KE3003 - Post Industrial Landscapes of the North East

What will I learn on this module?

Over the last four decades, the North East of England has experienced a series of profound changes across its economic, social, cultural and political landscapes. This module examines some of the key elements of this reinvention of the North East in the context of an increasingly global economy. Key themes include: uneven geographies of deindustrialisation and crisis; urban-rural contrasts; the North East’s new service economy; gender and class shifts in employment and unemployment; migrant labour; place-based competition; creative and cultural industries and new forms of urban regeneration. These various dimensions of North East’s contemporary reinvention will be discussed in the wider context of changing philosophies and instruments of government policy intervention. The module will be delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars and field teaching.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, seminars, field visits, independent learning and directed tasks (such as following up on specific readings recommended in lectures). The lectures will cover key issues, case study material, and exemplars. Directed and independent learning tasks will be set each week to allow you to explore the module material in your own way. A range of media and learning enhancement strategies (e.g. video and audio clips, quizzes, role play etc) will be incorporated into lectures to facilitate and enhance your learning experience.

Students will build a portfolio of work examining the changing North East built from the four field trips, which also permits a formative mode of assessment to let students to track their progress.

At the end of the module you will be assessed by an examination in which you are offered the opportunity to produce an essay related to one of the topics you have explored on the module. This form of examination is designed to encourage you to research, in detail, a selected topic from the module and produce a well-developed account of the subject supported by appropriate evidence in the form of an essay.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support with from tutors, and one-to-one sessions (via the Department’s open door policy). In addition, tutors will use the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal respond to questions via the so that the whole group can benefit. Time will be set aside in lectures to provide opportunities for Q&A on assignments and formative feedback.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Recognise the spatial dimensions of major economic, social and political changes that have reshaped the North East landscape over the last three decades and the way in which these changing patterns help create new geographical divisions and inequalities.
• Recognise the ways that policy makers, institutions and other agencies respond to major economic, social and political change through regeneration programmes and other initiatives.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Appreciate the value of a geographical perspective in understanding and interpreting economic, social and political change in the North East region.
• Undertake effective field work through critical observation, research and investigation, and
interaction with experts and practitioners
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Work individually and in collaboration with others.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the module, working small groups, students will produce multimedia portfolio based on the themes of the fieldtrips as well as the relevant theoretical debates and academic themes. This work will be assessed by staff both formatively through participation in the production process of the portfolio and summatively after the submission, accounting for 40% of the module mark (K&U 1 & 2, I/PS&A 1 & 2, PVA 1)

At the end of semester there will be a 2-hour examination (60%) in which you will choose to write an essay on one of the themes covered in the lectures/seminars and fieldtrips. (K&U 1 & 2, I/PS&A 1)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Over the last four decades, the North East of England has experienced a series of profound changes across its economic, social, cultural and political landscapes. This module examines some of the key elements of this reinvention of the North East in the context of an increasingly global economy. Key themes include: uneven geographies of deindustrialisation and crisis; urban-rural contrasts; the North East’s new service economy; gender and class shifts in employment and unemployment; migrant labour; place-based competition; creative and cultural industries and new forms of urban regeneration. The module will be delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars and field teaching. It is assessed by a portfolio and a written examination. Your learning will be further supported and enhanced through engagement with a range of interactive online resources available via the module eLP site.

Course info

UCAS Code F920

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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