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PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM
SECTION 1 – THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
1. Programme title and designation Geography
For undergraduate programmes only Single honours Joint Major/minor
2. Final award
Award Title Credit value
ECTS
equivalent
Any special criteria
BA Geography 360 180 The award for students who take ‘BA Geography Research Tutorials’ and ‘Field Research in Human Geography’ and are not on the GSA pathway will be the BA in Geography BSc Geography 360 180 The award for students who take ‘BSc Research Tutorials’ and ‘Field Research in Physical Geography’ or are on the GSA pathway will be the BSc in Geography
3. Nested award
Award Title Credit value
ECTS
equivalent
Any special criteria
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
4. Exit award
Award Title Credit value
ECTS
equivalent
Any special criteria
Ordinary Degree (BA/BSc)
Geography 300 150 n/a
Undergraduate Diploma
Geography 240 120 n/a
Undergraduate Certificate
Geography 120 60 n/a
5. Level in the qualifications framework H 6. Attendance
Full-time Part-time Distance learning Mode of attendance (^) x n/a n/a Minimum length of programme 3 Maximum length of programme 10
7. Awarding institution/body King’s College London 8. Teaching institution King’s College London 9. Proposing department Geography 10. Programme organiser and contact Dr. Alex Loftus
x
PAF Approved by QA&AA: 21 April 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 17 th^ March 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 19 May 2010 PAF Amended by ASQ for 2010/11: 19 th^ May 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: November 2010 PAF modified by ASQ for 2011/12: 9 th^ May 2011 PAF finalised for 2012/13: 18 September 2012
Details [email protected]
11. UCAS code (if appropriate) BA (Single Honours) L700; BSc (Single Honours) F 12. Relevant QAA subject benchmark/ professional and statutory body guidelines
Geography
13. Date of production of specification January, 2008 14. Date of programme review 2018/ 16. Educational aims of the programme - to provide a thorough training in the subject matter and techniques of Geography - to develop in students a range of intellectual, practical and transferable skills, embedding their practice and assessment within the process of learning about Geography - to encourage a spirit of enquiry among our students - to develop an ethical awareness of their place within a changing world - to develop detailed academic, practical and methodological knowledge based on students’ chosen degree pathway (as described below) 17. Educational objectives of the programme/programme outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding and skills in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the following:
(a) The reciprocal relationships between physical and human aspects of environments and landscapes. (b) The concepts of space , place , scale and system and how these affect both physical and human processes and their interaction. Special emphasis is placed on London and its environs. (c) The importance of change in understanding the human and physical worlds, their interaction and interdependence. (d) The nature of difference and inequality within economic, social and cultural environments. (e) A critical appreciation of the nature of the discipline as a dynamic and
These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies : Lectures, seminars, tutorials and research project supervision. Additionally, practical and laboratory classes are used where appropriate. A variety of fieldwork opportunities are built in to the programme, especially those in or near London. Additionally, students are expected to engage in directed reading and extensive use of the library resources (including electronic forms of learning materials).
Assessment : Assessment of knowledge, understanding and skills is an integrated process. Methods are: seen and unseen exam papers, coursework essays and
PAF Approved by QA&AA: 21 April 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 17 th^ March 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 19 May 2010 PAF Amended by ASQ for 2010/11: 19 th^ May 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: November 2010 PAF modified by ASQ for 2011/12: 9 th^ May 2011 PAF finalised for 2012/13: 18 September 2012
geographical research is further embedded in the Year 3 module ‘Current Research in Geography’.
Assessment : Methods are: seen and unseen exam papers, coursework essays and projects, oral examinations, group and individual research projects, including dissertations, posters and web-based assessment. These methods are integrated with oral feedback in tutorials and seminars. Additionally, specific feedback sessions are held to return coursework, with the appropriate staff present to answer queries.
Practical skills :
(a) Planning, designing and executing an individual piece of research, including the production of a thesis/report. (b) Undertaking effective fieldwork. (c) Preparing effective maps and diagrams. (d) Employing a variety of social survey and interpretative methods for collecting and analysing information from the human world. (e) Employing a variety of technical and laboratory-based methods for the collection and analysis of spatial and environmental information.
