Program Overview

---

Introduction to BSc (Hons) Geography with Foundation Year

The BSc (Hons) Geography with Foundation Year is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of geography and its applications. The foundation year is designed to prepare students for the challenges of university-level study and to provide a solid grounding in the disciplines underpinning geography.

About the Course

The course is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers (IBG) and has been independently evaluated for its quality and the skills provided to graduates. The degree is flexible, allowing students to move between BA and BSc pathways through the choice of human and physical geography modules.

Foundation Year

The foundation year is the first stage of the degree and is designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to progress confidently onto Year 1 of the full BSc (Hons) degree. The foundation year modules include:

• FYM001: Becoming a Successful Global Scientist (30 credits)
• FYM002: Essentials for Physical and Environmental Sciences (30 credits)
• FYM004: Our Changing Planet - Chemical and Geo-environmental Processes (30 credits)
• FYM006: Sustainable Development Project (30 credits)

Year 1

In the first year, modules introduce students to the latest developments in human and physical geography. The core modules include:

• GEES1101: Culture, Society and Space (20 credits)
• GEES1102: People and Place (20 credits)
• GEES1103: Glaciers, Deserts and Climate Change (20 credits)
• GEES1104: Water, Landscapes and Environmental Management (20 credits)
• GEES1105: Sustainable Futures (20 credits)
• GEES1106: Our Digital Planet (20 credits)

Year 2

In the second year, students deepen their knowledge with a wide range of optional modules in human and physical geography and core modules in theories, practical skills, and careers development.

Optional Placement Year

Students can choose an optional year working in industry to improve their knowledge of applied geography and gain invaluable work experience.

Final Year

In the final year, students write a dissertation on any aspect of human or physical geography. There is a wide range of optional modules in human or physical geography, plus the option of taking a work experience module to prepare students for their first job.

Progression

The foundation year forms the first stage of the degree, and although it does not lead to a separate qualification, it is designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to progress confidently onto Year 1 of one of the full BSc (Hons) degrees.

Facilities and Resources

As a Plymouth geographer, students have access to a range of cutting-edge resources and facilities to support their learning in the field and in the laboratory.

Fieldwork

The course offers a fieldwork programme that enables students to gain experience of hands-on research, investigating critical contemporary social and environmental issues in a wide variety of environments.

Careers

Geography is a diverse subject that allows students to develop a variety of skills, whether it's out in the field or on a computer. Many graduates work in areas such as environmental consultancy, flood risk, environmental planning, geospatial science, education, commerce, transport, and the public sectors.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the course are:

• UK: Ł9,790 per year
• International: Ł19,200 per year There are also additional costs for fieldwork and equipment.

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the course is 32 UCAS points. Students may be eligible for a contextual offer, which is typically 8 points below the advertised tariff.

English Language Requirements

To be accepted onto the degree course, students must have a suitable English language qualification.

Application

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS. The UCAS course code is F803, and the institution code is P60.