Course summary

Climate change and its effect on human and natural life is at the top of the news agenda. Understand how our natural world works and learn how we can sustain it with our BSc (Hons) Geography with Foundation Year degree. As concern grows about climate change and the loss of biodiversity and whole ecosystems, now is the time to get to the heart of key environmental issues facing humans and our natural world. With a geography degree, at Salford, you can build an understanding of the processes that shape the natural environment and how they affect our planet - delivered in a dynamic and engaging way. Build advanced geographical knowledge and skills This foundation year pathway is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of the social and natural sciences. You will also experience field and laboratory work, develop your study skills and learn to manage field data. Once you successfully complete foundation year, you will progress to the full BSc (Hons) Geography honours degree, which is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society. Delivered across three further years of study - or four, if you choose to include an industry placement, you will follow carefully-designed modules packed with real-world relevance, where you will explore the ecological impact of changes in our natural world. Led by research-active practitioners, you’ll learn about climate change and its effect on people and places. You'll explore glaciers and global water resources. You'll examine fluvial processes, river restoration and management strategies. You will address the relationships between changing urban environments, critically evaluate environmental policy and research You will use computer-based mapping and modelling using Geographical Information Systems and Science (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. During your studies, you will complete projects out in the field and in our laboratories. Fieldwork is integral to your learning, and trips are aligned with the modules so you can build applied skills and gain practical experience. Residential field trips take place in the UK and the European Alps. Typical day trip destinations include the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, Sheffield and Liverpool. The modern geographer needs a different type of skill set for emerging environment-based roles - so we've built a course to help you prepare. Study and IT skills are embedded throughout, as is the use of technology for data handling and GIS for environmental mapping and modelling. Small group teaching is another key course benefit, and there are strong links between course content and research projects led by our Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre. Get closer to industry Course content is designed to develop your transferable skills in writing and presentation skills, teamwork and project management skills,. You will also have the opportunity to work directly with external industry organisations to solve live problems and gain valuable practical experience through our real-world focused consultancy project module. Once you join the BSc degree pathway, you will also have the option to include an industry placement between years two and three. Features • Start with a foundation year to boost your skills and be ready to progress to the full BSc (Hons) Geography degree • Experience a range of UK and international field trips where you can apply laboratory and monitoring techniques • Learn from renowned academic staff who are part of our Environment and Ecosystems Research Centre • Gain a first-hand perspective of the scientific aspects of geographical systems