Academic Tutorial
Geography
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Full-time
Part-time
With placement
Three year
Six year
Four year
September 2020
In a nutshell
Accredited by the Royal Geographical Society, our BSc (Hons) Geography course will enable you to explore our ecosystems, and understand the factors that are influencing changes in our built and natural environments.
During your studies, you'll learn about climate change and its effect on people and places. You'll examine glaciers and the impacts on global water resources. You'll look at fluvial processes, river restoration and management strategies With a focus on developing your skillset for future careers, you'll critical evaluate policy and research and use computer-based mapping and modelling using Geographical Information Systems and Science (GIS) and remote sensing techniques.
Fieldwork is at the heart of this course. We've aligned trips with the specialist modules so you can develop applied skills and gain practical experience. Typical destinations could include the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, Sheffield and Liverpool. You'll also participate in residential field courses across the UK and other international locations, such as our recent visit to Scandinavia.
As you explore the physical and urban world, you'll experience small group teaching and support from our friendly and accessible staff. If you are interested in specialising in human geography, then take a look at our BA (Hons) Geography degree course.
You will:
- Learn about climate change, glaciers, fluvial processes and river restoration and how they impact on people and the environment
- Gain real-world, hands-on experience as you participate in fieldwork trips
- Build a strong skillset as you benefit from a small group teaching approach
options available
students accepted
Course accreditations

This is for you if...
You're passionate about the world around you and want a degree with fieldwork
You're swayed towards the more physical and scientific aspects of geography
You want to develop practical and technical skills opportunity and experience a broad range of field trips
All about the course
During the first year, you'll follow a structured suite of modules, carefully designed to increase your subject knowledge, develop your confidence and prepare you for the next level. Themes covered include fluvial and glacial processes, earth surface processes, sustainability and the effects of climate change in our natural world. In years two and three, you can choose to specialise in areas of physical geography, or pick modules from across the whole geography spectrum.
Small group teaching is a key benefit of this course, and there are strong links between module content and staff research interests. The contemporary geographer needs a good understanding of research and enabling technology, so study and IT skills are embedded in the programme, including the use of computing facilities for data handling and Geographical Information Systems and Science (GIS) for environmental mapping and modelling.
You take a weekly one hour tutorial with a member of academic staff in a group of 6-8 students. The module develops your academic skills and helps you develop your personal and professional skills for study and for work. You will work on a range of geographical/environmental management problems linked to the core first year modules The tutorials involve discussion, debate, and problem-solving, and provide you with a regular forum for monitoring your progress.
Sustainability and Environment
You will examine sustainability at local, national and global scales and explore a range of case studies. Sustainability is a concept that cuts across disciplines and provides a framework for managing environmental issues. Project work will allow you apply your knowledge of the principles of sustainable development to assess and classify real-world problems and suggest solutions.
Earth Surface Processes
This module provides a broad introduction to the physical processes that take place within the geosphere and biosphere, focusing on those linked to the nature of landforms, global ecosystems and environmental change. You will develop a sound understanding of the inter-relationships between physical environmental processes and human activity, including natural hazards, climate change and biodiversity.
People, Place and Space
This module examines the role of people in shaping the human environment and focuses on key concepts such as place, power, scale and networks. You will learn about how the shape and form of cities is influenced by social and political issues, and how new technologies are changing the nature of human interactions in cities, states and across the world.
Environmental Resources
Environmental resources include food, energy and water, and spatial and temporal variation in the availability of these resources is arguably the most important issue for society in the twenty first century. This module introduces energy and water resources as fundamental concepts and examines current problems related to climate change, food security and pollution.
Applied Skills and Field Course
The first part of this module provides you with the applied skills to manage and analyse data using descriptive statistics, inference, graphs, hypothesis testing, and correlation and regression. It also introduces information searching and retrieving skills, data presentation and report writing. The second part of the module involves a residential field course in the UK where you will collect, analyse and present data to put into practice what you have learned.
Consultancy Project
This innovative module supports the development of personal and professional skills. You will carry out a group-based project for an external client and learn about team work, project planning and time management. You will work with an academic advisor to write a project plan, allocate tasks to the team, carry out an investigation, and report the results to a client.
