Why Study Geography?

Geography is one of the most exciting and fast-moving academic subjects. It is also one of the most relevant to the world around us. A training in Geography helps us to understand how the physical world works; how people interact both with each other and with the physical world; how landscapes (both physical and human) evolve; and how people interact with the environment and the ways in which the environment needs to be managed and conserved. No other subject takes in so many different perspectives and brings them all together to create a unique way of looking at and understanding our world. Whether your interests are more towards physical geography or human geography or the environment, you will find that we offer you the chance to develop your interests and develop an enriched understanding of what is taking place on our planet.

What Opportunities are there to study Geography at Liverpool Hope?

Do I need A level Geography to get a place on the course?

Many students do have A level (or equivalent level courses in) Geography or Environmental Science but we have many successful students who have not come with this background. Year 1 is about ensuring all students have a very solid foundation of geographical understanding and experience and also learning the very different approach required for degree level work. An enthusiastic approach is very important, and a strong commitment to the course. Students have learned to value the differing experiences of their colleagues and this contributes to the richness of the learning experience.

How will I be taught?

You will come across a wide variety of teaching situations on the Geography course. During the first year, all students come together for formal lectures, held in a lecture theatre. Students are also assigned to a small seminar group with a designated tutor who is responsible for their academic welfare throughout the year. These are held in a small seminar room. There are also practical sessions of 30-40 students which are held in laboratories and computer laboratories.

In the second and third years, similar formats are adopted, depending on the number of students on a unit. Some units are largely run as lectures, others take a more workshop/seminar approach, others are entirely taught through fieldwork.

How will I be assessed?

In year one, the course is assessed by coursework only, although this will include short tests to allow the development of skills required in examination in later years.

In the second and third years there is a wide variety of assessment methods – some units are coursework only, while others are 50% coursework and 50% exam.

What locations do students go to for fieldwork?

In the first year all students will take part in two fieldwork sessions. In October, they will go in small groups to Hope’s field centre – Plas Caerdeon (North Wales) – for a weekend. Later in the year they will do a week’s fieldwork in one of two international locations – currently Malta or Romania. We actively encourage every student to have the experience of international fieldwork as part of their degree course to enable them to gain a different perspective and understanding of the world.

In the second and third years a wide variety of fieldwork destinations are used. Rural locations include the Yorkshire Dales, Anglesey, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Coast, and the internationally important coasts around Merseyside (including the Sefton Coast and the Dee Estuary). Urban areas include the fast-changing cities of Liverpool and Manchester.

Current overseas locations used in Year 2 and 3 include the French Alps, Romania and Berlin.

Is fieldwork compulsory?

Yes! Fieldwork is an enjoyable and essential part of Geography and important skills and experience are gained on fieldwork elements of the course. In the first year, students take part in compulsory weekend fieldwork in October and a week of fieldwork in March/April. In the second and third years, the fieldwork component depends on the individual options – some units have no fieldwork element, some include 1 or 2 days fieldwork while others are 100% fieldwork. Fieldwork does involve a cost for students – this depends on the destination and the length of the fieldwork. Students with disabilities are not excluded from fieldwork, but special arrangements will be made for them depending on their particular needs.

What are the Geography tutors like?

We are a small and friendly team of tutors with a wide range of geographical specialisms. We take pride in being accessible to students and offering them a level of support which isn’t always found at larger universities. We have an established tradition of accepting students with a diverse range of entry qualifications and an excellent record of supporting them in attaining a University of Liverpool degree at the end of three years study. One of the most common comments from our graduating students is how committed and helpful the tutors have been during their time at Hope. There is also a ‘learning mentor’ within the Geography team – a recent graduate of our Geography course who really understands what doing the course is like! She is available in designated hours.

Will I need to buy a lot of equipment and books?

Students need access to appropriate learning resources and for most courses there is a recommended course text. These are available in the library but students are advised to buy certain key books – many students share this expense or find second hand copies. On fieldwork, for safety and comfort reasons, students will need access to waterproof outer clothing, a rucksack and, for most locations stout, waterproof boots. In North Wales this equipment can be borrowed from Hope’s field centre. Students are advised on these needs early on the course.

What qualifications do I need to get on this course?

Any of the following:

Some students may have previous learning or work experience that could count in part towards their course assessment. If you are seeking entry to the BA (Hons) Tourism and Leisure and have prior relevant experience or learning, you may wish to be considered for entry at an advanced level.

