About Geography, BA - at Trinity College Dublin
The Geography Department at Trinity College is in the School of Natural Sciences within the Faculty of Science. There are two paths by which Geography may be studied in the Department.
Students who wish to read for a Single Honours degree in Geography (B.A. Moderatorship) study the subject through Natural Sciences. Science students combine Geography with other science subjects in the first two years and study Geography on its own in the Sophister (third and fourth) years.
Those who prefer to combine the study of Geography with a second subject from the humanities or social sciences may read for a Combined Honours (Two Subject Moderatorship) degree. The second subject is chosen from the following list: Economics, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology.
For both Natural Science (NS) and Two Subject Moderatorship (TSM) students, the undergraduate programme in Geography is broadly similar during the first two years and both streams of students study a fixed series of courses. This is designed to introduce students to the major elements and branches of the discipline during these years.
During the Sophister (third and fourth) years, a considerable choice of courses is available to both Natural Science and TSM students, allowing them to pursue studies of a more advanced and specialised nature.
Field CoursesFieldwork is an essential component of a training in Geography. During the course of the academic year, field excursions in the Dublin region are held for Senior Freshman students.
A residential Field Course is also generally taken, normally prior to the start of the Junior Sophister year. If it is not taken then, it MUST be taken at the start of the Senior Sophister year. Students who wish to be exempted from the Field Course requirement must first obtain permission from the Head of Department. The course may also be attended by Senior Freshman students if places are available. Fees for these courses are additional to normal College fees.
DissertationIn addition to their coursework, all sophister students undertake a substantial research project (usually field based) for a dissertation which they submit during their Senior Sophister year.
