BSc (Hons) Geography Bachelor's degree at the University of Sheffield

This module introduces the general principles of physical geography for students with diverse backgrounds. Through a mixture of lectures and lab-work you will be able to develop a holistic understanding of how the Earth functions as a system across a range of spatial scales, focusing in particular on the functioning of key elements of this system - notably the operation of the geosphere, atmosphere, and cryosphere - and how these elements interact to influence the evolution of the system as a wh

Assessment: Your assessment for this module will develop your skills in communicating and explaining complex scientific concepts.

This module introduces the core academic skills and critical thinking techniques essential for undertaking rigorous scholarship and research at university. Lectures will focus on fundamental concepts and research methodologies using case studies and examples relevant to human geography, physical geography, and environmental science. A key focus will be dedicated to the principles of academic integrity, ethical data handling, and conducting robust, reliable research that meets scholarly standards

Assessment: Assessments include an annotated bibliography and essay to introduce you to academic writing and a quiz covering the fundamentals of research integrity.

This module explores the geographies of global challenges and their intricate and complex connections. It goes beyond identifying problems to analyse how different stakeholders are actively developing solutions and driving positive transformation. The wider impact of our research ranges from the local to the global, with benefits for the economy, society, culture, policy, health, the environment and quality of life. From revitalising local communities to reducing risk to life, you will gain insi

Fieldwork and lab-work are an integral part of geographers' and environmental scientists' skillsets. The ability to design and carry out effective field research and to analyse data in a lab setting are useful and transferable skills. In this module you will undertake fieldwork in the local region beyond campus and lab work. You will be set tasks which will require you to conduct your own fieldwork. This module will teach you the core geographical skills of data design, data collection, data exp

Geographers and Environmental Scientists are well-known for having a versatile set of practical and transferable skills. This module guides you to develop key research and software methods from across the discipline, in a lecture and practical format. Lectures introduce you to research methods and skills, such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Earth Observation (EO), statistics, and surveys. Practical sessions provide you with the exposure to industry-standard software, enabling you to

This module provides an introduction to key principles, relations and processes that contribute to a diverse array of social, cultural, economic and environmental aspects of human geography. You will have the opportunity to learn about spatial patterns of power, inequality and interdependence produced by processes such as economic and cultural globalisation, how we experience these at the local scale, and how they have changed over time. Through lectures and seminars you will be guided through k

This interdisciplinary module introduces you to some of the most critical environmental questions facing our world today. Through a combination of physical and social science lectures and workshops, you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts and the complexities of environmental issues, debates, and potential solutions. You will have the opportunity to develop essential academic skills - such as research skills, critical thinking, independent working and interdiscipli

In our digital world, data are everywhere, so it is important for us to understand how such data are generated, what data we can trust, and how we can analyse and visualise data to understand our changing environment. This module provides you with a theoretical framework and hands-on experience of Earth Observation (EO), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Data Analysis. You will hone your problem solving skills by, for example, using satellite images to map environmental change, analysing

Earth's landscapes are a unique and dynamic record of landform history from recent decades through to deep geological time. Understanding the processes that sculpt our physical world and how they evolve is a key aspect in environmental management, climate reconstruction, and hazard mitigation. With climate change accelerating surface processes and growing human populations expanding into geomorphologically active terrain, it is imperative that we are able to interpret the landforms around us and

Assessment: Assessments include a written practical portfolio where you will be tasked with critically interpreting landscapes, alongside an exam.

In this module we will introduce you to how glaciers and ice sheets work and the connection of many glacial processes to local, regional and global hazards. We examine how glaciers and ice sheets come into existence through an understanding of climate and the concept of glacier mass balance. We then consider how glacier systems function, covering topics that include the processes of ice flow, the drainage of glacial meltwater, and the behaviour of ice streams and ice shelves. You will develop yo

The ability to design, conduct, analyse and present meaningful findings from fieldwork is an essential part of degree-level Physical Geography, and enhances employability. This module builds on your learning from 'Physical Geography and Environmental Science in the Field' in the first year, addressing the philosophical background to, and the process of, designing and conducting fieldwork. You will be able to learn about the principles of research design and develop skills through practical exper

Assessment: Assessments include a group presentation where you receive ongoing feedback linked to the experience of designing, conducting and reflecting upon the research journey, culminating in a dissertation proposal.

Sustainable Development is a major challenge for countries around the globe. This module guides you to explore contemporary development issues their historical trajectories, diverging narratives and their embeddedness in current geopolitics. It examines the contribution that geographers, and geographical thought, can make towards understanding questions of environmental justice, inequality, poverty and socio-cultural change. The module encourages a critical discussion and intercultural dialogue

In order to understand global climate change, we first have to understand how the climate system works. This module will give you a strong understanding of the global climate system, focusing on the atmosphere, the oceans, and their interaction. The first part of the module will consider the main characteristics of, and processes behind, climate from the global to the local scale. The second part of the module will examine the physical characteristics of the oceans and their geographical variati