These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies :
In Year 1 all students take the module ‘Principles of Geographical Inquiry’, which, through lectures and practical classes, addresses the need to develop a skills base for our undergraduates. In Year 2 this basic knowledge is deepened by the following core modules: ‘Geographical Research Skills’ and either ‘BAGeography Tutorials’ or ‘BSc Geography Tutorials’, and either ‘Field Research in Physical Geography’ or ‘Field Research in Human Geography’, which are taught by a combination of lectures, practical classes, laboratory work and field work. These Year 1 and Year 2 modules form a spine of methodological training, which culminates in the production of an Independent Geographical Study in Year 3.
Assessment :
Methods are: seen and unseen exam papers, coursework essays and projects,
PAF Approved by QA&AA: 21 April 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 17 th^ March 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 19 May 2010 PAF Amended by ASQ for 2010/11: 19 th^ May 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: November 2010 PAF modified by ASQ for 2011/12: 9 th^ May 2011 PAF finalised for 2012/13: 18 September 2012
oral examinations, group and individual research projects, including dissertations, posters and web-based assessment. These methods are integrated with oral feedback in tutorials and seminars. Additionally, specific feedback sessions are held to return coursework, with the appropriate staff present to answer queries.
Generic/transferable skills :
(a) Ability to work both creatively and independently. (b) Ability to work in groups and teams. (c) Ability to produce effective written communication. (d) Ability to effectively present verbally a range of complex information. (e) Competence in numerical and computational skills. (f) Ability to effectively utilise a range of field and laboratory techniques. (g) Ability to handle a wide range of information resources and technologies. (h) Taking responsibility for their own learning and reflecting upon their learning process.
These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies :
The development of generic skills is embedded in the range of learning activities comprising the Geography Programme. Specifically, the following modules pay particular attention to these skills:
Year 1: ‘Geography Tutorials’ and small group tutorials and ‘Principles of Geographical Inquiry’ Year 2: ‘Geographical Research Skills’, ‘BA Geography Research Tutorials’, ‘BSc Geography Research Tutorials’, ‘Field Research in Physical Geography’ and ‘Field Research in Human Geography’. Fieldwork, which is embedded in the two fieldwork modules, provides training in group work, making presentations and defining and executing research projects. Year 3: ‘Independent Geographical Study’.
Assessment :
Methods are: seen and unseen exam papers, coursework essays and projects, oral examinations, group and individual research projects, including dissertations, posters and web-based assessment. These methods are integrated with oral feedback in
PAF Approved by QA&AA: 21 April 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 17 th^ March 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 19 May 2010 PAF Amended by ASQ for 2010/11: 19 th^ May 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: November 2010 PAF modified by ASQ for 2011/12: 9 th^ May 2011 PAF finalised for 2012/13: 18 September 2012
relevant to those pathways, as follows: 1) Urban and Cultural Geography ‘Space, Society and Culture’; 2) Physical Geography ‘Physical Geography: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms’; 3) Society, Environment and Geography ‘Society, Environment and Geography: The Nature of Environment’; 4) Development Geography ‘Development Geography: Livelihoods and Policy Contexts’; 5) Geocomputation and Spatial Analysis: ‘Geocomputation’ AND ‘Spatial Analysis’. Modules associated with specific pathways may also be chosen as optional modules by students who have selected other pathways. Students taking the Urban and Cultural Geography and Development Geography pathways will be required to take ‘BA Geography Research Tutorials’. Students taking the Society, Environment and Geography pathway can take either the ‘BA Geography Research Tutorials’ or the ‘BSc Geography Research Tutorials’ and ‘Field Research in Human Geography’; or ‘BSc Geography Tutorials’ and ‘Field Research in Physical Geography’. Students taking the Physical Geography pathway will be required to take ‘BSc Geography Tutorials’ and ‘Field Research in Physical Geography’. All modules at level 5. Students taking the Geocomputation and Spatial Analysis pathway will be required to take ‘BA Geography Research Tutorials’ and ‘Field Research in Human Geography’; or ‘BSc Geography Research Tutorials’ and ‘Field Research in Physical Geography’
Year 3: 120 credits earned through 1 core 30 credit module (the Independent Geographical Study), 1 compulsory 15 credit module and 5 optional 15 credit modules. The compulsory 15 credit module is Current Research in Geography. All modules at level 6.
