Please note that from January 2005
 Where a programme is delivered in more than one mode:
o a full Programme Specification is completed for what is deemed to be the main mode
o details of other modes (part-time, franchise deliveries etc.) are entered onto a Delivery Supplement which is attached to the main document
o one or more delivery supplements may be included at the time of validation, or added when an additional mode of delivery is subsequently
approved.
 Any changes made to an approved Programme Specification are indicated on a Log of Changes sheet, and appended.
Sections 1-10 below indicate all modes of delivery and attendance, with the main mode highlighted by the use of bold type; sections 11-20 refer to the main
mode of delivery.
1.
Programme Title and Award
BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Management
2.
UCAS or other Admissions Code
DUSGEE1, UUSGEE1
3.
Northumbria Programme Code
GNM1 21FENM-N, 21SGEF-N, GEE1 21SGEE-N
ie SITS route code
4.
5.
Mode(s) of Delivery please indicate the main mode
Classroombased
YES
of delivery in bold
Mode(s) of Attendance please indicate the main
Full-time
YES
Distance Learning

Sandwich
Blended
YES
Part-time
delivery in bold
Other please specify
6.
Location(s) of Delivery if other than Northumbria
7.
Collaborative Provision if applicable
Franchised
Validated
Joint
Dual
Partner Institution(s)
8.
Date(s) of Approval/Review
Reviewed May 2014, checked by QST 24.04.15
9.
QAA Subject Benchmark Group
GEOGRAPHY, ES3
10.
PSRB accreditation if applicable
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Sections 11 – 20 relate to the main delivery as indicated in bold above.
11.
Educational Aims of the Programme Specified in terms of the general intentions of the programme and its distinctive characteristics; these should be consistent
with any relevant benchmark and with the Mission of the University.
The geographical and environmental disciplines are inextricably linked. Our Geography and Environmental Management programme is designed to
provide a high quality, critical and interdisciplinary approach to this nexus. The degree combines a core of material exemplifying the fundamental
insights from the two disciplines, essentially geography’s concerns with the spatial/horizontal and environment’s focus on the functional/vertical. The
programme structure combines, firstly, subject specific knowledge and understanding from both disciplines with, secondly, development of critical
engagement and thirdly, the development of subject specific and graduate transferable skills and experience designed to enhance student selfconfidence and employability. Starting with a compulsory core in the first year students progress to a third year allowing very wide choice so that
students may pursue chosen specialisms in great depth or develop novel combinations. The very flexible final year experience, founded on a rigorous
and coherent combination of subject disciplines in the first and second years helps students engage with the distinctive flavour of our work at
Northumbria. Staff strengths from the environment programme (e.g. hazard, vulnerability and sustainability, often with a strong overseas emphasis)
complement our geographical specialisms in either human geography e.g. exclusion, tolerance and social justice, or physical geography e.g. cold
environments, paleogeography, soils and land contamination etc.
The totality of the students three of four year (with industrial sandwich placement) experience provides a thorough grounding in core areas of the
geography and ES3 subject benchmarks; allows students to critically engage with key challenges and emerging themes in both discipline areas. The
curriculum reflects Northumbria’s strengths in challenging topics and develop skills and self-confidence essential to employability of graduates.
The aims of our Geography and Environmental Management programme are
1. To facilitate in students the development of a critical understanding and appreciation of the multidisciplinary nature of both the geographical
and environmental disciplines, the inextricable nature of these two subject specialisms and the emergent themes that result from their study.
2. To enable students to develop and enhance their knowledge and understanding of earth, natural and human systems in the application of such
knowledge to analysing and providing solutions to real world problems.
3. To critically examine physical, social and environmental issues of contemporary concern and relevance through a combination of theoretical
and practical investigation and in so doing engender an informed concern about the Earth and its peoples.
4. To develop a critical understanding, through the study of geography and the environment at a variety of spatial scales, of the dynamism and
interdependence of local, national and international processes of change in human and natural systems.
5. To introduce students to the methods, techniques and strategies used by geographers and environmental managers, with a focus on policies
and practise.
6. To critically review the key debates, forms of explanation and contested paradigms within the geography and environmental disciplines, with an
awareness of the moral and ethical backgrounds that inform these debates
7. To give students a wide choice of options to their study, reflecting areas of current relevance and on going research, allowing novel
combinations of choice and student centred specialisation.
8. To enable students to learn, develop and practice, the subject specific, intellectual and practical skills necessary for geographical and
environmental research
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9. To promote student employability and lifelong learning through the development of transferable key skills, subject knowledge and experience.
12.
