Geography Pathways for International Students

The study of the Earth's landscapes, peoples, places and environments, geography deals with social sciences and natural sciences of life on earth. You can study both physical and human geography, which will usually both be covered in an undergraduate geography degree. Geography plays an important role in our understanding of physical and spatial systems, environments and the organisation and characteristics of society as a whole.

An undergraduate degree in geography will cover the basic geographical concepts, before moving onto more complex and developed ideas. You will study modules in the areas of environment, society, economy, research methods and development.

Your degree will be delivered in a mixture of modes. This will include lectures and seminars, as well as possible field trips. The field trips will allow you to use the skills you have been developing in a practical environment.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence the area in which you choose to work post-graduation. Common specialisations include:

• Environmental Geography
• Resource Geography
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Cartography and Mapping
• Climate Change
• Migration and Displacement
• Physical Geography
• Earth Sciences

If your degree requires you to write a dissertation, this will give you the opportunity to further research and explore a favoured area of geography.

The accreditation of your degree course will depend on where you choose to study, as well as your specific course. Typically, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of the Arts (BA). This can be influenced by the content of your degree.

Generally, an undergraduate degree in geography will take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years when studied full-time.

On successful completion of your degree, you can choose to either seek employment in your chosen area, or further your studies. Continuation of your studies might come in the form of a postgraduate degree, such as a masters or PhD, or a graduate diploma or certificate.

There are many different career opportunities for geography graduates, in a wide variety of fields. Options include town, urban and regional planning, as well as tourism and environmental management. Some jobs require you to undertake further studies, such as surveying. You could work in both the public and private sectors, in many areas.

Throughout your geography degree, you will have gained many different and applicable skills. These will include research, data collection and analysis, report writing, data presentation, problem-solving and effective communication skills.