An open and questioning approach to ideas, demonstrating curiosity, independence of thought and the ability to appreciate a range of perspectives on the natural and social worlds

 Physical Geography students:

• encounter a huge range of ideas as they explore our “plural and contested” discipline
• are rewarded for recognising and making sense of different points of view
• are required to develop their own well-informed opinions on controversial topics
• are explicitly taught to explore, research and investigate the world around them
• can do hands-on fieldwork and project work throughout the programme

An appreciation of the development and value of Geography, awareness of its context and links with other disciplines, and awareness of the provisional and dynamic nature of knowledge

Physical Geography students: 

• learn explicitly about the history, development and applications of the discipline 
• are rewarded for appreciating the “plural and contested” nature of Geography
• explore work at the cutting edge of new ideas that constantly renew or replace our knowledge of the world around us
• carry out their own independent research close to the forefront of the discipline

Information literacy: the ability to locate, evaluate and synthesise large amounts of frequently conflicting information, ideas and data

Physical Geography students: 

• have specific training in information literacy and are rewarded for good practice
• learn to evaluate sources critically and make choices between alternative sources 
• access, evaluate and use many different types of information 
• create original data of their own by fieldwork or experimentation, and use this in combination with previously published data 
• become adept  in collecting, analysing,  and representing data in different forms

The ability creatively to solve problems using a range of different approaches and techniques, and to determine which techniques are appropriate for the issue at hand

Physical Geography students: 

• learn a wide range of research and analytical techniques
• carry out group and independent project work doing real research
• are taught research-design skills, and apply them in both field and laboratory
• are given the flexibility to try out different approaches in their own work
• are set a variety of different challenges requiring different solutions

An appreciation of the social, environmental and global implications of your studies and other activities, including recognition of any ethical implications

Physical Geography students: 

• are explicitly trained to recognise ethical and safety issues related to their work
• are assessed on the completion of risk and ethics assessments for projects
• explore environmental hazards, resources, and environmental change
• study the global environment as the home of humankind
• study within a School with strong environmental, social and ethical commitments

The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written and verbal forms for different purposes and to a variety of audiences

Physical Geography students: 

• have clarity of communication at the heart of their idea of professional good practice
• work to a clearly articulated “House Style” that encourages careful discipline
• learn presentation skills including report writing, giving talks, and creating posters
• have the opportunity to take part in conference-style presentations
• are taught to present work in particular styles for particular purposes or audiences

The knowledge, skills, self-confidence and self-awareness actively to pursue your future goals

Physical Geography students: 

• have  the opportunity to develop real expertise in their chosen options
• can carry out advanced independent project work to an extremely high level
• are offered challenges within the course, and gain confidence in meeting them
• are provided with tools and training to record their progress and achievements
• work within a community that is supportive and constructive but critical and reflective 
• are taught to see their subject knowledge and skills in an employability context
• are encouraged to aspire to goals that exceed their pre-University expectations

The ability and motivation to participate responsibly and collaboratively as an active citizen in the communities in which you live and work

Physical Geography students: 

• learn to work individually and in groups within a larger academic community
• engage in complex collaborative project work and team-based exercises
• learn about the broad international community of scientific practice
• work in a subject that has clear links to wider society and environment
• have very clear career opportunities linked to the wellbeing of the community

A professional and reflective approach, including qualities of leadership, responsibility, personal integrity, empathy, care and respect for others, accountability and self-regulation

Physical Geography students: 

• are taught about professional standards by tutors with professional qualifications
• are rewarded in assessments for adopting good professional practice
• follow clear guidelines in their work, including rules about personal integrity and respect for others
• have opportunities to develop leadership skills through teamwork
• are given the freedom that requires them to exercise self-regulation
• are taught by staff who value, adopt and exemplify these characteristics

The flexibility to thrive in rapidly changing and uncertain external environments and to update skills and knowledge as circumstances require

Physical Geography students: 

• work closely with the idea of environmental change and dynamic systems 
• learn that old techniques can be adapted and re-applied for use with new problems 
• learn explicitly about the provisional and dynamic nature of knowledge
• become familiar with working in rapidly changing environments
• gain confidence both in their expertise and in their own flexibility by tackling difficult challenges within their work