Educational aims
This degree provides the opportunity to understand and interpret the social and environmental events and processes that are transforming the world around us. Geographers study a wide range of social, cultural, economic and political dynamics to examine how places, cities and environments are made and reinvented in a changing world. The degree equips you with the concepts, skills and knowledge to study the marked differences between places as well as make new connections between the relationships they share. It advances vital perspectives on the dynamic relations between human and natural environments to help understand how the world is changing in turbulent times.
Geography is characterised by the breadth and interdisciplinarity of the subjects and topics studied. Consequently, Geography degrees are highly prized for their ability to teach students a wide range of skills as well as a general understanding of different aspects shaping our world, both human and natural. Our BA (Honours) Geography is distinctive as it places emphasis on the digital worlds that have emerged over the last two decades and by harnessing innovative virtual fieldwork and multimedia learning. The degree offers unparalleled analysis of the changing flows and networks that make up a globally interconnected world whilst simultaneously reshaping its borders and territories. It builds on key geographical themes such as globalisation and urbanisation but drives towards analysis of new and emerging global circuits of data, digital information and social media.
Whilst the breadth and interdisciplinarity of Geography means it fits well with other subjects in the sciences and social sciences, our degree offers unique perspectives on how the world is changing through Geography’s fundamental concerns with space, place and power.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are acquired at all levels through distance learning materials, including module-specific text materials, study guides, assignment and project guides; by a range of multimedia materials; through work on information sourced outside study materials (whether electronically or otherwise); and through correspondence tuition.
OU level 1 modules provide an interdisciplinary basis for undergraduate study and are strongly focused on developing study skills and general academic skills as well as exploring a range of social science subjects including politics and environment. The core knowledge and understanding of Geography are delivered at OU levels 2 and 3. There is progression from OU levels 1 to 3 in terms of both the extent to which guidance for students is directive and the range and complexity of the material, concepts, models and theories covered. Assessment at OU levels 2 and 3 is by means of tutor-marked assignments with end-of-module assessments. Assessment at OU level 3 also includes independent work beyond the module materials provided.
The teaching and learning of cognitive skills is embedded in module content at all levels of study. OU level 1 modules focus on generic cognitive skills appropriate to interdisciplinary undergraduate study; basic skills development is heavily supported through the teaching material, and assessment and feedback is oriented towards skill development. At OU levels 2 and 3 more advanced cognitive skills are progressively developed: skills development takes place both within the compulsory modules, and between levels, with the OU level 3 module building on the skills developed at OU level 2. Assessment is closely linked to skills development. At OU level 2 cognitive skills are assessed through tutor-marked assignments and at OU level 3 by tutor-marked assignments as well as by means of an end-of-module independent research project.
The diversity of assessment methods in this qualification builds a variety of valuable skills and presents various opportunities to demonstrate knowledge of geographical concepts, topics, and skills.
Practical and/or professional skills and attributes
When you have completed this degree, you will be able to transfer and use relevant key skills in your workplace and daily life. Practical and/or professional skills as well as key skills are an integral part of all modules at all levels. They are developed as a consequence of module work throughout the programme and are also built into aspects of the assessment process.
Communication
The open nature of entry to the OU means that we emphasise reading and writing skills at OU level 1. At higher levels we make assumptions about your basic abilities in these areas, although feedback from your tutor on your writing skills continues to be important. As you work on higher-level modules, you will find that the materials from which you work become increasingly complex and diverse, and you will need more sophisticated skills of interpretation, selection, analysis and synthesis.
Application of number
You are taught these basic skills at OU level 1 in specific parts of the available modules. These skills are further developed at OU level 2.
Information technology
These skills are introduced and used in a number of modules but form an important part of the OU level 2 and 3 compulsory modules. As such, a basic IT literacy is an outcome and requirement of the degree programme.
Problem solving
These skills are studied and developed in many of the case studies of policy and practice at OU level 2 and are taught and assessed in relation to the independent work students complete for the end-of-module assessment at OU level 3.
Learning how to learn
Because OU students are studying at a distance, there is a strong emphasis on helping you to develop as an independent learner. At OU level 1 this means helping you to develop your basic skills (e.g. time planning, using feedback and support) but also laying the foundation for the increasing emphasis on critical reflection and independent learning at OU levels 2 and 3. At OU level 3 this is built in through the requirement of the end-of-module assessment to demonstrate a degree of learning independent of the module materials.