In the first year of Human Geography we introduce the range of our research specialisms and research methods, including fieldwork. The majority of modules in the second and third year focus on human geography’s sub-disciplines and social science methods. The second and third year elective modules progressively lead to material that is at the cutting-edge of research and include optional overseas fieldwork. In the second and third year, you may take integrated modules (with a mixture of human and physical geography) and one module from Geography BSc (subject to timetable).Year 1Compulsory modules:Human GeographyIntroduction to Climate ChangeIntroduction to Geographical Research (BA)Physical Geography.Examples of optional modules (choose two):Geographies of CrisisPlanet under PressureUnderstanding Earth’s PrinciplesModule(s) offered by another department, subject to approval.Year 2You will develop further practical and human geographical research skills. These include our integrated modules that span the human/physical geography interface.Compulsory modules:Social Research in Geography (includes compulsory residential fieldwork in the UK)Theory and Concepts in Contemporary Human Geography.These form the required foundation for your Dissertation in the third year.Examples of optional modules (choose three):Climate Change: Geographical PerspectivesContested EnvironmentsEconomic GeographyGeographies of DevelopmentPolitical GeographySocial and Cultural GeographyUrban GeographyOne module from the Level 2 BSc list or from another department (with permission and subject to timetable).Year 3You will undertake your own Research Project (Dissertation), supervised by a member of staff. You will also choose from modules that involve material at the cutting-edge of contemporary research.Compulsory module (40 credits):Dissertation (individual Research Project based on an approved human geography topic) – double module.Examples of optional modules (80 credits from the following):20 credits:Berlin: Culture, Politics and Contestation (field trip)Cape Town: Geographies of Energy Transition (field trip)Territory and Geopolitics (Jerusalem field trip)The Arctic (Norway field trip)Chicago: Sites of Global Change (field trip)Geographies of DifferenceNatural Hazards, Risk and ResiliencePhilosophy and GeographyFeminist Geographies.10 credits:Antarctic EnvironmentsGlobal Environmental PoliticsEurope: Geographies of Integration & DisintegrationUrban GovernanceGeographies of Life and LivingCritical Resource GeographiesUnfreedom in Labour RelationsGeographies of Money and FinanceNeoliberal LifeUnderstanding Land Conflicts.Up to 20 credits from the Level 3 BSc list (with permission and subject to timetable).Study AbroadYou will have the opportunity to study abroad for a year between the second and third years. Places are allocated on a competitive basis. Past geography students have studied abroad at the following universities:National University of SingaporeUniversity of British ColumbiaQueen's University, CanadaUniversity of Otago, New Zealand.University of Hong KongUniversity of Melbourne.Placement YearYou also have the opportunity to do a placement year with an organisation outside of the University between your second and third year. This additional year extends your degree making it four years in total. Students who are interested in doing a placement year should get in touch with the Department placement year convenor and the Faculty Placement Officer who will help guide them through the process. You don’t need to commit to a placement year prior to starting at Durham, you will make that decision during your second year. The Department, Faculty Placement Officer and Careers and Enterprise Centre support students before, during and after their placement

Geography