BA/BSc (Hons) Education and Geography

Program Overview

The BA/BSc (Hons) Education and Geography program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a stimulating and supportive learning environment for those passionate about both the art of teaching and the study of our world. It is structured to progressively build foundational knowledge in educational theories and geographical concepts in the first year, explore diverse pedagogical approaches and key areas of geography in the second, and culminate in specialized studies at the intersection of education and geography, along with practical application projects in the final year. Students benefit from engaging lectures and seminars in both disciplines, fieldwork opportunities to explore geographical concepts firsthand, and collaborative projects focused on the pedagogical application of geography. A key element involves fostering a deep understanding of how geographical knowledge can enhance learning, promote environmental stewardship, and develop critical global citizenship within educational contexts. The program encourages students to develop their analytical skills, pedagogical understanding, and appreciation for the rich interplay between education and geography.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA/BSc (Hons) Education and Geography program is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the core areas of both disciplines. Core modules typically cover educational psychology, sociological perspectives on education, curriculum theory and design, physical geography, human geography, and geographical research methods. As students progress, they often have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as environmental education, sustainable development, geographical information systems (GIS) in education, and specific educational levels or geographical regions through elective modules. The program emphasizes the development of pedagogical knowledge, curriculum development skills (particularly in relation to geography and environmental studies), fieldwork techniques, spatial analysis skills, and the ability to effectively integrate geography into learning environments. Students will engage in geographical fieldwork, the development of geography-based lesson plans, case study analysis of teaching geography, and research projects exploring the impact of geographical learning. The final year often includes a significant project where students design and evaluate geography-based educational interventions and a substantial piece of geographical research or a project exploring the theoretical and practical links between education and geography.

Research Focus: The BA/BSc (Hons) Education and Geography program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within both the School of Education and the School of Science and the Environment. Faculty members in both disciplines are actively engaged in research related to areas such as geography education, environmental education, the use of GIS in schools, sustainable development education, and the impact of place-based learning. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current academic debates, theoretical advancements, and empirical findings in both education and geography. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests at the intersection of these fields through assignments and their final year project, fostering independent learning and critical inquiry.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA/BSc (Hons) Education and Geography program fosters connections with a range of educational institutions, environmental organizations, and geographical societies. The program may facilitate guest lectures by experienced geography teachers, environmental educators, and professionals working in geography-related fields, opportunities for fieldwork placements with environmental organizations or educational centers, and networking events. Students often have opportunities to explore the practical application of geographical knowledge in educational settings and to gain insights into career pathways that combine their passion for education and geography. The curriculum is designed to equip students with strong communication, analytical, fieldwork, and pedagogical skills valued by employers in both sectors.

Global Perspective: The BA/BSc (Hons) Education and Geography program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by exploring diverse geographical regions, global environmental challenges, and international approaches to geography education. The curriculum may include the study of global development issues, climate change education, and comparisons of geography curricula around the world. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on geography and learning. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as sustainable development goals in education and the role of geographical understanding in addressing global challenges, preparing graduates to educate future generations about our interconnected world.