Geography (Professional Placement Year)

Develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand our complex world with a degree in Geography.
• Gain fieldwork experience in international destinations such as Italy and Spain, on our Newton Park campus and in the world heritage city of Bath.



• Tailor your studies to specialise in either human or physical geography, or combine both.



• Acquire specialist skills and knowledge to prepare for a wide range of careers and postgraduate study opportunities.



On this accredited Geography degree, you’ll learn how to understand, analyse and manage some of the most critical global issues facing contemporary society.

You’ll study modules that engage with topics such as climate change, urbanisation, hazards and disasters, sustainable and equitable futures, coastal and river management, exclusion and inequalities, extreme climates and environments, colonial legacies and identities, environmental management and migration.

Throughout the programme you’ll learn in a variety of settings and formats, helping you to develop the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a wide range of future careers. This includes lectures, laboratory practicals, computer-based workshops and discussion seminars.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop fieldwork skills on our beautiful Newton Park campus, in Bath, Bristol and the surrounding region, and on international trips to Italy and Spain.

Our small class sizes allow students to learn in a supportive setting, while our practical classes and fieldwork allow for hands-on experiential learning. You’ll develop sought after skills in mapping, surveying and geospatial data analysis, using up to date geotechnologies including Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

During your second year you can choose to spend an optional semester abroad at one of our partner universities in Portugal, Australia, Ireland, Canada or the United States.

In your final year you’ll undertake a dissertation research project on a topic of your choosing in either human or physical geography, under the supervision of one of our team of expert lecturers.

Throughout your degree you'll have opportunities to learn from the expertise and experience of our academic staff team. This includes topics such as long-term environmental change in Siberia and Alaska, resource extraction and indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon, flood and wildfire hazards in Ireland, adaptation to climate change in South Asia, cartographic representations of race and ethnicity, and public engagement with climate change and sustainability.

More about the Professional Placement Year
A Professional Placement Year (PPY), traditionally known as a sandwich year, is where you undertake a period of work with an external organisation for between 9-13 months. The placement occurs between your second and final years of undergraduate study. You can engage in multiple placements to make up the total time and are required to source the placement(s) yourself, with support from the Careers team.

Bath Spa University offers a huge range of Clearing courses across Creative and Performing Arts, Education, Humanities, Sciences and Business. Explore their range of career-focused degrees and get in touch today.

A degree from Bath Spa Uni offers practical, real-life experience that builds your skills through placements and trips. You'll be taught by knowledgeable and passionate educators who bring their industry expertise directly to you.

Bath Spa offers a thriving community across two campuses with excellent facilities and a buzzing social scene. The Bath Spa SU offers over 70 clubs and societies for you to choose from to help you get settled in.

Bath Spa prioritise student well-being and provides plenty of support to make sure you can realise your full potential. The Student Wellbeing Team will support you through whatever challenges you face.

Discover more and get in touch today!