No |
| GEO3129 | Images of the Earth | 15 | No |
| GEO3142 | Geographies of the Body | 15 | No |
| GEO3144 | Geopolitical Cultures | 15 | No |
| GEO3146 | Digital Geographies | 15 | No |
| GEO3147 | Literature, Environment, Activism | 15 | No |
| GEO3223 | Landscape Systems Management | 15 | No |
| GEO3225 | Climate Change and its Impacts | 15 | No |
| GEO3227 | Weather | 15 | No |
| GEO3230 | Tropical Forests in a Changing World | 15 | No |
| GEO3239 | GIS for Professionals | 15 | No |
| GEO3245 | Coastal Systems in a Changing World | 15 | No |
| GEO3246 | Tropical Marine Carbonate Systems: Responses to Environmental Change | 15 | No |
| GEO3325 | Environmental Futures Field Course | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Illustrate the nature of change within human and physical environments. | In Stage 1, primarily through tutorials, compulsory modules and through subject-based learning in human geography modules. In Stage 2, through research training (research methods and research), tutorials and through subject-based learning in human geography modules Implicitly through lectures, seminars and directed study in the context of a variety specific topic-based option modules in all Stages. | ILO 1 Explicitly through coursework and examinations in compulsory modules and throughout other module based assessments in Stages 2 and 4 (depending on options taken). ILOs 2-3 Much of Stage 1 is explicitly interdisciplinary, as are a number of option modules in Stages 2 and 4. These modules are assessed against student’s understanding about interconnections through a variety of assessments. ILO 4 This is assessed in the option Stage 4 field course and through a variety of assessments associated with topic-based modules. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Evaluate the diversity of approaches to the generation of knowledge and understanding deriving from experience of the epistemologies of the natural sciences. | Explicitly introduced as a concept in Stage 1 compulsory modules, and later in Stage 2 research training modules. Expanded through subject-based learning in optional modules in Stages 2 and 4, including the option field course at Stage 4. Applied by student in independent dissertation. | ILO 5 Coursework in research training modules at Stage 2 and an option field course module and the dissertation at Stage 4. ILO 6 Field class training, remote sensing training, and through a variety of assessments in all modules in all Stages. ILO 7 Explicitly assessed in project work in Stage 1 and applied and assessed in the dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. Evaluate the issues involved in applying research design and execution skills within the specific context of primary research. | Personal transferable employment skills and knowledge are embedded in all modules. Stage 2 modules are strongly focused towards developing skills for use in the dissertation and in real life situations. Explicitly through directed practical exercises in Stage 1 and 2 research training modules (including GIS and remote sensing); in field courses in Stages 1 and 4, and in dissertation supervisions in Stage 3. Implicitly through lectures, seminars and directed study in specific topic-based option modules in all Stages. Applied in self-directed dissertation. | ILO 8 Coursework in modules focusing on research training, GIS analysis and the dissertation. ILO 9 Data analysis methods are explicitly assessed in level 4 and 5 research training modules, and implicitly in option modules in all Stages. ILO 10 Through a variety of assessments in all modules in all Stages. ILO 11 Through a variety of assessments in all modules in all Stages. ILO 12 Through critical writing tasks assessed in a range of modules through Stages 2 and 4 and in the dissertation. ILO 13 Explicitly through coursework in Stage 1 and 2 research training and fieldwork-based modules and the dissertation. ILO 14 Explicitly in coursework for research training modules in Stages 1 and 2. |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Progression Rules
To progress to Stage 2 you should normally achieve an average mark of at least 60% in Stage 1, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the three year programme. This is to ensure that only those students who are likely to succeed in their Year Abroad are selected.
The Year Abroad counts as a single 120 credit module and is not condonable; you must pass this module to graduate with the degree title of BSc Geography with Applied GIS with Study Abroad. If you fail the Year Abroad module your degree title will be commuted to BSc Geography with Applied GIS. You will be assessed by your host university during your academic year abroad with their grades converted back to University of Exeter grades to contribute towards your degree classification. The rules governing failure and referral will be determined by the host institution.
To progress to Stage 3 you must pass the non-condonable modules GEO2333 and GEO2321, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the standard BSc Geography with Study Abroad.
Programme-specific Award Rules
You must pass the non-condonable modules described in note e in the programme tables above to graduate with the degree title of BSc Geography with Applied GIS with Study Abroad. If you fail these modules your degree title will be commuted to BSc Geography with Study Abroad.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
All students in Geography are allocated Personal Tutors who monitor and advise you on your academic progress and performance throughout your degree programme. Each Personal Tutor keeps a record of your performance which culminates in a detailed record of achievement which is used, in addition to formal assessments, to help inform personal references requested by prospective employers. Personal Tutors provide pastoral oversight for non-academic problems (advising students as necessary on the availability of appropriate specialist and professional assistance).
In addition, you take a compulsory, mainly tutorial-based, 15-credit Level 4 module on ‘Study Skills for Physical Geography’ (GEO1311). This module aims to a) raise your awareness of the role you must yourself play in the learning process, b) facilitate your development as an independent learner, and c) direct your acquisition of a range of specialist and generic skills.
You attend University and Discipline Induction courses on arrival, and are directed to the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) Student Portal and module ELE pages, that provide information on your teaching and learning. Student learning is supported by a wide range of discipline-specific and university learning facilities, including the University Library and IT Services.
All teaching staff maintain an two non-consecutive Office Hours per week to facilitate student access to academic support. Module staff will also outline additional means to support student learning during term time. There is student representation at all levels in the Discipline and programme development takes place with explicit consultation, notably through formal representation of students on the Discipline Education Committee.
The Faculty complies with the University’s Code of Practice on Study and Work Experience Abroad. The name of the member of staff acting as the programme’s Co-ordinator for study abroad is made known to you before you leave Exeter, and this person is responsible for liaison and oversight of your progress during the year abroad. Contact will be maintained with you during your year abroad by regular email communication.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Geography with Applied GIS with Study Abroad
19. UCAS Code
F811
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Geography
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 18/09/2017 |
Date of last revision | 26/08/2022 |
|---|