How Students are Supported in their Learning/Employability/Career Development e.g. curriculum design, personal development plans, placements,
fieldwork, practical projects.
The long tradition of teaching geography and environmental programmes at Northumbria has created an integrated programme taught almost wholly by
academic staff with the Department of Geography in the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment. Our programme very much mirrors the
multidisciplinary horizons and expertise of the academic staff and offers an academically exciting programme, reflecting the novel interplay of staff
scholarship, research and consultancy.
Our students become part of a recognisable peer group working closely with familiar staff. All first years take part in a Department wide induction
programme, led by Programme Leaders which provides a wealth of basic information relating to the transition to university study e.g. timetables,
regulations, library introduction but most important of all an early chance to get together & get to know each other in the first few days at university. All
staff have some role in both academic and personal guidance. Each student is allocated a guidance tutor at the start of the first year. The tutor acts as
an academic teacher but also a personal mentor. The guidance tutor and students meet regularly throughout the first year via the Year Long GE0152
Tutorial module in which students engage with a range of practical exercises aimed at developing transferable and personal skills to support academic
learning and directly relevant to employment. Meetings between guidance tutors and students are sustained in years 2 & 3, primarily as the forum for
overall assessment feedback, and personal support.
Generic graduate skills (e.g. communication, IT, project design, safety, statistics) are embedded as core elements of the curriculum in all modules
from the first semester of Year 1. There is a specific skills module in the First Year (GE0328 Skills for Geography and Environment), which in
combination with the other subject specific First Year modules provides a broad foundation in both graduate transferable skills and the core skills
identified in the geography and ES3 subject benchmarks. In the Second Year (Level 5) modules students go onto develop specialist knowledge and
methodologies in greater depth. At Level 5 students optional choices are introduced, with students electing to take option in environmental subject
and with options in human or physical geography. The GE0097 Research Design modules requires students to develop the proposal for their final year
research projects, promoting active learning and self-management within the subject disciplines. Students can elect to take either a one year
industrial work placement between their second and final years of study, or to study for a year abroad, In the third and final year of study (Level 6)
Geography and Environmental Management students there is a wider range of optional choices many with a strong practical focus; students may
choose to take the final year Work Placement Module (GE0358), a year-long opportunity to explore their personal skills, the potential career options
available and to gain subject relevant work experience via a short work placement with a local business or public sector organisation with a
geographical or environmental remit. The final year the dissertation is a summation of skills, knowledge and independent learning, supervised by an
individual member of staff and often with closely embedded professional practise and career aims.
Fieldwork is a key element of our programme in all three years. All students do three main field trips; a weekend field course in Northumbria at the start
of Year 1, and an on week field course in the Lake District at the end of year 1. The second year students can elect to take a UK based field course
(consisting of both day fieldwork and residential fieldwork) or a one-week field course in Tenerife. Two optional final year human geography modules
are based around residential fieldwork in either Amsterdam or the Ukraine. Many core and optional modules include half and full day field trips, these
are used to introduce, develop and practise specialist knowledge and skills and also to promote independent and group work and
communication (via verbal and written reports). Field trips are also very important to foster the collegiate peer group that plays an important role in the
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lives of our students.
To support core (and therefore mandatory) curriculum activities regarding site or fieldwork, the Faculty of Engineering and Environment is committed to
absorbing any additional costs raised. No additional fees will, therefore, be charged to students for core UK based fieldtrips. Where students opt for
international fieldtrips, an additional charge may be made but every effort will be made to keep this as low as possible and a free UK based equivalent
will be offered. Where site or fieldwork is designated as optional on the programme, additional costs to be paid will be published to students before the
visit takes place. Students’ agreement to take part in optional site- or fieldwork will incur an automatic fees liability.
Summary of support.
1. Induction programme for all first years; information is provided on the programme, timetables, assessment methods, student services, library,
information services, health and safety and Guidance Tutors.
2. Guidance system: All students are allocated to a Guidance Tutor, with a Programme Leader providing additional support and advice.
3. Student feedback: Programme Committee meetings are held with student representatives from all years and action points are included in the
minutes. The results of Annual review questionnaires, module reviews plus informal meetings throughout the year also feed into Programme
Committees for action and Annual reports.
4. First Year tutorial and skills modules designed to provide grounding in graduate skills.
5. Specialist ICT labs.
6. Placement Tutor support for one year Sandwich Placements and Final Year Work Placements.
7. Help is also available from Northumbria University central support services, e.g. study skills, counselling services, ICT, library, and accommodation.
Employability/career development.
1. Career and employability is core to the programme from induction week, which normally includes talks from recent graduates.
