2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Hobart, Online
This interdisciplinary unit can be taken as an elective. It is suitable for students with backgrounds including (but not limited to) Business; Economics; English; History; Government; Law; Management; Psychology; Science and Sociology. It is also open to students who study on other campuses and online, but you must be able to attend the 4-day field trip on Bruny Island. Please consult the unit coordinator for further information.
Introduction
This unit develops your ability to integrate theoretical knowledge, methodological approaches, and practical skills for undertaking research and practise in human geography and other social science fields. With a focus on researching island places and peoples, you will develop an understanding of core geographical concepts, such as space, place, region, and landscape. You will identify and explore the significance and relevance of these concepts to a range of issues affecting islands and islanders from around the world. You will build awareness of the applicability of different methodologies and methods popular within human geography inquiry for researching island places. You will be equipped to experiment with fieldwork ethnography, qualitative interviewing, and textual analysis. Employing a case study lens, you will utilise these research techniques, individually and as part of small group work, during a 4-day field trip to Bruny Island, Tasmania. Throughout and following the fieldtrip, you will analyse your research findings to create new knowledge about island life and island futures that are of relevance to islands and other places. These research skills and techniques are central to professional careers in fields such as regional and cultural development, local government, heritage management, natural resource management, and environmental planning and conservation.
Summary
| Unit name | Researching Geographies of Island Places |
| Unit code | KGA318 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Andrew Harwood |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Hobart | Trimester |
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| Online | Trimester |
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- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester | 1/11/2026 | 23/11/2026 | 23/12/2026 | 13/2/2027 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse a range of issues, dynamics, challenges and opportunities affecting island places and peoples within diverse geographical contexts;
- research island places to create new understandings of how they are represented, governed and experienced through field work and project-based inquiry;
- communicate critical, coherent and evidence-based geographical thinking about island places through writing, speaking and academic integrity.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 090309 | $2,174.00 | $1,020.00 | not applicable | $2,562.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | On-campus: 2 x 180-minute sessions for three weeks + 4-day field trip + independent study (reading and assessment preparation) |
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| Assessment | Field Journal (30%)|Fieldwork Preparation: Template and Presentation (30%)|Fieldwork Analysis and Reflection (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Reading materials will be supplied by the unit coordinator on MyLO and via email. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.