(b) range of credit levels permitted within the programme
Levels 4 through 6
(c) maximum number of credits permitted at the lowest level
150
(d) minimum number of credits required at the highest level
90
(e) progression and award requirements (if different from the standard)
n/a
(f) maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded)
45
(g) are students permitted to take a substitute module, as per regulation A3, 20.7? Yes
(h) other relevant information to explain the programme structure Students may opt to take modules with a total credit value of no greater than 30 from outside PAF Approved by QA&AA: 21 April 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 17 th^ March 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 19 May 2010 PAF Amended by ASQ for 2010/11: 19 th^ May 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: November 2010 PAF modified by ASQ for 2011/12: 9 th^ May 2011 PAF finalised for 2012/13: 18 September 2012
the degree programme in their second and third year of study subject to the approval of the Chair of the Undergraduate Board of Studies.
Students must pass the Independent Geographical Study (IGS, Dissertation) in order to graduate with an honours degree
The award for students who take ‘BA Geography Research Tutorials’ and ‘Field Research in Human Geography’ will be the BA in Geography. The award for students who take ‘BSc Geography Research Tutorials’ and ‘Field Research in Physical Geography’, will be the BSc in Geography.
20. Marking criteria
The College generic criteria for assessment of undergraduate work apply to the assessment of this Programme.
21. Particular features of the programme which help to reduce the barriers experienced by disabled students and ensure that the programme is accessible to all students who meet the entry requirements
The programme will mainly be conducted within the Strand Campus and Waterloo Campus where the space is easily accessible and up-to-date AV facilities are available. Wherever possible field visits also permit full access by students with a range of disabilities. Materials for the programme will wherever possible be made available on the web to enable subsequent application of computer-based aids.
PAF Approved by QA&AA: 21 April 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 17 th^ March 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 19 May 2010 PAF Amended by ASQ for 2010/11: 19 th^ May 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: November 2010 PAF modified by ASQ for 2011/12: 9 th^ May 2011 PAF finalised for 2012/13: 18 September 2012
5. Please provide a rationale for any such time outside the College, other than that which is a requirement of a professional, regulatory or statutory body
Opportunities to study abroad expose students to a wider range of approaches to the discipline of Geography than would be possible within the University of London. Given the strong place-bound nature of the subject, the chance to study Geography in a variety of different regional settings further exposes them to the varied nature of human and physical environments. Studying overseas also inculcates qualities of independence and the self- management of study and life skills that can provide valuable additional experience in preparing students for the world of work. Currently, programmes abroad include one-year in U.S. universities and one semester in institutions in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Participation in the V.S.O. scheme provides many of the same qualities of opportunity though being practically based it does not count as a substitute year in academic terms, but as effectively a ‘year out’.
Students studying abroad as part of the College’s Exchange Programmes are credited with either 120 credits for their second year of study or 60 credits for a term. Students will be guided by an internal Study Abroad co-ordinator to ensure that the modules taken elsewhere fit specifically into the department’s pathways to maintain consistency for these students.
6. Please give details if the programme requires validation or accreditation by a professional, regulatory or statutory body N/A Name and address of PSB
Frequency of validation/ accreditation Date of next validation/ accreditation
7. In cases where parts or all of the programme (other than those in box 4 above) are delivered either away from one of the College campuses and/or by a body or bodies external to the College please provide the following details
Name and address of the off-campus location and/or external body
Constituent Colleges of the University of London
Percentage/amount of the programme delivered off-campus or by external body
Up to 30 credits in total across both Years 2 and 3 (i.e. maximum total is 60 credits across both years)
Nature of the involvement of external body
PAF Approved by QA&AA: 21 April 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 17 th^ March 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 19 May 2010 PAF Amended by ASQ for 2010/11: 19 th^ May 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: November 2010 PAF modified by ASQ for 2011/12: 9 th^ May 2011 PAF finalised for 2012/13: 18 September 2012
Students can opt to take a wide variety of modules provided by other Colleges of the University of London, subject to the approval of the Chair of the Undergraduate Teaching Committee, Department of Geography, King’s College London and their counterparts in the Colleges concerned. The Geography Department will only approve external modules if the providing institution does not make a charge.
Description of the learning resources available at the off-campus location
What mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the ongoing monitoring of the delivery of the programme, to include monitoring of learning resources off-site or by the external body?
Please attach the report of the visit to the off-campus location.
PAF Approved by QA&AA: 21 April 2007 PAF Approved by QA&AA for 2008/9: 17 th^ March 2009 PAF modified by ASQ re: exit awards: 19 May 2010 PAF Amended by ASQ for 2010/11: 19 th^ May 2010 PAF finalised for 2010/11: November 2010 PAF modified by ASQ for 2011/12: 9 th^ May 2011 PAF finalised for 2012/13: 18 September 2012
