Teaching and assessment for Environmental Sustainability and Geography MA (Hons)

You will learn about key dimensions of the concept of an unequal world in human and environmental systems. This will cover topics like:

• development
• vulnerability
• underlying causes
• global inequalities
• pressures on environmental resources
• links to environmental hazard

Gain an awareness and understanding of the various factors that influence the character of the countryside. Learn about the different roles needed in planning and management plus possible interventions for the conservation and enhancement of the countryside.

This module explores key concepts and theories developed by physical geography in order to interpret and understand landforms, water, and landscape evolution.

Explore the role of politics, environmentalism and activism, the barriers and opportunities for effective solutions to the environmental crisis. This module meets both Institute of Environmental Management Institute (IEMA) and Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) learning outcomes.

This module will provide work experience alongside university study to further enhance employability and help you plan for your future.

It will suit students who can bring a professional attitude to their internship and are keen to take practical steps towards developing transferable skills for their future.

The module focuses on three main themes:

• geological resources
• soil science
• satellite remote sensing

This allows you to examine deep time to modern processes, to understand the Earth as a system, to examine resource use and extraction, and how we monitor Earth systems.

This module develops core knowledge and skills for Environmental Science. There is a focus on three main themes:

• environmental chemistry
• ecology and population biology
• renewable energy

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the influence of changing political ideologies, and the interpretation of various theoretical dimensions that explain the different interrelationships between the state, society and the market in shaping of cities.

Understand the key theories regarding the relationship between human behaviour and place. Considering the physical and social environment and role of placemaking for improved community and individual wellbeing outcomes. Learn the techniques and methods used to evaluate the human experience of place, and the ethical issues involved.

You will learn the basis of research design. You will also cover the key research methods used by both human geographers and other social scientists.

You will work through a mixture of lectures, tutorial, and other online activities. The main emphasis is a group-based project over the semester.

This module introduces students to the importance of research within physical geography and environmental science. 

We adopt a very practical and hands-on approach geared to problem-solving through a series of structured mini-projects, which each contain essential elements of the research process. 

In this module you will gain theory and practical knowledge. You will also gain experience in formulating and undertaking a field-based research project.

The world is changing rapidly. Information on location helps us assess, manage, plan, and communicate such changes. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are powerful systems for handling, analysing, and visualising location-based information.

In this module you will gain experience with leading GIS software applied to a range of problems.

You will explore tourism at a local, national, and international level. You will do this while examining the concept of mobility and how this has changed over time.

You will learn about many concepts related to tourism and travel. These include cultural heritage, eco-tourism, and Scottish tourism.

This module will help you prepare your dissertation in either geography or environmental science.

You will learn about the broad conceptual and methodological frames behind geography and environmental science.

You will learn how these inform their study and practice

Your dissertation is an opportunity to put into practice what you have learned in your degree. You will do this through an independent research project on a subject of your choosing.

You will be guided by a staff supervisor. You will also have some additional lectures on methods and writing.

In this module you will learn a combination of classic and contemporary criminology theories. You will also explore their practical application in urban and natural environments.

You will engage critically with these theories. You will also hear from practitioners about how they are used in their everyday work.

Develop an understanding of the science of the Earth’s water resources and the potential risks that they pose to society. Explore key geohazards on Earth and how society addresses specific issues of hazard assessment and how to cope with risk.

You will learn to use GIS to handle, analyse, and communicate location-based information. You gain experience with leading GIS software and datasets applied to a range of problems.

This module is taught in parallel with GE32012 Geographical Information Systems.

The Polar regions are rich in natural resources and linked strongly into the global climate system such that what happens in the Polar regions affects us all.

However, the Arctic and Antarctic regions are changing very rapidly in response to climate change, with far-reaching implications now and into the future.

You will develop an understanding of the modern issues faced by built environment professionals at a local, regional and global scale. Through a guest lecture series you will have contact with professionals in practice and explore their roles and responsibilities.

This module supports the in-depth study of a topic within your area of specialism, within a output that is either a traditional dissertation format or a major design-led research project.