In the first year of Physical Geography, we introduce the range of our research specialisms and research methods, including residential fieldwork overseas (e.g. Portugal). Elective modules in the second and third years progressively lead to material at the cutting edge of research and include optional overseas fieldwork.The majority of modules in the second and third year focus on physical geography and environmental topics. In the second and third year, you may take integrated modules (with a mixture of human and physical geography) and one module from the Geography BA (Hons) list (subject to timetable compatibility).Year 1Compulsory modules:Physical GeographyIntroduction to Geographical Research (BSc) – double module including overseas residential fieldworkHuman Geography.Examples of optional modules (choice of two):Understanding Earth’s PrinciplesPlanet under PressureGeographies of CrisisLevel One Module(s) offered by another department, subject to approval. Year 2You will develop further practical and scientific research skills. These include integrated modules that span the human/physical geography interface.Compulsory modules:Scientific Research in Geography Handling Geographic Information.Examples of optional modules:Choose three modules (the modules may vary from year to year):Climate Change: Geographical PerspectivesContested EnvironmentsCatchment and Fluvial SystemsCarbon and Biogeochemical CyclesGlaciers and GlaciationReconstructing Environmental ChangeMountain LandscapesOne Level Two module from the BA 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 physical geography topic) – double module.Examples of optional modules, varying from year to year (80 credits from the following):20 credits:The Arctic (Norway field trip)Alpine Landscapes and Processes (Switzerland field trip)Iceland: Field Research in Glacial Environments (Iceland field trip)Mountain Hazards (Nepal field trip)Natural Hazards, Risk and ResilienceOceans Past and PresentRemote SensingRiver DynamicsSea Level Change and Coastal Evolution.10 credits:Antarctic EnvironmentsCatchment Modelling for ManagementLandslidesPeatland Geomorphology and Management Past Climates of the Low LatitudesIce Age EnvironmentsGlacial Sedimentary EnvironmentsEarth Surface Processes and Landscape Evolution.Up to 20 credits from the Level 3 BA 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. We have a growing list of exchange programmes. This can be a rewarding experience and highly valued by employers. Places are allocated on a competitive basis. Past students have studied at the following universities:National University of SingaporeUniversity of British ColumbiaQueen's University, CanadaUniversity of Otago, New Zealand.University of Hong KongUniversity of Melbourne. You 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

Geography