Human Geography and Planning (BSc)

Our approach is based upon a commitment to provide the highest quality teaching. As far as possible, we aim to teach in small groups because we believe this encourages a more positive learning environment between staff and students and among students themselves. Typically you will study six modules per year and will receive 15 hours of guided study per week.

We offer a supportive learning environment, where you are enabled to acquire a range of skills and a wealth of specialist knowledge. Our courses foster intellectual skills, such as critical thinking, close analysis, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, using theory and the effective deployment of language in writing and in debate. We also help you gain experience in team working, independent research and time management.

How will I be supported?

As well as having regular feedback from your personal tutor, you will have a reading week each semester for guided study and a chance to catch up on assessed work, reading and revision. 

You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles. 

The University support services (including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres) will all be available to you. 

Feedback 

We’ll provide you with frequent feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback during tutorials, personalised feedback on written work, feedback lectures, generic written feedback and feedback on tutorial performance 

You will receive written feedback on your coursework and will be given general feedback in relation to examinations following the May/June examination period. You will be able to discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor. 

How will I be assessed?

A range of assessment methods are used, including essays, examinations, presentations, portfolios and creative assignments.

We encourage innovation and creativity in the delivery and assessment of teaching and learning, for example the use of digital media and field study visits. You will receive skills training from presentation of critical thinking through film-based assessments.

Essays and examinations are used not only for assessment purposes but also as a means of developing your capacities to gather, organise, evaluate and deploy relevant information and ideas from a variety of sources in reasoned arguments. Dedicated essay workshops and individual advice enable you to produce your best work, and written feedback on essays feeds forward into future work, enabling you to develop your strengths and address any weaker areas.

The final-year research project provides you with the opportunity to investigate a specific topic of interest to you in depth and to acquire detailed knowledge about a particular field of study, to use your initiative in the collection and presentation of material and present a clear, cogent argument and draw appropriate conclusions.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Explain the historical, philosophical and contemporary components of human geography 
• Appraise a practical issue or problem for investigation, study or research, devising and implementing a strategy for collecting, assessing, analysing and presenting relevant data and information.
• Explain and analyse the nature of the planning system in managing change in the built and natural environment with reference to the planning policies of government and local government, and other institutions
• Synthesise, compare and assess evidence to evaluate planning and related applications , and/or the production of planning strategies, policies and plans
• Choose and demonstrate practical project-based, design and financial appraisal skills from an urban design perspective. 

Intellectual Skills:

• Synthesise, analyse and critically review scholarly work
• Compose a convincing argument
• Demonstrate and explain respect for equality of opportunity, social and cultural diversity, and the sustainable use of natural and human resources
• Summarise, explain and apply the ethics of professional practice by relating the Royal Town Planning Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct to their own practical experience and continuing professional
• Summarise, explain and apply key principles for the protection of personal health and safety at work and the health and safety of others.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Presentation skills
• Design and demonstrate a self-critical approach to becoming a reflective practitioner, in relation to current planning practices as well as the personal skills and knowledge that need further development

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Perform different methods of effective communication
• Demonstrate critical thinking and writing skills
• Identify team-working skills by responding appropriately to peer/colleague requests and making clear one’s own demands on colleagues
• Perform effective self-management by setting and adhering to work priorities, making effective use of time and identifying opportunities for input from colleagues, other professionals and/or stakeholders