This module provides you with a thorough grounding in geographical research theory and methods, and teaches core principles of research design. Social research methods covered include: quantitative surveys; qualitative interviews, focus groups and observational methods. Physical research methods cover: physical experiments, quantitative field surveying and sampling techniques and statistical analysis methods. All students complete research training in GIS, and apply the sum total of their learning to an assessed research project proposal.

In this module, you will explore different people’s perspectives and lived experiences in relation to the key themes of space, place, and identity.  The module focuses upon individuals, particularly upon identity and the way this manifests itself spatially.  Different elements of identity are considered from different cultures and knowledge systems, recognising how these diverse perspectives frame world views.  Key themes include the ways in which spaces are used by social groups to include some and exclude others in different cultures; the relationship between place and identity; and social and spatial segregation.  

This module considers how geopolitics comprises and produces a wide range of local-level effects. You’ll consider what is meant by 'geopolitics', consider whose 'voices' tend to be missing from geopolitical accounts and explore the implications of this for global equity. You will also look at how geopolitics shapes how national security is played out locally and globally, how geopolitics is communicated via the media and popular culture, including film and video games, and how those narratives shape how we - as the global public - think about and respond to global geopolitical events.

In this module you have the opportunity to develop your skills in independent project management, research and analysis, and professional (spoken and written) communication.  You will work at the intersection of academic research and applied practice by conducting research and/or public engagement work in collaboration with academic staff and external partners.  You will be able to select from projects aligned with their interests in human geography, physical geography or natural hazard management. 

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)
Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement
Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.
The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.