We particularly welcome mature applicants. If you cannot meet the formal entry requirements, applications will be considered from those with industry experience, or who can demonstrate their aptitude to undertake a degree level course.

How will I be taught?

Tourism and leisure units are usually taught in small groups (currently around 20-25 students). This means that lectures are small and supportive learning environment where students have a full opportunity to participate. Lectures typically include looking at case studies, group discussions and group workshops. Some of the Business units which make up the course are also taught as more formal lectures to a larger group of students.

How will I be assessed?

Most units are assessed using a mixture of coursework and exams, although there are a number of units which are assessed 100% through coursework. There are many different types of coursework assessment, including essays, report writing, group and individual presentations, fieldwork assignments, poster presentations, and brochure analysis.

Is Fieldwork part of the course?

Yes! Fieldwork is an important activity. Not only does it give you a greater understanding of actual tourism/leisure situations but it also enables students to get to know one another better. All first year students take part in a week's fieldwork. This is currently in Wales but we are proposing to introduce a trip to look at tourism change on Malta. In the second and third years individual units may include fieldwork components to destinations such as Manchester's Trafford Centre or North Wales. In addition there are two optional units (Countryside Recreation and Adventure Tourism) which are taught almost entirely through fieldwork at Liverpool Hope's field centre - Plas Caerdeon - in North Wales.

Will I need to buy a lot of books?

Students need access to appropriate learning resources and for most courses there is a recommended course text. These are available in the library but students are advised to buy certain key books – many students share this expense or find second hand copies.

Tourism and Leisure Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to get on this course?

Any of the following:

• AVCE or GNVQ Travel & Tourism
• AVCE or GNVQ Leisure & Recreation
• 2 A Levels in any subject alongside an interest in tourism and leisure
• BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in any subject
• Completion of an accredited access course
• Other equivalent qualifications

Some students may have previous learning or work experience that could count in part towards their course assessment. If you are seeking entry to the BA (Hons) Tourism and Leisure and have prior relevant experience or learning, you may wish to be considered for entry at an advanced level.

We particularly welcome mature applicants. If you cannot meet the formal entry requirements, applications will be considered from those with industry experience, or who can demonstrate their aptitude to undertake a degree level course.

How will I be taught?

Tourism and leisure units are usually taught in small groups (currently around 20-25 students). This means that lectures are small and supportive learning environment where students have a full opportunity to participate. Lectures typically include looking at case studies, group discussions and group workshops. Some of the Business units which make up the course are also taught as more formal lectures to a larger group of students.

How will I be assessed?

Most units are assessed using a mixture of coursework and exams, although there are a number of units which are assessed 100% through coursework. There are many different types of coursework assessment, including essays, report writing, group and individual presentations, fieldwork assignments, poster presentations, and brochure analysis.

Is Fieldwork part of the course?

Yes! Fieldwork is an important activity. Not only does it give you a greater understanding of actual tourism/leisure situations but it also enables students to get to know one another better. All first year students take part in a week's fieldwork. This is currently in Wales but we are proposing to introduce a trip to look at tourism change on Malta. In the second and third years individual units may include fieldwork components to destinations such as Manchester's Trafford Centre or North Wales. In addition there are two optional units (Countryside Recreation and Adventure Tourism) which are taught almost entirely through fieldwork at Liverpool Hope's field centre - Plas Caerdeon - in North Wales.

Will I need to buy a lot of books?

Students need access to appropriate learning resources and for most courses there is a recommended course text. These are available in the library but students are advised to buy certain key books – many students share this expense or find second hand copies.

What are the Tourism and Leisure tutors like?

We are a small and friendly team of tutors with a wide range of experience of tourism and leisure. We take pride in being accessible to students and offering them a level of support which isn’t always found at larger universities. We have an established tradition of accepting students with a diverse range of entry qualifications and an excellent record of supporting them in attaining a University of Liverpool degree at the end of three years study.

What do students do when they graduate from the course?

A degree in Tourism and Leisure opens the door to a wide range of careers. Possible careers include:

In addition a degree in Tourism and Leisure gives students a wide range of transferable skills which open up career opportunities in the wider private/commercial sectors.

There are also increasing opportunities to study tourism and leisure at postgraduate level.