2. Development of employability/career skills and experience is built into First Year GE0152 Personal Tutorial module.
3. The Department runs an annual Geography and Environmental Management Careers Event at which graduates talk about the reality of their
careers and how they got their job.
4. The Department has good links with a range of employers in the region and actively encourages student to undertake relevant voluntary work
during their study.
5. Students can elect to take a one Professional Placement (EE0500) between the second and final year of study working in a relevant environmental
management related organisation.
6. There is a third year Placement Module GE0358 designed to that addresses employability skills with students working one day a week during the
second semester with local business, NGOs and government.
7. GE0097 Research Design and final year dissertation GE0188 encourage students to take the opportunity to research career-related topics and link
up with outside organisations, in the UK or abroad.
8. Learning and practising of transferable skills takes place throughout the programme, with many assessments (especially in the final year) drawn
directly from practitioner-based case studies.
9. The programme team works closely with the University Careers Service to provide careers support and guidance to students.
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13.
Learning Outcomes of Programme Specified in terms of performance capabilities to be shown on completion of the programme/pathway. Please identify
numerically to correspond to the map of learning outcomes in section 18.
a) Knowledge and Understanding
A typical Northumbria Geography and Environmental Management graduate will be able to:
1. Review the value of a multidisciplinary approach to a critical understanding of human and natural environmental systems demonstrating an
awareness of the nature of the disciplines as dynamic, plural and contested.
2. Evaluate the dynamic nature and variation of natural and anthropogenic environments, the patterns, processes and problems associated with
physical phenomena and human interventions and the resulting challenges created to the sustainability and security of human and natural systems.
3. Recognise and explain the reciprocal nature of relationships between physical, natural and human environments.
4. Review contested paradigms of knowledge, representation and theory from across the geographical and environmental disciplines
5. Choose and apply appropriate strategies and methods for acquisition, analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data.
6. Discuss ideas of place, scale and representation and the processes through which such ideas are mediated
7. Demonstrate informed concern about the Earth and its people through an awareness of ethics, morality and social justice underpinning
environmental and geographical concerns and application of appropriate concepts and techniques.
b) Intellectual Skills
A typical Northumbria Geography and Environmental Management graduate will be able to:
1. Engage critically with contrasting theories, paradigms, explanations, attitudes and policies
2. Acquire, compile, interpret, judge and evaluate evidence, text and data.
3. Undertake the design and management of research founded on appropriate theory and research questions
4. Take responsibility for their own learning and develop habits of reflection upon that learning.
5. Show an awareness of ethics, morality and social justice within the geographical and environmental disciplines and an ability to engage with these
challenges in their own work.
c) Practical Skills
A typical Northumbria Geography and Environmental Management graduate will be able to:
1. Plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent academic research.
2. Select and apply a range of field and laboratory data collection techniques; including sampling and survey design, data analysis and interpretation
from across the physical and natural sciences.
3. Select and apply a range of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques drawn from the social sciences.
4. Assess health and safety, moral and ethical aspects of field investigation.
5. Effectively use IT for data collection, sourcing, recording, analysis, summary and presentation.
6. Use appropriately different literature and data sources, including correct citation and referencing.
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d) Transferable/Key Skills
A typical Northumbria Geography and Environmental Management graduate will be able to:
1. Communicate ideas, data and judgements effectively to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms.
2. Identify and research novel problems, showing initiative, self-direction and creativity.
3. Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
4. Possess the interpersonal skills and confidence to identify and work independently towards self-managed goals.
5. Present as an active and engaged learner, able to reflect critically on their experience, strengths, weaknesses and progress.
6. Work positively within a team, showing an awareness of ethics, morality and social justice in their relationships with colleagues and peers.
14.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy Specified to enable learners to achieve and demonstrate the above learning outcomes.
The programmes and student experiences within the geography and environmental subject areas are continually subject to intense scrutiny and
pedagogic debate, combining feedback from university-wide systems e.g. Module Review and Annual Review with Discipline Away Days, regular staff
seminars including outside speakers and working parties addressing key elements of learning, teaching and assessment. Our teaching and learning
strategy is designed to move students from being dependent students to independent, critically minded peers.
Level 4
Our degree programme attracts a diversity of students, differing in age, academic background and experience. The first year provides a foundation of
disciplinary knowledge drawn from both the environment and geography disciplines. A wide variety of material is presented and we expect that this will
help students identify their own particular fields of interest prior to specialisation in Levels 5 and 6. Students are encouraged to develop their own more
independent learning style through the close support and guidance provided by the Tutorial module. The Tutorial module concentrates on developing
the key skills for successful independent academic learning (e.g. library research, critical reading, note taking, essay and report writing, presentations)
and provides an opportunity for one-to-one formative feedback. Delivery on other core modules is through a mixture of lectures, small group seminars
workshops, laboratory, computing laboratory and fieldwork. Students are provided with comprehensive study materials (e.g., module handbooks and
reading lists) as well as access to the University- wide online study skill resources via Blackboard that help to develop and structure student centred
directed learning and initiate the development of the skills necessary for independent learning.
