Geography BSc(Hons) with integrated foundation year

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Why choose an integrated foundation year?

This integrated preparatory course is suitable for applicants with a wide range of backgrounds and qualifications who, for a variety of reasons, may not feel ready to begin study at undergraduate level. 

This may apply to mature students who have had a break from education and may have vocational experience in addition to academic qualifications.

Students who do not have the subject-appropriate A-levels or equivalent qualifications for the undergraduate course may also benefit.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Progress to a degree that is professionally accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

• Learn field skills on day trips and residential field trips. 

• Travel and accommodation included in the fees for mandatory residential trips to locations such as Wales and Sicily (go to the fees and costs section for more info). 

• Work experience throughout the course, including the option of a placement year. 

• Option to specialise in sustainability and climate change, geomorphology and landscape change, and social and political geography. 

• Build professional skills in geospatial data analysis, environmental impact assessment and planning. 

Course structure

Our Geography BSc(Hons) with integrated foundation year degree allows you to develop a programme of study that matches your interests and career ambitions. You will be able to follow a broad combined syllabus with elements of physical, human and environmental geography, or to focus on areas such as geomorphology, landscape change, environmental hazards and environmental management.

Teaching methods consist of lectures, practical classes, fieldwork and seminars, but real-world experience is at the heart of the curriculum. This practical fieldwork component allows you to apply your knowledge to real-world concerns.

Our expert staff will support your subject-specific knowledge development and teach you the research, technical, practical and transferable skills you need to get you ready for your career. 

Foundation year

During your foundation year you’ll be introduced to key concepts in biology, geography, environment, geoscience and data handling to prepare you for study at undergraduate level. You’ll also develop practical skills in the lab as well as problem-solving, analysis and communication skills.

The range of topics provides a basis for identifying and providing sound scientific solutions to current and future problems affecting society.

Modules

• Foundation Study Skills

  This module focuses on the skills needed to study a biological, pharmaceutical or chemistry degree, for example testing by experiment and evaluating the results, key laboratory techniques and safe practice in the lab. You will also develop transferable skills like time management, effective essay writing, locating sources of information and presentation and communication skills.

• Foundation Geography, Earth and Environment

  We live in an ever-changing environment, where short- and long-term changes can take place over millions of years or decades. Planetary processes, landscape evolution, environmental adjustment and human occupation all interact with one another. This module will introduce you to the basic principles and philosophies of geography, environmental studies and the geosciences. It will develop your familiarity with scientific terminology and methodologies essential for completion of a geographical, environmental or geoscience undergraduate degree.

• Foundation Biology

  This module introduces the key biological concepts that will inform and underpin your understanding of biological systems and processes. You will become familiar with the scientific terminology and methodologies needed to study biosciences at undergraduate level, covering topics in human and environmental biology including molecules, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, evolution and ecological processes. 

• Data Handling for Science

  This module introduces the mathematical, statistical and data handling skills that you need for undergraduate study in biological and chemical sciences, and pharmacy. You will explore key principles and methods and carry out analysis on a range of information, helping you develop skills in problem-solving, analysis and evaluation within defined criteria. 

Year 1

The first year introduces key themes in physical, human and environmental geography, with core modules that cover the physical forces of landscape change, the impacts of environmental change on the physical and human environments and the human modification of environmental processes.

Modules

• Exploring Environments: An Introduction to Geographical and Environmental Fieldwork

  On this module you will undertake a UK-based residential field course over three working days, supported by lectures and workshops. You’ll take part in intensive study and field research skills training in different field environments. Themes covered include physical geography, environmental geography/ecology and human geography as well as an introduction to risk assessment, research ethics and working across difference. 

• Statistical and Spatial Data Analysis

  This module introduces techniques used to analyse geographical and environmental data in both the academic and professional worlds. You will develop the skills and abilities needed to display data graphically and visually and assess patterns/relationships through statistical testing and geospatial display and analysis. You’ll become competent in using statistical software to support and hone your skills, as well as in the use and application of geospatial/remote sensing data and associated geographical information systems (GIS) software packages.

• Fundamentals of Physical Geography

  This module provides a theoretical and practical introduction to azonal (tectonic, climatic, hydrological, fluvial, coastal, slope, aeolian, and biogeographical) and zonal (glacial and periglacial) physical geographical systems. You will examine the ways in which these systems interact with and influence human activities, both at the present day and over archaeological timescales.

• Global Challenges: Climate Change and Environmental Degradation

  On this module you will explore global environmental challenges from natural science and social science case perspectives. Case studies will introduce you to topical and current environmental challenges and you’ll examine how some issues may be addressed through interdisciplinary management and mitigation. Alongside lectures, you’ll take part in workshops where you will look at research on contemporary issues developed by students and small group engagement that will help you to deepen your thinking around the subject.

• Human Geography

  This module provides a critical introduction to key themes in human geography. You will develop an appreciation of geographical concepts such as nature, space, place and scale through consideration of geographies of global political-economic change, past and contemporary cultural geographies and geographical imaginations, and social geographies of everyday life.

