Preliminary Examination in Geography

Differences from 2019/20 to 2022/23

A

The Preliminary Examination in Geography shall be under the supervision of the Divisional Board of Social Sciences and shall consist of such subjects as it shall prescribe by regulation.

B

  • 1.  Each candidate shall offer four papers as follows:

    • *  Earth Systems Processes

    • *  Human Geography

    • *  Geographical Techniques

    • *  Geographical Controversies

  • Each paper will be of three hours’ duration.

  • 2.  All candidates will be assessed as to their practical ability under the following provisions:

    • (a) Fieldwork. Candidates shall submit to using the ChairUniversity ofapproved Moderatorsonline assessment platform, not later than noon on the Monday of the sixth week of Trinity Full Term, a fieldwork folder containing accounts of fieldwork exercises. The requirements for this folder will be published by the Geography Undergraduate Teaching and Examining Committee at the beginning of the Michaelmas Full Term in the academic year of the examination.

    • (b) Geographical Techniques. The ChairmanChair of the Undergraduate Teaching and Examining Committee, or a deputy, shall make available to the Moderators, by the date of the first written paper, evidence showing the extent to which each candidate has pursued an adequate course of practical work for Geographical Techniques.

    • (c)  Geographical Controversies. Candidates shall submit tousing the ChairUniversity ofapproved Moderatorsonline assessment platform, not later than noon on the Monday of the sixth week of Trinity Full Term, a folder of practical work for the Geographical Controversies paper. The requirements for this folder will be published by the Geography Undergraduate Teaching and Examining Committee at the beginning of the Michaelmas Full Term in the academic year of the examination.

  • In assessing the candidates performance in the examination, the moderators shall take this evidence into account.

  • 3.  Candidates shall be deemed to have passed if they have satisfied the examiners in all four subjects and in the practical work requirements as outlined in section 2.

  • 4.  A candidate who fails in one or more subjects may offer that subject or subjects at one, and only one, subsequent examination. A candidate who fails in three or four subjects is required to re-sit all four papers. A candidate who fails to satisfy the practical requirements as outlined in section 2 will be allowed one opportunity to resubmit this work.

  • 5.  Examiners may award a distinction to candidates of special merit who have passed all four subjects and satisfied the requirements for practical work outlined in section 2.

  • 6.  The examiners will not provide calculators but will permit the use of any handheld calculator subject to the conditions set out under the heading 'Use of calculators in examinations' in the Regulations for the Conduct of University examinations.

  • Papers for the Preliminary Examination in Geography

    • 1.  Earth Systems Processes

      The paper will require an understanding of the physical geography of the Earth, based around core concepts and principles. Candidates should be able to display familiarity with mechanisms and processes under the headings of Geomorphology, Climatology, and Ecology and a grasp of linkages between topics taught under these headings.

    • 2.  Human Geography

      The paper will examine the following themes and the relationships between them at a variety of scales: Geographies of Space and Place; Geographies of Networks and Mobilities; Geographies of Power and Identity.

    • 3.  Geographical Controversies

      The paper will require an understanding of geographical controversies past and present. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical understanding of the use of evidence and data in geographical argument. Details of the materials to be covered for this course will be published by the Geography Undergraduate Teaching and Examining Committee at the beginning of the Michaelmas Full Term in the academic year of the examination

    • 4.  Geographical Techniques

      The subject will comprise theoretical and practical aspects of geographical techniques. Candidates will be expected to be conversant with problem-solving in both human and physical branches of the discipline. Details of the areas to be covered will be published by the Geography Undergraduate Teaching and Examining Committee at the beginning of the Michaelmas Full Term in the academic year of the examination.