About the course

It is an exciting time to study Human Geography at the University of Hertfordshire, as space and place has become locally, regionally, nationally and supra-nationally contested throughout the world, as resources like water dwindle, and populations increase and move.

At the University of Hertfordshire, we specialise in better understanding how new sustainable and resilient urban spaces are created, making good use of the world's first Garden City and the country's first New Town on our doorstep.

We are also fascinated by issues of governance, exclusion, vulnerability and resistance amongst diverse communities, both in the UK and abroad, with researchers working on these topics in Canada and India. We also have research and teaching staff focusing on future mobilities in a part of the country where commuting issues and congestion are so topical. 

Why choose this course?

Other key features of our course include:

• A focus into migration pathways and gateway towns with staff expertise in the Polish diaspora.
• We have dedicated GIS suites that help us to map and analyse these phenomena.
• Field work is a key aspect of the study of Human Geography at UH and we are ideally placed to look at development, economic regeneration and community transition in North London and its satellite towns, plus issues around the Green Belt.
• You can study the course over 4 years by including an industrial placement or a year studying at one of our many overseas partners.
• Our teaching team are dedicated and personable, and we treasure our informal, 'family' reputation and sense of community. Our staff know our students, and our regular small-group tutorials in first and second years set us apart from many larger departments.

And that's not all!

• No additional charges for compulsory residential field courses in Year 1 and Year 2
• High student satisfaction and a good study community,
• Regular opportunities for students to assist staff with glaciology research and to undertake fieldwork in pursuit of final year dissertations in locations including Iceland, Switzerland and the High Arctic.
• Working with employers in Hertfordshire to address pressing environmental challenges, helping them save energy, reduce waste and put effective techniques in place to manage their environmental impact.
• Working with voluntary organisations to support community energy - overcoming the barriers to installing solar panels on school buildings and improving a community energy toolkit.
• Opportunities to get involved in ecology activities at Bayfordbury such as beekeeping, bat watching, coppicing, etc
• Active research community

You can find out more about our staff in Geography, Environment and Agriculture here.

What job can I get?

Our graduates are highly sought after in a wide range of professions within local government, the civil service, town and country planning, regeneration, housing, recreational management, transport and travel planning, environmental resources management and teaching. Our graduates also join more general graduate recruitment schemes and go on to postgraduate study.

Professional Accreditations

This programme has received accreditation from the Royal Geographical Society and has therefore been independently checked to ensure that the knowledge, skills and other attributes expected of high quality geography graduates are being delivered. 

Course details

Teaching methods

You will develop your independent study and interpersonal skills on this course. There is an emphasis on structured research, well-prepared written and verbal presentations and computer literacy.

You will experience a wide variety of teaching styles on the programme including: 

• standard lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• laboratories
• case studies
• individual and group projects

In your final year you will normally have the opportunity to hone your independent study and interpersonal skills by undertaking a major project or dissertation

Part-time study

If you are studying part-time you will study for 5-6 years to complete your course from registration. You will complete 60 credits per year. The first and second year are made up of compulsory modules thereafter years three to six contain a mixture of core and optional modules depending on the pathway you are studying on. Your timetable will depend on which modules you pick.

Work Placement

You have the opportunity to take a work placement for a year before your final year. These optional placements will enhance your future career prospects. Successful completion of your placement may also lead to a Licentiateship of the City and Guilds Institute.

Study abroad

This course offers you the opportunity to study abroad in the Sandwich Year through the University's study abroad programme. Study abroad opportunities are available worldwide and in Europe under the Erasmus+ Programme. Find out more about Study abroad opportunities