Level 5
At Level 5 students take core modules from both the environmental and either human or physical geographical disciplines. Students can select from a
wide range of option modules in both environmental management subjects and geographical subjects which enables students to begin to refine their
own specialist interests, and create their own pathway through the programme. For the geography elements of the programme, students choose either
a physical or human geography pathway. Modules at Level 5 build on the foundation developed at Level 4 to develop both a deeper and more
specialist knowledge with a greater emphasis on the application of such knowledge to geographical and environmental problems. Students are
encouraged to take greater responsibility for their learning. There is an emphasis on assimilation of key concepts and the development of links between
theory and real world application. Within this level students begin the process of critical inquiry and evaluation. Students increasingly take control over
the module assignments culminating in the design of their final year dissertation (GE0097).
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Level 6
The final year of the programme opens up a wealth of choice. In addition to the core dissertation module students can select from a wide range of
option choices drawn from both environmental subject and physical or human geographical subjects. Optional choice is only constrained by the
requirement to select a balance of both environmental and geographical modules, any prerequisite module in Level 5 and whether the student has
chosen a human or physical geography route through their degree. Staff and students view this wide choice as a major feature of the programme
allowing subject specialisation or unusual combinations of subject material. At Level 6 students are expected to undertake a critical evaluation of their
chosen subjects, and to engage in current debates and applications. The degree programme’s diversity of subject material allows students to explore
current geographical and environmental knowledge in all its complexities, contested variety based on the extensive foundations developed at Levels 4
and 5
Sandwich Years
It is possible to choose one of two sandwich years:
1.
2.
Students can opt to engage in a study abroad year at a partner institution between either their first (Level 4) and second year (Level 5) or their second (Level 5)
and third year (Level 6) by choosing our 120 credit Geography Study Abroad module GE0284.
Students can opt to engage in a placement year between their second and third year by choosing our Work Placement Industrial Sandwich year option
(EE0500).
Overall students experience a diverse range of teaching and learning delivery methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals,
group project work, videos, guest speakers and fieldwork. Lectures generally provide the basic conceptual framework for a topic, drawing attention to
important and contentious issues in order to stimulate interest and independent learning. Seminars and workshops offer a forum for a wide variety of
smaller group activities such as debates, discussion and critique of academic papers, case study scenarios, and general discussion of academic and
ethical issues. Fieldwork is embedded throughout the three years (see section 12) and is generally centred on staff-directed group project work.
‘Classroom’ delivery is supported by an e-learning platform, Blackboard, which provides a readily accessible archive of module materials (module
handbooks, reading lists, past exam papers, lecture presentations, hand-outs and notes).
Assessment
A wide range of assessment methods are used including: exams (seen and unseen), coursework essays, written reports, presentations, posters,
reflective journals and phase tests, with module marks distributed between this range of assessment types so that no one type of assessment
predominates. The timing and loading of individual module assessments are checked every year to provide equity of load and timing. Where more than
two assessments are part of a module assessment strategy these are “sub tasks” included at regular intervals through the module to serve both a
formative and summative role. Departmental marking guidelines have been developed for projects, essays and other forms of assessment. These are
made available to students from the start of Level 4. Formative assessments and exercises within modules give students the opportunity to engage with
assessment criteria, strengthen their own criticality, and help to deepen their understanding of the relationship between assessment and learning.
Feedback is provided on all coursework and was introduced for all exams from the start of 2003/2004. Many modules have several staff teaching on
the programme and this maintains a commitment to innovative forms of assessment and learning. Staff from within the Department have published
guides and academic papers within the field of learning and teaching and have won institutional Applauding Teaching and Learning awards. Lecturing
staff who contribute to the programme are reflective practitioners who regularly engage in pedagogic discussions around L,T&A. Northumbria wide
systems e.g. Module Review and Annual Review are combined with Discipline Away Days, regular staff seminars, visiting speakers and working parties
addressing key elements of learning, teaching and assessment.
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15.
Programme Structure This section should be completed with reference to the Modular Framework for Northumbria Awards.2. Diagrams can also be used to
demonstrate the structure.
Programme Structure Refer if necessary to appended diagrams
Level 4
See diagrams below
Progression for Honours Programme
Progression point at level 4: 120 credits.
