With issues like climate change and sustainability becoming more and more important, the study of geography has never been more relevant – which is why it’s one of the most popular undergraduate degrees to study at uni. If you’re interested in understanding more about the landscapes and environments of the world and how the human race fits into it all, geography might be a great choice for you.
What topics does a geography degree cover?
Common modules for geography include:
- Ideas and practice in geography
- Cities and regions
- Research methods
- Earth surface science
- Population and societies
- Geography, technology and society
- Environmental hazards
- Volcanoes
- Climate change
- Human geography
- Ecology and conservation
What do you learn studying a geography degree?
Studying a geography degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:
- Technical research methods
- Collection and analysis of environmental data
- Fieldwork
- Use of industry equipment and software
- Industry terminology and knowledge
More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:
- Critical thinking
- Innovation
- Project management
- Team working
- Communication
- Research
- Attention-to-detail
- Working in groups
- Data management and analysis
- Report-writing
- Analysing trends
- Independent working
- Presentation
- Data handling
- Observation and analysis
“A degree in geography provides students with many transferable skills in demand by employers: communication skills (presentation, writing, debating), teamwork, problem- solving and IT skills.” – Richie Simon, geography lecturer
What professional accreditations can you get with a geography degree?
Most geography courses will be accredited by a professional body like the Institution of Environmental Sciences or the Royal Geographical Society.
What can you do with a geography degree?
Geography graduates usually have strong employment prospects. Here are some jobs that can be applied for:
Where to study geography?
How long is a geography degree?
A geography degree usually takes three years to study. However, many unis will give the option of a sandwich year (a placement in industry), which will increase the course to four years.
How will you be assessed?
Geography courses usually involve assessment through:
- Exams
- Coursework
- Fieldwork
- Presentations
- Dissertation
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Your options for further study include:
- MA/MSc Geography
- MSc Climate Change and Environmental Policy
- MSc Sustainable Cities
- MSc Environmental Management
- MSc Environmental Consultancy
What alternatives are there to a geography degree?
Not sure if a geography degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects: