While physical geography overlaps with other areas of science (such as meteorology and ecology), human geography intersects with politics and sociology, as you’ll not just be studying the trends in human movement, but also why these trends are taking place.
“Given geography’s interdisciplinary nature, it relates to a whole variety of other fields of knowledge and subject areas, ranging from anthropology and sociology to earth science and biology, says Dr Catherine Souch, Head of Research and Higher Education at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). “Geography lays the groundwork for a wide range of career programmes, given the subject specific and transferable skills gained through a degree relevant to many social and environmental issues.”
What A-Levels do you need?
If you’re not doing geography at A-level, you don’t need to panic. Many unis don’t actually ask for an A-level in geography, so you’ll still have plenty of options. The entry requirements for geography degrees tend to reflect the nature of individual courses, so you might find a degree that focuses on physical geography requires a science subject or two at A-level, while human-based geography courses will look favourably on the social sciences. Of course, some universities cover both of these aspects (and some, like UCL’s Geography BA , will require you to have done geography at A-level), so it’s important to do some thorough research before you start applying.
“Most geography graduates are numerate, literate, good team workers, can think analytically and critically, and are highly computer literate,” adds Catherine.
“The requirements to study geography in general terms include:
- An interest in the environment and the world
What are your study options?
As we mentioned above, geography is huge subject that covers a number of different areas, meaning you’ll have plenty of different module options to choose from at uni. Chances are you’ll cover both human geography and physical geography in your first year (just so you get a broad overview of the subject as a whole), and you’ll then have the chance to specialise in the topics you find most interesting in your second and final years.
One of the great things about a geography degree is that you won’t be cooped up in a lecture theatre the whole time – far from it, in fact. Many of your projects will require you to go out on field trips and carry out actual research, which means you’ll get a healthy balance of both theoretical and practical learning (and you never know – you might even get the chance to carry out research abroad, depending on where your projects take you).
Catherine says, “Geography tends to be broad and diverse, although a number of key themes and ideas run through. Each geography department will bring a different approach to their course.
Some of the common themes are:
- Why our human and physical environments and landscapes appear as they are, how they form and operate, and how they inter-relate at various scales
Why study Geography?
Issues like climate change and natural disasters have been getting a huge amount of attention in recent years, which means there’s always a demand for graduates with knowledge in these areas.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the earth and how and why it’s changing, then a degree in geography will allow you to get up close and personal with some of the planet’s most pressing issues.
According to a recent study by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), UK human geography is officially ranked first in the world across all institutions,” says Catherine. “This, in conjunction with pressing global issues, such as global warming, food and energy security, social cohesion, natural disasters and other relevant issues and media stories, means there has never been a better or more important time to study geography. As stated by Michael Palin – ‘Geography students hold the key to the world’s problems’.
Important skills geography students gain in their degrees:
- Research skills, such as using a range of technical methods for the collection and analysis of spatial and environmental data, and undertaking fieldwork
Today, geographers are amongst the most employable graduates. Geography is an empirically and conceptually innovative, diverse, vibrant discipline that generates economic benefit, influences government policy and delivery, and improves our overall quality of life.”
After your degree...
Luckily for you, a degree in geography will equip you with a good set of analytical and research skills, which are the kinds of skill any employer will hold in high regard.
Geography graduates tend to go into a range of different careers – from the directly-related (careers in conservation, tourism or town planning) to the less-directly related, but still very relevant (careers in law, chartered surveying, teaching, or marketing). One of the great things about a geography degree is that although it won’t channel you into a specific job, it doesn’t really limit your options either (due to your ability to interpret data, for instance, you could even move into a career in finance or accounting).
The key is to understand the skills your degree has equipped you with, and to make sure these come across in your CV and when you go for interviews.
Catherine adds, “There are careers you can do ‘in’ geography (GIS analysts, environmental consultants etc.), but most geographers pursue careers ‘with’ geography – working in government, business, non-profit organisations, on topics ranging from risk and insurance, to international development, to conservation, to banking or the heritage sector and museums.
To find out more about how to choose the best programme for you, how to make the most of your degree, and careers options see www.rgs.org/StudyGeography .”
Q & A with a Geography student
Ambalica is currently in her final year of a BSc (Hons) Geography at Plymouth University ...
What attracted you to the course?
Geography is a subject that encompasses so many different aspects of the world that we live in, which is why I decided that this would be an interesting and valuable course to study. After researching the various courses on offer here at Plymouth, I successfully applied through confirmation and clearing.
What are the best bits about the course?
The BSc (Hons) Geography course at Plymouth University has some of the worlds’ leading researchers in the field, providing a cutting-edge learning experience for students. The course is also heavily focussed on employability, making it an extremely beneficial degree to study if you want to build your future career prospects.
Have you undertaken a work placement? If so where was it and what were you doing?
As part of my third year modules I undertook work based learning in a placement. I’m interested in becoming an Environmental Lawyer and I was able to do two placements in different law firms and gained a wealth of experience, which will stand me in good stead for future job opportunities.
Why should prospective students consider the course, and would you give them any advice prior to starting?
This course has a wide range of ‘human’ and ‘physical’ geography modules, enabling you to tailor your learning to exactly what you’re interested in. The lecturers are so enthusiastic about what they do which comes through in their teaching and inspires the same passion in their students. There are huge prospects for after graduation because of how broad the subject is and the wide range of employable skills that a geography degree gives you.
What have you taken from the course outside of academic knowledge?
My placement has provided me with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to different environments. Being a course rep has given me skills I can transfer to any working role, within and outside of academia.
What makes Plymouth University a good place to study?
With Plymouth University you have the best of both worlds. There is the gorgeous coastline, with a tranquil social ambiance, and there is the thriving and vibrant city, with shopping and other recreational activities. The campus is located in such a central location, making everything easily accessible.
Q & A with a geography lecturer
Richie Simon lectures in geography at the University of Greenwich. ..
Why should students study a degree in geography?
A degree in geography provides students with many transferable skills in demand by employers: communication skills (presentation, writing, debating), teamwork, problem solving, IT skills – especially in the area of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – together with the intellectual and research skills inherent in our Geography degrees. In addition, a number of personal attibutes such as time-management, development of responsibility, coping with uncertainty, self-reflection, motivation, flexibility, and creativity are enhanced as part of our focus on employability within the programmes (in all three years). In a time when environmental issues such as Climate Change and Sustainability are having a major impact on society and business, a knowledge of these is a must for students moving into any career.
What key modules can students expect to cover in their first year?
The first year of the programme is generic with the BSc Environmental Science programme at present and comprises 4 modules: The Earth's Dynamic Systems; Practical and Professional Skills for Geography & Environmental Science; Science & the Environment; and Society, Economy and Sustainability.
We are looking to revise this in the near future and distinguish the programmes from each other, but the essence of the 4 modules above will remain, with probably more of an emphasis on GIS within the Practical module.
What kind of careers do students typically go into after they graduate?
Our graduates have gained employment in a wide range of areas, including: local government (planning, economic development, flood risk, GIS departments); the Environment Agency; GIS related employment (data analysis and cartography); many areas of business (sustainability and knowledge of Corporate Social Responsibility); the voluntary sector and a range of NGOs and research consultancies.
