MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BSc Geography (Human and Physical) with Professional Experience
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc Geography (Human and Physical) program provides a balanced curriculum that covers both human and physical geography. A distinctive feature of this course is the year-long professional placement between the second and final years, offering students hands-on experience that enhances employability and professional networking. Placement opportunities have included organizations such as Thames Water, the Environment Agency, and Reading Borough Council.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to offer a broad understanding of geographical concepts, methodologies, and contemporary issues. Students engage in diverse topics, including political systems, cultural dynamics, sustainable urban development, and environmental change. The program emphasizes the development of technical skills in areas like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), remote sensing, and spatial analysis, alongside qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Research Focus: The Department of Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Reading is renowned for its research excellence. Faculty members are actively involved in global issues such as sustainability, globalization, hydrology, landscapes, ecology, paleoecology, and glaciology. Current research projects include neighborhood regeneration, resilience and sustainability, food and consumerism in media, and responses to epidemics in developing countries. This research directly informs the teaching and learning experience, ensuring students are exposed to cutting-edge developments in the field.
Industry Engagement: The program's professional placement year is a cornerstone of its industry engagement strategy. It allows students to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, fostering practical skills and industry insights. Collaborations with various organizations enhance learning opportunities and contribute to community development. For instance, students have participated in initiatives aimed at improving public transport in socially deprived areas and have been involved in campaigns promoting environmental sustainability on campus.
Global Perspective: The University of Reading emphasizes a global outlook through its diverse field classes and study abroad opportunities. Field trips to locations such as Southern England, Scotland, Berlin, Iceland, Nanjing, and Wales provide experiential learning about various geographical issues. Additionally, students can opt for a year abroad at partner universities in countries like Australia, Canada, the USA, and across Europe, further enriching their global perspective.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 29950
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
Graduates of the BSc Geography (Human and Physical) with Professional Experience program from the University of Reading have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, owing to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree and the valuable work experience gained during the placement year. The professional experience gained during the course is highly regarded by employers, ensuring that graduates stand out in a competitive job market.
Environmental Consultant: Environmental consultants help businesses and organizations assess environmental risks and develop sustainable practices. Graduates with a strong background in both human and physical geography are well-suited to this career, as they have the knowledge to evaluate the impact of human activities on the environment and advise on mitigation strategies.
Urban Planner: Urban planners work to develop and implement plans for land use in urban areas. They ensure that the development of infrastructure aligns with environmental sustainability and societal needs. The program’s focus on sustainable development, urban environments, and spatial analysis provides the foundation for a career in urban planning.
Geospatial Analyst: Geospatial analysts utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze spatial data and provide insights for decision-making. With a curriculum that includes GIS and remote sensing, students are prepared for this career, which is in demand across multiple sectors including government, business, and research institutions.
Climate Change Analyst: Climate change analysts study the effects of climate change and help develop strategies to mitigate its impact. The University of Reading's emphasis on environmental issues, sustainability, and research in areas such as hydrology and glaciology prepares graduates for this vital role in combating climate change.
Sustainability Consultant: Sustainability consultants help organizations reduce their environmental impact through resource management, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. This role is especially relevant for those interested in applying geographical knowledge to promote environmental sustainability in business practices.
Transport Planner: Transport planners work to develop strategies for improving transport systems, ensuring they are efficient, sustainable, and meet the needs of a growing population. Geography graduates with experience in spatial analysis and an understanding of human and physical geography are well-suited for this career.
Environmental Policy Advisor: Graduates can pursue careers in policy analysis, advising governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on environmental issues. Environmental policy advisors play an important role in shaping public policy related to conservation, climate change, and urban planning.
Disaster Management Specialist: Disaster management specialists are responsible for developing plans and strategies to mitigate the impact of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and storms. The program’s focus on human-environment interaction, along with physical geography, equips graduates with the skills needed for this important career.
Researcher/Academia: For those interested in continuing their studies, the BSc Geography program provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies and a career in academia or research. Students can pursue a Master’s or PhD in geography, environmental sciences, or related fields.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Specialist: NGOs working in environmental and social sectors often require professionals with strong geographical expertise to address issues such as climate change, urban development, and sustainability. Graduates can contribute to these global efforts through fieldwork and policy development.
