Introduction

With the implementation of four-year undergraduate degree programmes in 2012, the Faculty of Social Sciences has introduced a joint admission practice for four Majors, namely Geography, Government & International Studies, History and Sociology. Under this new admission practice, students will be provided with a broad-based social sciences training in their first year with no specific majors. Upon the completion of the first year of study, students may apply to take “Geography” as their Major and enroll in the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Geography programme based on individual interest and academic performance.

Programme Description

The BSocSc (Hons) in Geography is structured so that students can either choose to specialize in certain sub-fields of the discipline at later stages of their study or to undertake a well-rounded training in Geography, in line with its synthesizing tradition. The BSocSc (Hons) in Geography enables students to obtain a firm foundation in geographical methodology while at the same time acquiring an understanding of the spatial order and interdependence of the world’s peoples and regions. Emphasis is placed on the ways in which geographers may assist in finding solutions to real world problems. Students are offered considerable freedom to take a broad spectrum of courses, particularly in their third and final years, when they may choose to concentrate on aspects of either physical or human geography.

Specifically, the Programme aims to:

1. Enable students to develop their knowledge of spatial order and their understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of geography;

2. Enable students to apply geographical perspectives in the analysis of global-local problems;

3. Facilitate student’s acquisition of the intellectual and practical skills needed to analyse, assess and interpret geographical information both independently and as part of a team;

4. Provide students with transferable skills applicable to both geographical and non-geographical careers as well as the ability to pursue postgraduate studies;

5. Enhance student communication and presentation skills; and

6. Promote a sense of life-long learning and a spirit of enquiry

Curriculum Structure and Study Schedule

The structure of the curriculum is as follows:

Social Sciences Common Core: 4 units
Major Required Courses: 30 units
Major Elective Courses: 33 units
Elective Courses: 30 units
General Education Courses: 31 units
Total: 128 units