Certificate in Higher Education awarded for 120 credits.
Level 5
See diagrams below
Progression point at level 5: 120 credits.
Diploma of Higher Education awarded for 120 credits.
Level 6
See diagrams below
Award at level 6: 120 credits.
BSc for 60 credits, BSc (Hons) for 120 credits.
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16.
Lower Level Awards Credit Structure and Programme Learning Outcomes for Lower Level Awards.
Please delete or add rows as appropriate, with reference to the Assessment Regulations for Northumbria Awards 3 Learning outcomes should be specified for each
lower level award in accordance with the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications 4 which also provides generic qualification descriptors for each level. The
standard credit structure for each award is given below. The Modular Framework for Northumbria Awards2 indicates permitted variations and allows programmes to be
validated with some lower or higher level credit (e.g. the Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits at Level 4) can be validated with up to 30 Level 3 credits).
Award
Programme Learning Outcomes may be completed with reference to section 13.
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Certificate of Higher Education
120 credits at Level 4
e) Knowledge & Understanding.
A typical Northumbria Geography & Environmental Management Certificate holder will be able to:
1. Describe the multidisciplinary nature of the geographical and environmental disciplines and the contested
nature of the disciplines.
2. Outline the dynamic nature and variation of natural and anthropogenic environments and the patterns and
processes associated with physical phenomena and human interventions.
3. Recognise the reciprocal nature of relationships between physical, natural and human environments.
4. Discuss contested paradigms of knowledge and theory from across the geographical and environmental
disciplines
5. Undertake a range of basic methods for acquisition, analysis and interpretation of descriptive quantitative
and qualitative data.
6. Discuss ideas of place and scale
7. Outline concerns about the Earth as evidenced by the environmental and geographical disciplines
b) Intellectual skills
b2, b3, b4, b5
c) Practical Skills
2. Competence in a range of field and laboratory data collection techniques; including sampling and survey
design, data collation and interpretation from across the physical and natural sciences.
3. Competence in a range of descriptive qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques.
4. Describe health and safety aspects of field investigation.
5. Use IT for data collection, sourcing, summary and presentation.
6. Use different literature and data sources, including correct citation and referencing.
f)
Transferable Skills
1. Communicate data and literature in written, verbal and graphical forms.
d3
4. Have experience of working independently towards self-managed goals.
d6
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Higher National Certificate
(Higher National Diploma
programmes only)
150 credits:
120 credits at Level 4;
30 credits at Level 5.
g) Knowledge & Understanding
A typical Northumbria Geography & Environmental Management Diploma graduate will be able to:
1. Discuss the multidisciplinary nature and integration of the geographical and environmental disciplines and
demonstrate an awareness of the nature of the disciplines as dynamic, plural and contested.
2. Assess the dynamic nature and variation of natural and anthropogenic environments, the patterns,
processes associated with physical phenomena and human interventions and the resulting challenges
created to the sustainability of human and natural systems.
3. Recognise and explain the reciprocal nature of relationships between physical, natural and human
environments.
4. Describe some paradigms of knowledge, representation and theory from across the geographical and
environmental disciplines
5. Describe strategies and methods for acquisition, analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative
data.
6. Describe ideas of place, scale and representation.
7. Demonstrate informed concern about the Earth and its people through an awareness of ethics, morality
and social justice underpinning environmental and geographical concerns.
b) Intellectual skills
1. Engage with contrasting theories, paradigms, explanations, attitudes and policies
2. Acquire, compile, interpret, judge and evaluate evidence, text and data.
3. Undertake the design and management of research founded on appropriate theory and research questions
4. Take responsibility for their own learning and develop habits of reflection upon that learning.
5. Show an awareness of ethics, morality and social justice within the geographical and environmental
disciplines and an ability to engage with these challenges in their own work.
c) Practical Skills
A typical Northumbria Geography & Environmental Management Diploma graduate will be able to:
1. Plan and design a sustained piece of independent academic research.
2. Select from a range of field and laboratory data collection techniques; including sampling and survey design,
data analysis and interpretation from across the physical and natural sciences.
3. Select from a range of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques drawn from the social sciences.
4. Describe health and safety, moral and ethical aspects of field investigation.
5. Use ICT for data collection, sourcing, recording, analysis, summary and presentation.
6. Use different literature and data sources, including correct citation and referencing.
h) Transferable Skills
A typical Northumbria Geography and Environmental Management diploma graduate will be able to:
1. Communicate ideas, data and judgements effectively to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical
forms.
2. Identify and research novel problems.
3. Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and
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packages.
