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GEG-20052 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

GEG-20052 - Mobilities: Travel, tourism and sustainability
Coordinator: Clare Holdsworth Tel: +44 1782 7 33167
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

none

Barred Combinations

none

Description for 2026/27

In this module, you will explore the dynamic world of mobility and tourism, and the challenges of making travel sustainable in a rapidly changing world. You will investigate how tourism and travel shape societies, economies, cultures and environments; while considering the environmental, social and ethical impacts of mobility at local, regional and global scales.
You will develop your understanding of key geographical theories for analysing tourism and mobility, and learn to critically evaluate contemporary debates around sustainability, responsible travel and climate impacts. Your learning will enable you to analyse patterns of mobility, evaluate the sustainability of tourism practices and communicate your findings in both academic and applied contexts.

Aims
Explore the social, cultural, environmental and economic dimensions of travel, tourism and mobility, considering both local and global contexts.
Examine the environmental and social sustainability challenges associated with tourism and mobility, including climate change, resource use and inequalities.
Introduce students to key geographical theories and frameworks for understanding mobilities and tourism and their impacts on people and places.
Develop students’ ability to critically analyse tourism and mobility patterns, drawing on empirical data, case studies and geographical theories.
Encourage students to reflect on the ethical and cultural implications of travel and tourism, fostering awareness of responsible and sustainable mobility.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain key concepts and frameworks related to mobilities, tourism and sustainability: 1
Evaluate academic literature on tourism and mobility, demonstrating the ability to synthesise different perspectives in a structured literature review.: 1
Analyse the environmental, social and ethical implications of tourism and mobility at multiple scales.: 2
Apply geographical theories and empirical evidence to a case study, assessing strategies for responsible and sustainable mobility.: 2

Study hours

Active learning
Interactive lectures: 18 x 1 hours
Workshops: 4 hours
Seminars: 8 hours
Structured engagement with online resources: 10 hours over the semester
Independent study:
Preparation and completion of assessments: 60
Independent study/reading in preparation for lectures and seminars: 50

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Literature Review weighted 50%
Literature review
Students will prepare a literature review of selected bibliography. The review will include different perspectives highlighting contradictions and debates. Students will be provided with key texts which they will supplement with their own searches in relation to a topic of their choice. A workshop on literature searching will support this assessment, along with formative assessment of students' selected bibliography. Students will submit an annotated bibliography alongside their review. Word count: 2000 words (Including annotated bibliography)

2: Report weighted 50%
Case study report on responsible and sustainable mobility
Students will write a report on a location of their choice exploring how it has been affected by different forms of mobility and opportunities for responsible and sustainable mobility. Word count 1500 words

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026