Natural Hazard Management BSc (Hons) pathway
The Geography (Natural Hazard Management) pathway BSc (Hons) provides you with the foundational knowledge and understanding of natural hazard processes and the dynamics between hazards, vulnerability, risk and disasters critical to hazard management.
The course explores both environmental and social dimensions of disasters at a range of scales from global to local. By understanding hazard processes, and learning how to assess their impacts, monitor changes and communicate effectively for crisis response, you will develop the knowledge and skills required to address the key hazard management challenges.
The BSc Geography (Natural Hazard Management) course contains core modules at each level of study. In Level 4 (Year 1), along with physical and human geography modules, you will learn about hazard processes, societal risks, vulnerabilities, and management strategies for a variety of hazards ranging at different scales. Level 5 (Year 2) you will experience more complex learning that integrates and applies geographical knowledge to different contexts culminating in the production of a proposal for an extended geographical project/dissertation at Level 6. In Level 6 (Final Year), you will further deepen your understanding of the ‘risk society’, resilience, adaptation and coping mechanisms knowledge of key hazard processes and management strategies in both UK and international context.
Natural Hazard Management
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including hazard identification, risk assessment, disaster management strategies, and sustainable development practices. You will also learn how to use advanced technologies and tools to analyse and forecast natural hazards, as well as to communicate effectively with stakeholders and decision-makers in times of crisis.
The pathway enhances the classroom learning experience with a variety of fieldworks such as along the coasts, lakes, rivers and mountains of North Wales (Eryri National Park –Snowdonia), the iconic landscapes of Peak District, the urban and industrial centres nearby to explore key hazard processes and connected human vulnerabilities in different settings first-hand. In addition to UK based fieldwork we also provide opportunities to an international field trip (currently to the Bay of Naples volcanic complex to explore environmental and social dimensions of volcanic risk and approaches to hazard management and emergency planning).
To ensure students are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills, the pathway planning incorporates the integration of the latest technological advances in natural hazard management. This includes utilising geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing techniques, statistics and computer modelling tools for hazard mapping, risk assessment, and emergency planning.
Upon completion of the natural hazard management specialist pathway, you will be well-prepared for careers in disaster management agencies, environmental consultancy firms, non-governmental organisations, water management firms, Geospatial firms and other relevant industries. You will also have the opportunity to pursue further studies at the postgraduate level in related fields such as environmental science, disaster management, geology, or emergency management.
Our natural hazard management pathway may include either a Year Abroad or Year in Industry. This will take place during the third year of study following completion of Level 5 (Year 2), with students returning to the University of Chester in their fourth year to complete Level 6.
When applying for this course with a specialist pathway, you will do so via UCAS. It is important to search for and submit your application for 'Geography BA/BSc (Hons)'. Your chosen pathway will be confirmed post-application, and this will be the award that you complete your studies with i.e. Geography (Natural Hazard Management) BSc (Hons).
Go back to Geography BA/BSc course page