MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BA Hons Human Geography (Placement)
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Human Geography (Placement) at the University of Gloucestershire is a dynamic four-year undergraduate program specifically designed for students who want to delve deeply into the human dimension of geography while gaining invaluable professional experience. This program stands out by integrating a dedicated one-year work placement in the third year, providing a significant opportunity for students to apply their academic learning in a real-world setting and enhance their employability upon graduation. The course focuses on contemporary socio-geographic challenges, including population dynamics, migration patterns, geopolitics, sustainable development, health, aging, conflict, global crime, and various forms of inequalities. Graduates of this program will possess a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues and the analytical and research skills necessary to address them.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Human Geography (Placement) program is structured to provide a strong foundation in geographical knowledge and skills in the first two years, culminating in a year-long professional placement, and then a return to the university for final year specialist modules. Early in the program, students are introduced to core concepts in human geography, research methodologies (both qualitative and quantitative), and essential data handling techniques, including an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The second year offers a range of optional modules allowing students to specialize in areas that align with their interests, such as the geography of health, crime, development, or cultural geographies. The third year is entirely dedicated to the Professional Experience placement, where students gain practical skills and industry insights. The final year's curriculum allows for advanced specialization through a selection of modules on topics like 'Cities and Social Justice,' 'Migration Challenges,' or 'Global Ageing,' and often involves a significant independent research project or dissertation, drawing upon the skills and experiences gained during the placement. The program's assessment is typically coursework-based, reflecting the emphasis on developing practical and transferable skills valued by employers.
Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Human Geography (Placement) program at the University of Gloucestershire is underpinned by a strong research focus within the Human Geography team. Academics teaching on the program are actively engaged in research across a wide spectrum of human geography sub-disciplines, including social geography, cultural geography, political geography, development studies, and more. This active research environment directly informs the curriculum, exposing students to the latest academic thinking and real-world research projects. While the 'Placement Year' itself is a key experiential learning component, the program encourages students to develop their own research skills throughout their studies, culminating in the potential for an independent research project in the final year. This research focus ensures graduates are equipped with the critical thinking and analytical abilities necessary for both academic and professional research roles.
Industry Engagement: A key distinguishing feature of the BA (Hons) Human Geography (Placement) program is its significant Industry Engagement through the integrated placement year. The University of Gloucestershire has a dedicated Careers and Placements Team that provides support to students in securing a suitable placement. This includes guidance on CV writing, cover letters, interview techniques, and building a professional online presence. The placement in the third year offers students an invaluable opportunity to work full-time within an organization, applying their academic knowledge in a practical setting. This direct Industry Engagement not only enhances their CVs but also allows them to build professional networks, gain real-world experience, and better understand potential career paths. The University maintains academic and pastoral support for students throughout their placement year. Beyond the placement, the program also incorporates other forms of industry engagement such as guest speakers from various sectors and potentially collaborative projects with external organizations within specific modules.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Human Geography (Placement) program at the University of Gloucestershire is inherently Global in its Perspective. The curriculum directly addresses pressing global challenges such as migration, development, inequality, and geopolitical issues. Students gain a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of places and the diverse human experiences across the globe. The program also offers opportunities for international experiences beyond the placement year. This could include UK-based field training in the first year, and in the second year, opportunities for overseas field research, with potential destinations in regions like Europe, Africa, or the Americas, allowing students to gain first-hand experience of different cultural and socio-geographic contexts. Furthermore, the University of Gloucestershire may also offer the possibility of an optional semester abroad in the second year at partner universities in countries like Canada, the USA, or New Zealand, further broadening the Global Perspective of the program and its graduates.
Location
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% 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 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates of the University of Gloucestershire's BA (Hons) Human Geography (Placement) program are exceptionally well-prepared for a diverse range of careers due to their strong academic foundation and the invaluable practical experience gained during their year-long placement. The placement provides a significant competitive edge, making these graduates highly attractive to employers across various sectors.
Town and Country Planner: The program's focus on urban and rural issues, coupled with the practical experience from a placement in a planning-related field, equips graduates to work as Town and Country Planners. They can be involved in shaping the built and natural environment, working on projects related to housing, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental protection for local authorities or private consultancies. The placement offers a direct understanding of the planning process and regulatory frameworks.
Policy Officer/Analyst (Government or NGO): With their understanding of social, economic, and political issues, and the experience of working in an organizational setting during their placement, graduates can excel as Policy Officers or Analysts. They can work for government departments, think tanks, or non-governmental organizations, researching and developing policies related to social welfare, housing, health, education, or international development. The placement provides insights into policy implementation and the workings of relevant organizations.
Social Research Officer: The rigorous research training embedded in the program, greatly enhanced by the practical application of research methods during the placement year, makes graduates ideal for roles as Social Research Officers. They can be employed by research agencies, charities, or government bodies to design and conduct research projects on a wide range of social issues, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and social change.
International Development Project Officer: The program's global perspective and the potential to undertake a placement with an international organization position graduates for roles as International Development Project Officers. They can contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development projects in various parts of the world, addressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, and access to resources. The placement provides direct exposure to the complexities of development work.
Community Development Worker: Graduates with a strong understanding of community dynamics and the practical experience of working with people during their placement can pursue careers as Community Development Workers. They can work for local councils, community organizations, or charities to empower communities, facilitate local initiatives, and address social needs at a grassroots level.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist (Human Geography Applications): The program includes GIS training, and a placement could offer the opportunity to apply GIS in a professional context. This makes graduates suitable for roles as GIS Specialists focusing on human geography applications, such as market analysis, demographic mapping, crime analysis, or public health planning, using spatial data to solve real-world problems.
Data Analyst (Social Sector): The data handling and analytical skills developed in the program, combined with the experience of managing and analyzing data during the placement, prepare graduates for roles as Data Analysts in the social sector. They can work for charities, local government, or research organizations to analyze social data, identify trends, and inform strategies and services.
Human Resources Officer: The understanding of human behaviour, social structures, and organizational dynamics gained in the program, complemented by the professional experience of a placement, can be highly relevant in Human Resources (HR). Graduates can work in HR departments, contributing to recruitment, employee relations, training, and organizational development, leveraging their people skills and understanding of diverse workforces.
Education Sector (with further training): While requiring further postgraduate training (e.g., a PGCE), the BA (Hons) Human Geography (Placement) provides an excellent academic foundation for a career in Education, as a secondary school teacher of Geography. The placement year can provide valuable experience working with young people or within an educational setting, which is beneficial for a teaching career.
Charity Fundraising and Communications Officer: Graduates with a passion for social causes and the communication and organizational skills developed during their degree and placement could excel as Charity Fundraising and Communications Officers. They can play a vital role in securing funding, raising awareness about the charity's mission, and communicating its impact to the public. The placement offers practical experience in a professional communication or fundraising environment.
