Programme Specification for the 2024/5 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	2024/5
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

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 2024-5
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 2024-5 [See note b above]
GEO2232	The Cryosphere	15	No
GEO2233	Landscape Response to Environmental Change: from Source to Sink	15	No
GEO2234	The 'Anthropocene'	15	No
GEO2317	Climate Change: Science and Society	15	No
GEO2230	Reconstructing Past Environments	15	No
GEO2235	Ecosystems of the future: climate change, terrestrial feedbacks and nature-based solutions	15	No
GeoS S2 Human opt for BSc Geog 2024-5 [See note c above]
GEO2135	In/visible Spaces of Modern Life	15	No
GEO2131	Nature, Development and Justice	15	No
GEO2132	Global Urban Futures	15	No
GEO2134	Everyday Lives	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?
GEO3321	BSc Dissertation [See note d above]	45	No
GEO3322	BSc Dissertation [See note d above]	30	No
GEO3223	Landscape Systems Management [See note d above]	15	No
GEO3239	GIS for Professionals [See note d above]	15	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
GeoS SF BSc Geog-GIS opt 2024-5
GEO3245	Coastal Systems in a Changing World	15	No
GEO3227	Weather	15	No
GEO3326	Managing the Climate Emergency	15	No
GEO3327	Science Communication in a Changing World	15	No
GEO3123	Geographies of Material Culture	15	No
GEO3129	Images of the Earth	15	No
GEO3146	Digital Geographies	15	No
GEO3156	Bodies at Work: Contemporary Geographies of Labour and Identity	15	No
GEO3155	Iceland Field Course	15	No
GEO3325	Environmental Futures Field Course	15	No
GEO3144	Geopolitical Cultures	15	No
GEO3147	Literature, Environment, Activism	15	No
GEO3323	Future 17: Sustainable Development Goals Challenge	15	No
GEO3225	Climate Change and its Impacts	15	No
GEO3223	Landscape Systems Management	15	No
GEO3241	Fire Ecology and Fire Management	15	No
GEO3328	Water Resilience: Challenges and Solutions	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. 2. Compare the reciprocal relationships between physical and human environments. 3. Critically evaluate and reflect on the appropriate application of diverse specialised geographical techniques and approaches influencing human and physical environments. 4. Summarise the diversity and interdependence of places at various spatial scales.	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 (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.
2. Compare the reciprocal relationships between physical and human environments.
3. Critically evaluate and reflect on the appropriate application of diverse specialised geographical techniques and approaches influencing human and physical environments.
4. Summarise the diversity and interdependence of places at various spatial scales.

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. 6. Identify geographical concepts in different situations. 7. Apply ideas to new situations and with a systematic approach to accuracy, precision and uncertainty.	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 (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.
6. Identify geographical concepts in different situations.
7. Apply ideas to new situations and with a systematic approach to accuracy, precision and uncertainty.

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. 9. Evaluate the diversity of specialised approaches to, and techniques of, collecting, analysing and presenting information and spatial data on the physical environment. 10. Synthesise information and recognise relevance, develop a sustained and reasoned argument, and evaluate and articulate weaknesses in the arguments of others. 11. Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively and fluently by written, oral, visual, graphical and cartographical means in a manner appropriate to the intended audience. 12. Illustrate and discuss the contested and provisional nature of knowledge and understanding and articulate and communicate teaching/learning methods and strategies. 13. Identify, formulate and evaluate questions or problems, and identify and evaluate approaches to problem-solving. 14. Use C&IT tools effectively and appropriately to select, analyse, present and communicate geographical information, effectively and appropriately, including cartographic design, interpret and use numerical statistical information, and apply spatial analysis and more advanced numerical skills effectively and appropriately to geographical information.	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.

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.
9. Evaluate the diversity of specialised approaches to, and techniques of, collecting, analysing and presenting information and spatial data on the physical environment.
10. Synthesise information and recognise relevance, develop a sustained and reasoned argument, and evaluate and articulate weaknesses in the arguments of others.
11. Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively and fluently by written, oral, visual, graphical and cartographical means in a manner appropriate to the intended audience.
12. Illustrate and discuss the contested and provisional nature of knowledge and understanding and articulate and communicate teaching/learning methods and strategies.
13. Identify, formulate and evaluate questions or problems, and identify and evaluate approaches to problem-solving.
14. Use C&IT tools effectively and appropriately to select, analyse, present and communicate geographical information, effectively and appropriately, including cartographic design, interpret and use numerical statistical information, and apply spatial analysis and more advanced numerical skills effectively and appropriately to geographical information.

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

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

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

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

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	21/03/2024

Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

BSc (Hons) Geography with Applied GIS with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

2. Description of the Programme

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Stage 2

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Stage 3

Compulsory Modules

Stage 4

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. Programme Regulations

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

14. Awarding Institution

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Partner Institution

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

19. UCAS Code

20. NQF Level of Final Award

21. Credit

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge