Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Geography Heriot-Watt University - Edinburgh Campus, UK

BSc (Hons) Geography will interest you if you want to specialise in physical geography and related topics such as coasts, rivers, glacial geomorphology, and global quaternary environmental change. Overall, this degree will help you understand the world around you, how landscapes are shaped and how humans interact with their natural environment.  

You’ll consider questions such as:

• How can we work with natural processes to become more resilient to natural hazards such as flooding and landslides?
• How has the climate changed over time and how has that impacted sea level and vegetation cover?
• How do geomorphology, ecology, and humans interact in marine and coastal environments?

Our BSc (Hons) Geography combines theory and practical learning to create graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills for 21st century careers. Our industry links and cross-disciplinary learning style ensures our teaching is relevant in the real world, and you’ll experience what it is like to be a professional geographer working in practice. Throughout your studies, you’ll hear from guest practitioners from industry to gain insight into current approaches to solving challenges.  

You’ll be taught through courses relevant to 21st century global challenges on topics such as climate change, sustainability, hazards and risks, sea level rise, and sustainable development, and you’ll gain employability skills such as digital mapping through geographical information systems and collaborative group working.  

In years one and two, you’ll cover a broad range of fundamental courses on physical geography (earth systems, hydrology, and geomorphology), human geography (social, economic, and urban), transferable and geography-specific skills, and practical fieldwork. You’ll specialise on physical geography in the later years of the degree, studying the processes that shape the natural environment including rivers, coasts, glaciers, and tectonics.
 
You will develop field skills in surveying, mapping, and site assessment alongside important analytical and research skills. Through this cross-disciplinary, industry focussed, and problem-based degree, you’ll acquire the skills needed to work in multi-disciplinary teams and solve real-world problems. You’ll become flexible and creative with the ability to apply your skills and knowledge to a range of careers.