4. Have practised the interpersonal skills to identify and work independently towards self-managed goals.
5. Be an active and engaged learner, able to reflect on their experience, strengths, weaknesses and progress.
Work positively within a team, showing an awareness of ethics, morality and social justice in their relationships
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Diploma of Higher Education
A typical Northumbria Geography & Environmental Management Ordinary degree graduate will be able to:
i) Knowledge & Understanding
a1, a2, a3,
240 credits:
120 credits at Level 4;
120 credits at Level 5.
4. Describe contested paradigms of knowledge, representation and theory from across the geographical and
environmental disciplines
a5, a6, a7.
b) Intellectual Skills
1. Describe contrasting theories, paradigms, explanations, attitudes and policies.
B2, b3, b4, b5
c) Practical Skills
c1, c2, c3, c4, c5
j) Transferable skills
d1, d3, d4, d5, d6
17.
Variation from Assessment Regulations or the Modular Framework Provide details of any approved variations from the Assessment Regulations for
Northumbria Awards (ARNA)3 or the Modular Framework for Northumbria Awards2.
None
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18.
Mapping of Learning Outcomes
This section shows how the individual modules (with module learning outcomes as written in the module descriptor) together contribute to programme learning
outcomes. It should be presented as a matrix of programme learning outcomes (as identified numerically in section 13), against modules. Where a module contributes
to a programme learning outcome it should be flagged. Standard practice will be for a single symbol to indicate a learning outcome addressed in the module. See
guidance notes for discussion of alternative practices.
The following matrix is for a programme structure with 6 learning outcomes in each of the categories of section 13, with rows for 6 modules in each of levels 4 and 5,
and 9 modules including some options in level 6. See guidance notes for a discussion of the treatment of option modules. The matrix should be extended as required.
The matrix will show how some learning outcomes are developed at particular stages in the programme, while others may be developed through the three levels.
MODULE
C/O
Level 4
GE0328 Skills
for Geography
and
Environment
GE0187
Background to
Environmental
Management
GE0135
Introduction to
the Physical
Environment
GE0152
Tutorial
GE0350
Environmental
Biology
GE0153
Introduction to
Human
Geography
C
a) Knowledge & Understanding
b) Intellectual Skills
1
1
3
4
x
x
5
6
x
x
C
C
2
x
x
x
7
x
x
x
x
2
3
x
4
c) Practical Skills
5
x
1
x
2
x
3
x
4
x
x
d) Transferable Key Skills
5
6
x
1
x
x
2
x
3
x
C
x
x
6
x
x
x
x
5
x
C
C
4
x
x
Programme Specification, BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Management
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
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Module
a) Knowledge & Understanding
Level 5
1
GE0028 Land
Use and the Rural
Environment
GE0066 Global
Environment
Issues
GE0097
Research Design
GE0322
Environmental
Regulation
GE0357
Environmental
Management
Fieldwork:
Overseas
GE0346
Environmental
Management
Fieldwork UK
EE0500
Professional
placement
GE0284
Geography Study
Abroad
2
x
C
C
x
C
x
3
x
x
5
6
7
x
x
x
x
1
x
x
x
x
C
4
b) Intellectual Skills
2
3
x
1
2
3
d) Transferable Key Skills
4
x
x
x
5
x
6
1
x
x
x
x
5
x
x
x
4
c) Practical Skills
2
3
4
5
6
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
CO
X
X
X
X
X
X
CO
X
X
X
X
X
X
O
x
O
x
Programme Specification, BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Management
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Page 16 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Module
a) Knowledge & Understanding
Level 6
1
GE0188
Geography &
Environment
Dissertation
GE0020
Geographical
Thought 2
3
x
C
C
2
x
x
4
5
6
x
x
Programme Specification, BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Management
x
b) Intellectual Skills
7
1
2
x
x
x
x
3
x
4
x
x
c) Practical Skills
5
1
x
2
3
x
x
d) Transferable Key Skills
4
x
5
x
6
1
x
x
2
x
3
x
4
5
6
x
x
x
x
x
Page 17 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
19.
Admission Requirements including approved arrangements for admission with advanced standing, where appropriate.
The ability to benefit from Northumbria University programmes is assessed on a combination of academic and personal qualities which can be
demonstrated in a number of ways. Successful completion of a GCE or VCE Advanced level course of study (or some other equivalent qualification) is
just one way. Students who can in other ways demonstrate their ability to benefit from a Northumbria University programme, in particular mature
students without formal qualifications, will always be considered and are invited to contact the admissions tutor to discuss their application.
