Programme Overview

The Certificate in Environmental Geography is a one-year programme of study encompassing aspects of physical, human, and environmental geography. Candidates are introduced to current approaches in geographical thinking, theory and techniques, spatial analysis, and interpreting the built and natural environment, as well as key topics within the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by the Department of Geography, such as climate change, natural hazards, economic development, and social justice.
On successful completion, the Certificate qualifies all candidates for direct entry to the Degree programs in Geography, which offer a higher level of understanding, more hands-on experience in the field, and advanced theoretical and applied knowledge.

PROGRAMME GOALS

• Proficiency in basic digital mapping technologies
• Identifying and interpreting data that can be analysed spatially
• Introductory Earth Science and Social Science data collection techniques and methods
• Creation of a statistical foundation for future study
• Discussion of complex and interconnected social, cultural and political interactions
• Dissemination and communication of research and theory to various stakeholders on geographical and environmental issues
• Achieve the broader entry requirements of the degrees in Geography and ENRM

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

1. To afford all persons the opportunity to gain the extensive knowledge and understanding of the major issues and events relating to physical and human environments in the Caribbean region and wider world;
2. To understand how aspects of the environment interrelate to influence the activities of humans and how human activities in turn affect and change the wider physical environment;
3. To promote and develop awareness and understanding of the major concepts, processes, and theories relevant to the physical and human geographical phenomena in the Caribbean;
4. To recognize spatial patterns in Geography and develop the skills to analyse them using tools such as GIS;
5. To practice research skills including the collection, collation and use of geographic data;
6. To extend the knowledge of technologies and geographical techniques, as well as current critical theories in human and physical geography that can be beneficial in assessing social and environmental impacts in SIDS.

GRADUATE CAREER PATHS
Spatial literacy is an essential knowledge and skill area for environmental careers. The Certificate introduces candidates to spatial analyses in a variety of contexts, and also prepares candidates for geographical positions that require an understanding of the relationships between people and their environment. Candidates who aim to work in sustainable development, environmental management, and geographical education would benefit from this programme. Moreover, the Certificate allows all successful candidates to matriculate into the Degree of Geography and/or ENRM.