Geographical Information Systems and Science
This module introduces the theory and practice of acquiring environmental data using global positioning systems, aerial photography and satellite remote sensing. It develops practical skills in the use of geographical information systems (GIS) that can be deployed in projects, dissertations and work. The module promotes hands-on learning, using state-of-the-art mapping software and mapping technologies.
Research in Action
Providing you with a range of research skills relevant to further study and the workplace, this module will prepare you for your final year dissertation. Through international fieldwork in an environment relevant to thematic areas being studied, and supported by a number of small group tutorials with a member of academic staff, you will learn about the research process, the nature of scientific writing, research design, risk assessment and ethical considerations, and how to write a research proposal.
Choose one option from
Applied Environmental Skills (Geography)
This module will provide you with the opportunity to critically evaluate applied environmental science concepts, practical methodologies and complex scientific issues using a range of primary and secondary information sources.
Fluvial and Glacial Systems
This module introduces the concepts and theories that underpin fluvial and glacial systems including hill slope processes, fluvial network development and glacial teleconnections. You will explore the stability characteristics of fluvial systems in UK-based fieldwork and the hydrological and geochemical properties of rivers in Alpine environments in the Fieldwork module.
University Wide Language
Courses are available in: Arabic, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
Plus choose one option from
Economic Geography
In this module you will examine the connections between the global economy, and society and environment, in the developed and developing worlds. The scale of study is from local to global and the work involves coursework based on a 'dragon's den' activity where you will work on a project in a group, and the pitch and report your findings to a panel of experts.
Monitoring Environmental Change
This module combines fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and computer-based mapping and modelling, to explore ways to monitor environmental change in a range of environments. It covers both biotic and abiotic targets and critically examines the nature, quality and reliability of environmental data.
University Wide Language
Courses are available in: Arabic, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
Dissertation (40 credits)
The Dissertation is a key feature of the course providing you with an opportunity to undertake a challenging independent research project with guidance of a member of academic staff. Your research topic is defined in second year and in third year you focus on data analysis, data interpretation and report writing. The module fine-tunes your research skills and provides you with a wide range of skills that may deployed in further study or the workplace.
Choose two options from
Environmental Remote Sensing
This module will develop your understanding of the principles of remote sensing and the issues associated with applying remote sensing data to solve real-world problems. It will expose you to a range of remotely sensed data and help you to develop a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of methodologies that employ such data.
Development and Global Challenges
In the first part of the module, we will critically engage with the evolution of development theories and approaches and their relationship with wider global phenomena such as colonialism and globalisation. In the second part, we will understand the concept of sustainable development and investigate a range of global challenges such as food security, poverty, inequality, migration, water supply, energy security and climate change. The module will draw upon a range of diverse case studies from the global south and the global north and will allow you to focus more in depth in the study of one of the indicated global challenges.
Modelling Environmental Systems
This module is designed to develop your skills in understanding and creating models of the environment. The module will introduce the concepts about how models of the environment are created, the different types of models that exist and how they are formulated. You will also learn how to create models using a range of programming and coding techniques (including R, Python and Matlab). The module will start from first principles, so there is no requirement to have any prior knowledge of programming.
University Wide Language
Courses are available in: Arabic, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
Mitigating Climate Change
You will develop a detailed understanding of the scientific principles underlying how changing climate has an effect on the natural world, urban environments and society. Through this knowledge you will be able to appreciate the implications of climate change on biodiversity, ecosystems and society, and identify what adaptations can be made to mitigate climate change.
Choose two options from
River Restoration and Management
You will learn about the relationships between fluvial processes and river restoration and management strategies. Underpinning theory on river hydromorphology, fluvial geomorphology, and sediment processes provides a sound basis for evaluating the success of different river engineering strategies. Field work in UK rivers provides practical experience of the impacts of river management, and an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.
Sustainable Cities
Overall, Sustainable Cities is a broad module covering a wide variety of topics, allowing you to focus on elements relevant to your specific field of study. This module will engage with a host of ideas and concepts, from urban agriculture, which involves farming in cities, to methods for greening cities and the role of key actors in managing these spaces. Semester two focuses on the rise of megacities, with a specific focus on the social and environmental issues present in such complex environments; it builds on the themes from semester one and enables you to focus on a topic which is of interest to you.
