What will I learn on this module?
You will develop a broad appreciation of a range of complex environmental problems and with experience of hands-on fieldwork coupled with teaching from staff members involved in cutting-edge research in geography. Selected topics will be further developed through the application of a range of quantitative and qualitative methods as part of fieldwork activities to put theoretical learning into practice. The module provides you with a basic introduction to the scientific and social processes underpinning both local, as well as global environmental problems. On completion of the module, your ability to link theory and application, with an informed concern about sustainable development in an urban context will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.
How will I learn on this module?
In this module, you will learn through lectures, guided reading, and field visits. In addition to timetabled sessions, your independent study will be guided and supported through your engagement with a range of resources accessible on-line via the module eLP site, including an electronic reading list. Lectures will be used to introduce key issues and concepts across the range of topics covered on the module, and active participation in field visits will enable you to consolidate the links between theory, practice and application.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Throughout the module you will engage in small group activities during which you will benefit from peer interaction and support from the teaching staff. In field tasks, for example, you will interact closely with teaching staff who will provide formative support and feedback on activities leading up to the assessment task. Each topic will be further supported by on-line resources available via the module eLP site. These resources include an interactive reading list with on-line access to a number of key books and journal articles and aligned with your lecture programme.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: Describe a range of contemporary concerns in relation to environmental issues.
• MLO 2: Examine a range of economic, social and/or political processes pertinent to environmental geography
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 3: Demonstrate ability to synthesise a range of literature sources.
• MLO 4: Demonstrate basic field skills through data collection and analysis.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 5: Develop an informed concern about sustainable development
How will I be assessed?
The assessment tasks for this module consists of a multiple choice test (100% weighting).
Formative feedback will be provided during the fieldtrip, during in class discussions, Blackboard discussion forums. In addition, a mock test to help with MCQ test preparation.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Environmental geography explores aspects of interactions between humans and the natural world, and the aim of this module is to introduce you to some of the key environmental/geographical issues that face the planet today. You will explore a range of contemporary issues covering aspects that span the natural and human environment. You will look at environments across the world, from the poles to the tropics, exploring the pressures they faced in the past, today and in the future. Selected topics will be further developed through the application of a range of quantitative and qualitative methods as part of fieldwork based activities to put theoretical learning into practice. Assessment on the module will be through a multiple choice online test at the end of the semester. On completion of the module, your ability to link theory and application, with an informed concern about sustainable development will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.
Course info
UCAS Code F920
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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