Applicants should use the personal statement on their application to illustrate their abilities, aptitudes, skills, qualifications and experiences which might
be taken into account as well as or instead of any of the formal qualifications listed below. It is University policy to recognise a wide variety of evidence,
and potential applicants may wish to discuss this aspect of their application with the admission tutor.
The following standard entry requirements are shown for guidance. A student’s particular combination of qualifications (including key skills) will
always be taken into account in making an offer.
Please amend as appropriate (and delete this instruction).
GCSE grade C or above in Mathematics and English Language, plus one of the following:
GCE and VCE Advanced Level
300 UCAS tariff points, with (subject) at A2 minimum grade B.
Scottish Highers
BCCC
Irish Highers
CCCCC
HEFC Access
One credit and two merits
Other
EB 64%; IB 24 points.
Interviews
Interviews will be held where

the suitability of a candidate is in doubt and further evidence is sought

candidates present an unusual set of qualifications taken or pending, and an appropriate conditional offer needs to be determined

candidates may need advice on the appropriateness of a programme, or on the appropriateness of a proposed preparatory course of study
Applicants invited for an interview will always be told its purpose.
20.
Application Procedure
Applications are processed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Programme Specification, BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Management
Page 18 of 22
HEAR SUPPLEMENT
The HEAR Supplement should be completed for all new and existing undergraduate honours degrees. Information in sections 7, 8 and 9 should apply to
students gaining awards in the current academic year for all deliveries within the same route (and the possibility that this could differ from related information in
the main programme specification). Once approved, it will be entered by Faculty support staff onto SITS and will be reviewed annually.
1.
Academic Year
2015/6
2.
Northumbria Programme Title and Route Code
GNM1, BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Management 21FENM-N 21SGEF-N
GNM1, 21SGEE-N GEE1
3.
Mode/s of Attendance
Full Time
YES
Sandwich
YES
Part Time
Other please specify
4.
Partner Institution/s
5.
Date of Approval
6.
Programme Entry Requirements (150 words maximum) The following generic statement can be edited as appropriate to reflect any subject specific
requirements1
N/A
As well as GCE and VCE ‘A levels’, the University accepts a wide range of entry qualifications including BTEC National Awards, Scottish Highers and
Advanced Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate, Access courses and the International Baccalaureate. Entry requirements are usually expressed as UCAS
tariff points and can be found in programme specifications and the on-line prospectus. In addition to achieving the UCAS tariff points for entry to the
programme, students must also be able to demonstrate that they have studied an appropriate minimum number of units at Level 3, which is usually not
less than two full GCE or VCE A levels or equivalent (though for programmes at sub degree level this requirement is usually not less than one full GCE
or VCE A level or equivalent). Applicants may be required to have studied a particular subject or subjects to a certain level. Where the first language is
not English, an IELTS score of 6.0 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component) will normally be required for entry.
Students may be admitted to the programme with advanced standing based on accredited prior learning or accredited prior experiential learning.
7.
Programme Statement (250 words maximum) This should be written primarily for an external audience (eg employers) clarifying the aims of the
programme, pathways, professional body implications (including where an alternative award title indicates that professional requirements have not
been met) and opportunities for work experience/placements or study abroad. Please note that further information on professional status is required in
section 10 below.
This joint honours degree caters for students who have interests in both Environmental Management and Geography. The focus is on how knowledge
of both the environment and geography can help undertand human-environment interactions and find solutions to conflicts and issues.
Subject areas include ecology, sustainable development, urban environments, physical geography, social, cultural, economic and political geographies,
Programme Specification, BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Management
Page 19 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
key environmental issues, and geographical information systems.
Year 1
The first year is designed to give students a broad foundation in all both environmental management and geography. It also allows students to develop
a range of subject-specific and academic skills that are needed during the degree and beyond. There is a weekend-long fieldtrip to Northumberland
and a one week trip to the Lake District, as well as non-residential one-day or half-day trips.
Year 2
In the second year students start to investigate in more depth environmental topics in combination with either human or physical geography subjects.
Students also develop their research skills in preparation for the third year dissertation. A choice of options allows students to specialise in subject
areas of interest. A placement module gives the opportunity to gain valuable ‘hands-on’ work experience with organisations such as local government,
environmental agencies, wildlife trusts, local businesses or industry.
Final year
One quarter of the final year will be devoted to undertaking a research dissertation in a topic of your own choice. The remainder of the final year
comprises optional modules giving great potential to tailor studies to subject areas of interest, and/or future career, following the environment and either
human or phycial geography route chosen in Year 2..
8.
Learning Outcomes applicable to students gaining awards in the current academic year. If these are the same as the main programme specification,
please indicate ‘see section 13 of the main specification’ below, noting that information will need to be extracted from the main programme specification
for entry onto SITS.
