Course summary

The Geography with Natural Hazard Management course provides you with the foundational knowledge and understanding of natural hazard processes and the dynamics between hazards, vulnerability, and risk critical to hazard management. During this course, you will dive into how natural hazards operate, learn about the risks they pose to people and places, and how it can be managed. The course looks at both environmental and social dimensions of disasters at a range of scales from global to local. By understanding hazard processes, and learning how to assess their impacts, monitor changes and communicate effectively for crisis response, you will develop the knowledge and skills required to address the key hazard management challenges. You'll start applying your knowledge to real-world situations. You'll work on projects that connect what you've learned to current global challenges and begin planning your own research project. You'll go deeper into topics like resilience, adaptation, and how societies cope with disasters. You'll also study hazard management in both UK and international settings – perfect for building a career in disaster response or environmental planning. The course enhances the classroom learning experience with a variety of fieldworks such as along the coasts, lakes, rivers and mountains of North Wales (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia); the iconic landscapes of Peak District; and the urban and industrial centres nearby, to explore key hazard processes and connected human vulnerabilities in different settings first-hand. In addition to UK-based fieldwork, we also provide opportunities to an international field trip (currently to the Bay of Naples Vesuvius volcanic complex, to explore environmental and social dimensions of volcanic risk and approaches to hazard management and emergency planning). To ensure you will be equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills, the course planning incorporates the integration of the latest technological advances in disaster management. This includes utilising geographic information systems (GIS); remote sensing techniques; statistics; and AI and computer modelling tools for hazard mapping, risk assessment, and emergency planning. Upon completion of the Geography and Natural Hazard Management course, you will be well prepared for a career in disaster management agencies, environmental consultancy firms, non-governmental organisations, water management firms, geospatial firms and other relevant industries. You will also have the opportunity to pursue further studies at the postgraduate level in related fields such as geography, environmental science, disaster management, geology, or emergency management and more. Along with understanding the criticalities of Natural Hazard Management, you will also have access to specific modules of our Geography degree, which is ranked in the top 20 in the UK for Geography (Guardian League Table 2025) and accredited by the Royal Geographical Society. The course equips you with the knowledge and skills to tackle pressing global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and resource insecurity by offering a unique blend of hands-on learning, international experiences, and practical skills. Voted 1st for Learning Opportunities and Organisation and Management (NSS 2024), our Geography course provides the opportunity to explore and understand the issues and environments you care about. Our Geography with Natural Hazard Management course also includes either a Year Abroad or Year in Industry. This will take place during the third year of study following completion of Year 2 (Level 5), with students returning to the University of Chester in their fourth year to complete Level 6.