University Puts Geography Back on the Map

University puts geography back on the map

The University of Wolverhampton is putting geography back on the map with a new cutting-edge degree course that could quite literally change the world.

The new Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Geography, Urban Environments and Climate Change will focus on green awareness, renewable energy and the impacts of climate change, combining aspects of architecture, construction, environmental health and civil engineering.

Students will study how sustainable solutions can be incorporated into the infrastructure of built environments, with focus on brownfield development, energy efficient buildings, smart cities and green infrastructure, including green roofs, sustainable urban drainage systems and integrated transport systems.

The course is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required by the ‘low carbon and environmental goods and services’ (LCEGS) sector (or ‘green economy’) worth £128bn to the economy which employed more than a million people 2011-12 and continues to grow.

Dr Brian Shiplee, Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Built Environment, said: “For the first time in human history, over 50% of people around the world live in cities. The expanding growth of megacities, of which there are 28 currently, is leading to the creation of megaregions. All urban environments present challenges, however, climate change will test the resilience of our current infrastructure beyond anything experienced so far.

“This course is designed to develop the skills and knowledge required for the future green economy – enabling increased efficiency of resource use whilst creating more equitable communities.”