Geography (Human)

Keele University

Are you curious about the human world and the different ways we inhabit our planet? Explore the dynamics of human behaviour, social inequalities, and global challenges in our Geography (Human) BSc programme. Our contemporary curriculum offers hands-on experience that is essential for your career progression, featuring engaging projects in our laboratories, immersive fieldwork, and valuable industry placements. By the time you graduate you’ll have a robust portfolio of skills, opening doors to exciting careers such as geospatial data analyst, international development worker, or town planner.

Course overview

Develop your understanding of human geography and explore the fascinating relationship between people, place and the environment on our Geography (Human) BSc. Study key topics such as globalisation, sustainable development and social and spatial justice. Acquire robust research skills, and develop the essential practical skills required by future employers.

Our programme has been designed to provide you with a solid grounding in human geography during year one, laying the foundation for advanced study in years two and three.

Studying human geography will develop your understanding of human societies, their culture and how they interact with the environment. You will cover key topics including how people and communities organise space and place, understand the main geographical issues at local, regional and global scales, evaluate key environmental, ecological, and sustainability issues society faces, develop knowledge around sustainable development principles, learn about how humans impact on natural systems, and engage with contemporary research to broaden your expertise.

A major part of the curriculum is the practical application of geography. You will gain professional skills using digital, statistical and laboratory-based methods for collecting and analysing geographical data in our state-of-the-art Central Science Labs. Through different field courses in the local area, across the UK and optional international activities, you’ll gain hands-on experience in applying these techniques and develop key technical skills using specialist software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing.

Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Your future career

A degree in geography equips you with the tools to tackle the big challenges facing society in the 21st century. As a geographer, you'll develop a wide range of transferable and subject-specific skills including research design, collection and analysis of spatial data, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), professional writing, coding, and proficiency in statistical techniques. These skills are highly valued by employers and are relevant to a broad range of careers. They also provide ideal training for postgraduate study and research.

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to include:

Cartographer

Environmental Consultant

Geographical Information Systems Officer

Geospatial Data Analyst

International Development Worker

Journalist

Logistics Manager

Market Researcher

Planning and Development Surveyor

Residential Surveyor

Science Teacher

Systems Developer

Town Planner

Duration of study: 3 years / 4 years with international or pla