• Academic Learning for Geography and Environmental Studies

  This module will introduce you to academic study, observational and transferable skills for geographers, environmental managers and environmental scientists. You’ll be supported in how to learn at university and, in particular, with learning independently. You will also be introduced to survey design where you’ll learn questionnaire and other survey design techniques as your first step towards independent research design.

Year 2 

Year 2 is where you start to explore the subjects that interest you most by choosing option modules. To support your studies, core modules develop your employability and professional skills, and you will also work on your investigative and analytical field skills.

Modules

Core modules

• Professional Practice for Global Challenges

  In this module, you’ll develop professional competencies in applying geographical and environmental knowledge and skills to address complex, global challenges. You will take part in a collaborative consultancy exercise to improve your employability skills, including creative problem solving, project management, working in diverse teams and reflective learning for professional practice. Learning will be supported through engagement with employers, alumni and staff associated with the Brighton Works programme.

• Earth Surface Processes

  This module will explore the erosional and depositional processes, landforms and sediments associated with fluvial, glacial/periglacial and aeolian environments. You will learn about the factors influencing the evolution of these environments over timescales from hours to decades. It will also introduce you to key techniques used to describe geomorphic environments, such as flume simulation, particle size/shape analysis and qualitative/quantitative interpretation.

• Geography and Environment International Field Work

  Geography and Environment International Field Work will give you the opportunity to gain practical experience through a range of geographical and environmental studies in exciting, stimulating and novel environments. In this residential field-based module you will experience qualitative and quantitative field techniques across different physical and socio-cultural landscapes outside of the UK. The module will focus on the full scope of field work, from research design to data collection, analysis and presentation.

• Research Design and Advanced Data Analysis

  This module focuses on growing your understanding of the research process in geography and environmental studies. You will develop data analysis skills, including classification, ordination, parametric and non-parametric statistics and multi-variate analysis, and training will be provided on qualitative methods and approaches such as interviews, focus groups, textual analysis and creative methods. The practical aspects of planning and designing a research project will also be covered so you can design your own research proposal to be carried out in the final year dissertation.

Options*

• Environmental Pollution

  This module investigates how society manages pollution in order to protect human health and the natural environment. You will examine changing attitudes to pollution and how environment management and technology can be used for pollution control. You’ll also explore sustainability and technologies in relation to the management of waste, air quality, water, wastewater and noise pollution.

• Sustainable Futures

  This module will introduce you to historical and contemporary debates around sustainability and encourage you to ‘think spatially’ about environmental and social inequalities associated with approaches to sustainability and sustainable development through relevant case studies. Topics might include vulnerabilities and conflicts in water supply systems, food security and food sovereignty. A field visit to Brighton will help you explore pathways to sustainability in practice and provide a firsthand context in which to deepen critical engagement with key sustainable development debate.

• Political and Economic Geography

  In this module you will explore the systematic interrelations between political and economic geographies and look at the political-economic evolution of global capitalism and the modern nation state. The module introduces theories of power, resistance and activism to interpret the relationship between the state, capital, populations and the individual. You will also study the development of the nation state in terms of geopolitics, territory and colonialism.

• Ice Age Earth

  The last 2.6 million years (the Quaternary) have been characterised by major environmental changes associated with the expansion and contraction of the polar ice sheets. In this module you will learn about the causes of environmental changes and their impact upon past societies and consider the impacts of climate change due to human factors, such as fossil fuels, and external causes like changes in solar energy and the Earth’s orbit. After a local field visit and laboratory analyses, you will undertake a palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.

• Social Justice in Cultural Spaces

  In this module you will explore how issues of social inequality, injustice and exclusion manifest through and in relation to cultural spaces, places and environments. You will cover activism and social movements, identity and identification and nature-culture relations. You’ll learn key theories and concepts from social and cultural geography such as social construction, poststructuralism, relationality and the non-human. The module also includes a guided day field trip to a relevant location.

• GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice

  This module will help you develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of optical Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and apply this learning to real-world situations in the geographical, geological and environmental sciences. You will be encouraged to engage in spatial and digital computing, remote sensing, data handling and problem solving so you become proficient at using remote sensing and GIS software.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

A placement year offers you a great opportunity to:

• apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges
• build knowledge of real-world businesses and organisations
• develop existing skills and discover new ones
• explore career options, helping you think about what you don’t want to do as well as what you do
• make contacts in industry and commerce while working in a professional environment
• boost your confidence, time-management and organisational skills
• come back for your final year more focused, more organised and more confident.

In recent years, our students have been successful in competing for nationally advertised positions with:

• the Department for Energy and Climate Change
• Transport for London
• the Field Studies Council.

Final year

The focus for the final year of your degree is your independent dissertation. You will work closely with an expert academic to investigate a topic of your choice, applying the research methods and analytical skills covered in your studies. 

Option modules enable you to tailor your programme of study to support your dissertation and future career aspirations.

