Geography

GEOGRAPHY

GEOGRAPHY Geography is undoubtedly the subject of our times. When you think of the big issues facing society – climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution, migration, inequality and sustainable development – you are thinking about geography.

At York St John you will find a friendly and enthusiastic team who enjoy working with students on topics like these. We have a strong sense of community among our Geography students and staff. Small class sizes mean that we get to know each other, and the staff work hard to ensure you are not just a face in a crowd.

Students know where to find us, and they consistently tell us that we are quick to respond to their questions.

We place emphasis on ‘real world’ learning. All of our assessments are coursework; there are no exams. This is to ensure that the work you are doing reflects the kind of work geographers do in the workplace. We bring in a range of guest speakers throughout the year to explain what it’s like to tackle the issues you are studying in ‘live’ settings. And we complement that with field trips in many of our modules, from half-day visits to residential trips.

We are proud to see our graduates going on to exciting things. Examples include careers in town planning, quantity surveying, media communications and teaching, as well as postgraduate courses in international relations, sustainability, and environmental management. We look forward to welcoming you into the York St John Geography community, and to helping you on your own journey!

Pauline Couper Subject Director: Geography

100%

of 2017 Geography graduates were either in further study or employed in professional or managerial roles six months after graduation.

(Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2017)

I chose this course because it offers an insight into relevant and current topics which are part of our everyday, lived experience. It also includes a variety of field trips, where we apply theories and knowledge which has been explored in the classroom, into reallife, relevant case studies. This process has prepared me for future careers because it involves planning, implementing and presenting in teams, which is so relevant in many work places.

Studying this course builds practical skills such as organisation and teamwork which I believe will be important in my life ahead. The effort lecturers make to give their students the most valuable experiences really makes a big difference. The student voice is really heard and this allows you to make the most of your time at university.

The highlight of my time studying at York St John University has definitely been the friendships that I have made. Spending time with coursemates on field trips and getting involved with societies has helped form some amazing lifelong friendships!

Tom Williamson, Human Geography BA (Hons)

100%

of 2019 Geography graduates were satisfied with their course.

(National Student Survey 2019)

OUR COURSES — Geography BSc (Hons) From climate change to social inequalities, geographers tackle some of the most critical global issues facing the world today. This course balances human, physical and environmental geography to give you a broad understanding of this crucial field of subject. This is the ideal degree if you are not yet sure of your future direction or if you want to go into teaching.

— Environmental Geography BSc (Hons) Studying the effect humans are having on the planet is more relevant and urgent now than it has ever been. Environmental Geography focuses on the natural world and our relationship with it. If you are passionate about facing major environmental issues and communicating their importance to others then this is the degree for you.

— Human Geography BA (Hons) Human Geography is all about people, asking you to consider big questions about globalisation, social justice, inequality and cultural identity. This degree lets you see things from new perspectives, think about your place in the world and consider how you can make a difference to the global community.

— Human Geography with American Studies BA (Hons) Explore your passion for America through the lens of Human Geography, combining both these interests in one degree programme. You will gain an understanding of America’s profound influence upon the world and how the world views America whilst developing a geographer’s appreciation of local-to-global interactions and of spatial inequalities.

— Human Geography with History BA (Hons) Address the greatest challenges our world faces today, through the study of inequality, poverty, globalisation, urban planning and regeneration. Our Human Geography with History degree invites you to delve deep into the world around us and our everyday lives.

— Human Geography with Media Studies BA (Hons) Develop your understanding of the central role of media and popular culture in contemporary society. Within this course you will get a unique insight into the world around you; addressing issues such as inequality, poverty, globalisation, urban planning and regeneration.

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Students on all Geography courses take part in a residential field trip at each level of their studies. For Year 1 students this is in the UK, whilst the current destinations for the Year 2 and Year 3 trips are Malta and Slovenia.

In Malta students work in small groups to collect data for their own projects, which they will have defined and planned in response to briefs beforehand. This experience of group research gives everyone some practice before undertaking their independent dissertation research in Year 3.

The Year 3 Slovenia field trip happens in the final semester of the degree, and so the emphasis is on students applying their knowledge to the local environment and interpreting it for others. At this level there is more scope for individuals to define their own project focus in line with their interests.

After the trip, the challenge is to provide some interpretive materials that will explain some aspect of the geography of the locality to a public audience.

For non-residential (day or half-day) fieldwork we make good use of the city and countryside on our doorstep.

Recent field trips have included the Humberhead Peatlands, Potteric Carr and Sherwood Forest Nature Reserves (nature conservation and habitat management), Hull and Manchester, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and geomorphology fieldwork on the North York Moors.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS We are growing our connections with a range of external organisations.

We have good links with City of York Council, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Scarborough Borough Council, and a formal partnership with Natural England for student and staff work at the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve. Our Year 2

students have completed placements with a variety of organisations, including charities such as International Service and Dig Deep, the Environment Agency, tourism organisations including Visit York and the National Glass Centre, as well as with schools and commercial companies.

At York St John University we’ve been changing lives through education since 1841. We have a long history of championing social justice and expanding opportunities. Our research and our teaching reflect this.

97% of York St John University graduates were in work or further study six months after graduation (DLHE 2017).

People from almost

60

different countries study at York St John University.

When you graduate you will become part of a global community who are proud to be part of the YSJ Family.

/YorkStJohnUniversity @YorkStJohn @YorkStJohn ADMISSIONS INFORMATION E: admissions@yorksj.ac.uk T: 01904 876598 www.yorksj.ac.uk

OVER 200 COURSES

to choose from Whatever you want to do, we’re here to help.

York is the safest city in the region for students The Complete University Guide (2017).

PLACEMENT YEARS Almost all of our Undergraduate courses can now be studied with a placement year in industry, giving you more real-world experience to boost your career.

STUDY ABROAD Most of our courses include the option to study abroad for a year or a semester without adding extra time to your degree. We have links with partner institutions all around the world.