Environmental Decision Making Systems
This module examines the role of decision-making in the management of natural resources and ecosystem services. You will investigate the role of environmental modelling in supporting environmental decision-making and assess the effectiveness of decision-making tools including Environmental Impact Assessment, hazard and risk analysis, and life-cycle analysis.
Applied Freshwater Biology
This module aims to enable you to gain a knowledge and critical understanding of the biology and ecology of freshwater systems relevant to the water industry and related organisations which regulate and control pollution of the aquatic environment.
It also provides you with the necessary skills and techniques to undertake biological and chemical evaluation of water quality ecology, fish population and condition to apply these in novel situations to generate data for interpretation. In particular, you will be provided with the necessary laboratory skills to test water quality to the standards of the Water Framework Directive UK.
University Wide Language
Courses are available in: Arabic, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a rapidly changing world, our multi-disciplinary courses will shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and conservationists. Shaped by industry and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the skills to become unstoppable in your career.
Facilities
You will experience a modern learning environment, enriched with accessible lecture theatres and AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites and multimedia libraries, with access to industry journals, databases, and simulation software.
As a geography student, you will have access to our state-of-the-art, integrated teaching laboratory known as the Bodmer Lab. The Bodmer Lab is a specialist, purpose-built facility and ensures our students benefit from the latest technologies to support their learning and remain on the cutting edge of innovation and discovery.
What about after uni?
Salford geography graduates have gone on to work in environmental consultancies, utility companies, transport logistics, housing organisations, and have pursued careers in primary and secondary teaching. Others have gone on to take master's or PhD degrees in a geographical discipline.
Career Links
This course includes modules that allow you to work with external agencies including companies, research organisations and voluntary groups. Specific modules where you will work directly with external organisation are the Consultancy Project in the second year, where you work exclusively with real world organisations to solve real world problems; the GIS modules in the second and third year, where you will work with an international company involved in providing digital mapping; and the River Restoration and Management module, where you will work with a range of external agencies and consultancies on real world projects.
INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS
We encourage all students to undertake a placement year between years two and three of study. Placement years are arranged by the student with our support.
FURTHER STUDY
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
We welcome those coming from school or college, with or without an A level in geography but with interests in geography and a passion for fieldwork. We also welcome those returning to education, either via Access qualifications or by taking the foundation year route.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this. If you need to improve your written and spoken English, you might be interested in our English language courses.
Please note: The entry criteria below are related to entry onto this course in the 2020/2021 academic year. If you’re interested in a future intake year, please check the course entry on UCAS.
GCSE
English language and mathematics at grade C or 4 or above
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below
UCAS tariff points
104 - 112 UCAS points - Geography preferred but not essential. General Studies is accepted in combination with other A level subjects.
A level
104 - 112 UCAS points - Geography preferred but not essential. General Studies is accepted in combination with other A level subjects.
BTEC National Diploma
DMM
BTEC Higher National Diploma
Possible entry to year three
Foundation Degree
Possible entry to year three
Access to HE
104 - 112 UCAS points from QAA approved Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Highers
104 - 112 UCAS points - Grade C Maths and English required. If taking GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics to be awarded in 2017 and beyond, in England, a grade 4 will be required.
Irish Leaving Certificate
104 - 112 UCAS points from Higher Level
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma of at least 60% including at least one science subject
International Baccalaureate
30 points
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2020/21 | £9,250per year |
Full-time international | 2020/21 | £12,960per year |
Part-time | 2020/21 | Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying. |
Full-time home | 2021/22 | £9,250per year |
Full-time international | 2021/22 | £15600per year |
Part-time | 2021/22 | Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying. |
Additional costs
All field trips are funded by the school but you may need to consider additional costs such as food and spending money.
International field trips that are part of core modules are also funded by the school but you will need to pay towards international field trips that are part of optional modules (although these are subsidised by the school) and you will be made aware of these costs before selecting the module.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.
We have a range of scholarships available for students applying for courses in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Our Global Gold Excellence Scholarship is worth £3,500 and our Global Silver Excellence Scholarship is worth £3,000 - both are available for students studying in our 2021/22 intakes.
We also offer the Salford International Excellence Scholarship which offers up to £5,000 discount on tuition fees. As this is a prestigious award we have a limited number of these scholarships available.
See the full range of our International Scholarships.
Interested in starting university in September 2021? Book your place on our next Open Day.