Geography with Natural Hazard Management BSc (Hons)

This module introduces key concepts of geomorphology and hazard processes and examines spatial and temporal variability in Earth processes and landforms.  You will explore selected themes in physical geography, such as glacial, fluvial, coastal and volcanic environments, developing an understanding of Earth surface processes, resulting landforms and associated hazards. You’ll develop critical insight into the nature and causes of change within these environments, in particular the impacts of natural hazards, climate change and human activity.

This module focuses on a holistic approach to building resilient communities, exploring both physical and social factors that may influence them. Taking a global to local approach, you will explore a range of key elements which can support effective community resilience. You’ll learn by applying your knowledge and understanding of global hazards to a local UK hazard (e.g. flooding) and will have the opportunity to engage with local stakeholders to better understand 'real world' experiences of resilient communities.

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 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. 

This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. a local employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.

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.

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language. 

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes an placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language. 

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language. 

• The multiple facets of global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Culture shock
• Cultural adjustment
• Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
• Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
• Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Theories and models Intercultural competence
• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection

• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

The year-long experiential content is freely structured and determined by negotiation between the student, UoC placement supervisor and host organisation placement supervisor. It is informed by the module’s overarching aims and module competencies and by the objective of optimising added value for both the host organisation and the student experience (including graduate outcomes). 

A mid-placement workshop, usually held in Chester in February, will enable peer to peer sharing of experiential learning feedback and allow an analysis of the range of skills and benefits derived from the placement.  The workshop will also support students’ development of their learning portfolio, and provide an opportunity to access an overview of final year module options ahead of L6 module selection.  In-person and online participation in the mid-placement workshop will be enabled.

All students will engage in the drawing up of a learning agreement on acceptance of the placement that will cover a contact plan and agreed learning outcomes with their designated academic tutor and placement supervisor.

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
• Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Critical thinking skills, experiential learning and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

• Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

You will undertake study at one of the University of Chester's partner universities or undertake and approved work placement or virtual placement. If you are a student,  it is expected that you will choose a series of modules at the university abroad which must be agreed by the host institution and the Module Leader. you must supply details of you modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university.

The dissertation module facilitates the execution of a piece of independent research and the production of a research thesis. In this module you are supported throughout by your dissertation supervisor, alongside a range of lectures and activities on key aspects of research, including: health, safety and ethics in research; identifying and formulating research aims and objectives; searching for relevant literature and writing the literature review; creating a rationale for the research; primary and secondary data collection techniques; mapping; statistical analysis; writing and presenting the dissertation report.

This module provides you with the opportunity to conduct primary field research to extend their skills in project design and management, team-work, data collection and analysis. You will work on projects and in field locations suited to your chosen course/pathway, enabling you to pursue your individual interests.  Overseas residential and UK-based non-residential options are available.

Geospatial Data Science develops advanced skills for handling, analysing and visualising geospatial data including the use of geographical information systems, remotely sensed data, scripting and programming and an understanding of data quality issues and metadata. It builds upon skills developed during the ‘Geographical Research: Methods and Geomatics’ module at Level 5 and provides skills highly sought after by employers.

Hazards in a Warming World explores the extent to which climate change is exacerbating natural hazards such as drought, wildfire, sea level rise and glacial outburst. There is a focus on inclusive disaster risk management and consideration given to how to work and communicate effectively with communities who are marginalised or less frequently exposed to these hazards. The authentic assessments, a science communication presentation and a briefing paper to the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Committee, offer an opportunity to communicate with different audiences.

This module provides you with the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the management of river and coastal landscapes. It will examine the complexities of managing natural environments from a scientific and stakeholder-based perspective. The content will include river and coastal flood and erosion management (including natural flood management) in conjunction with the challenges of managing water bodies for the benefit of multiple users (water resources, flood management, and the natural environment). The content of this module is both highly topical and relevant to a wide range of careers in the water and environmental management industry.