The learning outcomes for an Honours degree are as follows:
Knowledge and Understanding
Review the value of a multidisciplinary approach to a critical understanding of human and natural environmental systems demonstrating an awareness
of the nature of the disciplines as dynamic, plural and contested
Evaluate the dynamic nature and variation of natural and anthropogenic environments, the patterns, processes and problems associated with physical
phenomena and human interventions and the resulting challenges created to the sustainability and security of human and natural systems
Recognise and explain the reciprocal nature of relationships between physical, natural and human environments
Review contested paradigms of knowledge, representation and theory from across the geographical and environmental disciplines
Choose and Apply appropriate strategies and methods for acquisition, analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data
Discuss ideas of place, scale and representation and the processes through which such ideas are mediated
Demonstrate informed concern about the Earth and its people through an awareness of ethics, morality and social justice underpinning environmental
and geographical concerns and application of appropriate concepts and techniques
Intellectual Skills
Engage critically with contrasting theories, paradigms, explanations, attitudes and policies
Programme Specification, BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Management
Page 20 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Acquire, compile, interpret, judge and evaluate evidence, text and data
Undertake the design and management of research founded on appropriate theory and research questions
Take responsibility for their own learning and develop habits of reflection upon that learning
Show an awareness of ethics, morality and social justice within the geographical and environmental disciplines and an ability to engage with these
challenges in their own work
Practical Skills
Plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent academic research
Select and apply a range of field and laboratory data collection techniques; including sampling and survey design, data analysis and interpretation from
across the physical and natural sciences
Select and apply a range of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques drawn for the social sciences
Assess health and safety, moral and ethical aspects of field investigation
Effectively use IT for data collection, sourcing, recording, analysis, summary and presentation
Use appropriately different literature and data sources, including correct citation and referencing
Transferable/Key Skills
Communicate ideas, data and judgements effectively to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms
Identify and research novel problems, showing initiative, self-direction and creativity
Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages
Possess the interpersonal skills and confidence to identify and work independently towards self-managed goals
Present as an active and engaged learner, able to reflect critically on their experience, strengths, weaknesses and progress
Work positively within a team, showing an awareness of ethics, morality and social justice in their relationships with colleagues and peers
An unclassified degree or lower level qualification may also be awarded where a students has not met all learning outcomes.
9.
Professional status (100 words maximum) Please provide a statement on the professional status of the programme for students graduating in the
current academic year, noting the following extract from guidance from the Higher Education Better Regulation Group (HEBRG)2 for the collection of
data for the KIS:
The outcome of a successful programme accreditation by a PSRB may include one or more of the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Graduates are able to practise as a professional in a specific field, and in some cases receive a licence to practise that is required by law;
Graduates are granted chartered status;
Graduates are granted exemption from all or part of professional exams;
Graduates are eligible for entry to membership of a professional association or learned society;
The programme is confirmed as meeting externally designated standards and quality.
If not applicable, this section should be left blank and a default statement will appear on the HEAR.
Programme Specification, BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Management
Page 21 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
1
Section 15 – changed to reflect changes to modules to
be delivered or removed on the programme
GNM1
2
Section 18 – mapping of learning outcomes grid
updated to reflect removals and additions of modules
NOTE: to be updated following approval of revised and
new modules
Sections 11, 12, and Section 14 additional text to
support two Sandwich year options and changes made
to reflect modifications made to learning outcomes and
changes and additions of new modules
GE0262 changed from SEM1 to SEM2
GNM1
BSc Hons
Geography and
Environmental
Management
BSc Hons
Geography and
Environmental
Management
BSc Hons
Geography and
Environmental
Management
BSc Hons
Geography and
Environmental
Management
3
4
Programme Specification, BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Management
GNM1
GNM1, GEE1
Change takes effect
Semester/
academic
year e.g.
S2, 05/06
Programme title(s)
Stage/
year of
programm
e
e.g. Year 3
Programme code(s)
affected by change
Admin
change1
Y/N
Brief summary of change to Programme
Specification
(including section number)
Date of
approval/am
endment
LOG OF CHANGES
Any changes made to an approved Programme Specification (other than typographical corrections) should be logged below and the sheet appended to the
Programme Specification. Subsequent changes can then be added. Where it is not practicable to change an existing Programme Specification, a new version
is required.
Feb
2015
Y
All
2015-16
Feb
2015
Y
All
2015-16
Feb
2015
N
All
2015-16
April
2015
Y
3 FT,
4 SW
2015/2016
Page 22 of 22