Modules

Core modules

• Dissertation

  This Dissertation module enables you to conduct a piece of original research on a topic of your choice. It provides an opportunity for deep learning around a specific topic and for the development of expertise in selected research methods and analytical techniques. You will demonstrate independence of thought and an ability to organise and execute an extensive and in-depth geographical, environmental or archaeological investigation. This is undertaken as the culmination of the honours degree.

Options*

• Geographies of Genders and Sexualities

  Genders and sexualities continue to define our everyday worlds. From national celebrations to our choice of embodied presentation, they are crucial in forming our lives and spaces. This module explains the importance of geography in understanding genders and sexualities. You will investigate key sites like family homes, sports arenas and LGBTQ neighbourhoods, and explore spatially sensitive approaches to contemporary issues around trans lives, sex work and changing masculinities.

• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

  This advanced module on spatial and digital computing will strengthen the data-handling and critical thinking skills you gained in the GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice module. It will teach you the expertise needed to identify and critically examine geographical and wider environmental issues. The module delivers theoretical knowledge and practical skills to help you retain and reapply geospatial information to unfamiliar contexts, so you are able to develop novel solutions and evaluate outcomes.

• Community Placement

  How does change happen at a local level and how does the changing role of the state, the university and the voluntary sector affect this? How can we participate in making a better world? This module addresses these questions through text-based discussions and a 50-hour placement in a non-profit organisation, providing you with the opportunity to reflect and critically analyse the relationship between universities and the community, and the opportunities and challenges faced by community organisations.

• Geohazards

  Geohazards pose a significant and costly threat, and one that is likely to increase as the world warms due to climate change. This module introduces key concepts and approaches to the assessment and management of geohazards through a combination of lectures and data analysis workshop sessions. The specific geohazards considered may vary, but will cover both zonal, for example, cold or desert climate, and azonal, for example, flooding or seismic hazards. 

• Atmosphere, Weather and Climate

  In this module, you will explore the atmosphere, its composition, links to climate change and atmospheric circulation, as well as the impacts of pollution and its mitigation. You will also investigate socio-political considerations. Case studies will be used to illustrate the major problems we face today, with a particular focus on road traffic pollution. During the module, you will take part in a mini air quality assessment project in the local area.

• Water, Sanitation and Health

  Water, Sanitation and Health explores the role of water in the transmission, distribution and control of disease, including its historical context, and categorises the main water-related diseases. You will look at sanitation, public and environmental health, current water-related agents of disease and how these may be affected by climate change. Themed workshops based on emerging water, sanitation and health issues will provide an opportunity for you to develop, debate and present on issues raised in lectures.

• Political Ecology: Contested Environments

  In this module you will explore global environmental challenges through the lens of political ecology which provides a framework for the critical thinking needed to examine power and the politics of nature-society interactions. You will study themes including resource access; property and ecosystem management; colonial-capitalist natures and the rights of Indigenous people; coloniality, extractivism and conflict; socionatures and urban infrastructures; environmental identities; and political subjectivities.

• Confronting Coloniality and Racism: Political Geographies of Territory and Security

  This module considers the relations of colonialism and coloniality and how they shape the political geographies of territory and the nation state system, population management and power over life and death. You will explore the connections between these political geographies, securitisation, warfare and counterterrorism; racism and Islamophobia; and capitalist exploitation of land and labour. Anti-racist, postcolonial and decolonial feminist challenges to inequalities will also be discussed.

• Environmental Impact Assessment

  Environmental impact assessment [EIA] is an important phase in the implementation of a development, whether that is a pipeline, housing development, the Olympic park or the proposed HS2 railway. In this module, you will examine the policies and practice behind EIA and the techniques and methodologies designed to consider the environmental consequences of activities. Although focused on UK practice, the module considers the evolution of environmental assessment both in the UK and globally.

• The Frozen Planet

  The Frozen Planet module examines the processes and resulting land systems associated with glacial and periglacial environments and explores how ice interacts with and physically shapes the landscape. You will learn about glacier motion; glacial and periglacial erosion, transport and deposition; glacial and periglacial hazards; palaeoenvironmental reconstruction; sedimentology and micromorphology; permafrost and ground ice; and periglacial slope processes. The relationships between ice and sea level change, ice and climate change, and ice and engineering will also be explored.

• Current Topics in Aquatic Environments

  In this module you will examine the major environmental processes that are important to aquatic habitats such as rivers, coasts and marine ecosystems. Site visits will facilitate the critical evaluation of selected aquatic habitats so you can gain an understanding of anthropogenic impacts – for example climate change, renewable energy and over-exploitation of resources – as well as natural disturbances, and explore opportunities for mitigation and restoration of disturbed sites.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Meet the team

Professor David Nash, Professor of Physical Geography

Podcast: Professor Nash talks about his research, the origin of the giant sarsen stones at Stonehenge that made headlines worldwide, and the climate crisis.

Find out about the rest of the course team

• Professor James Ebdon
• Dr Georgios Maniatis
• Dr Matthew Brolly

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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