does geography have coursework

All about A level Geography – course information

What's a level geography about.

“ Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future " - Michael Palin,

There has never been a better or more important time to study A level Geography. Dealing with vital issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation, social issues and natural hazards, A level Geography is one of the most relevant subjects you could choose to study. Students enjoy the scope of the material they cover in geography, the insights it can provide into the world around us and the highly contemporary nature of the issues it tackles.

The A level Geography course is often split into human and physical geography even though geography is a very fluid subject with some of the issues overlapping. Human topics such as urbanisation and globalisation are very good for generating debate and allowing students to apply their knowledge to a worldwide context.

Physical geography looks at topics such a natural hazards and look at how hazards occur, what can be done to predict them and the management that is in place if one occurs. Students often find this side of the subject more interesting, but more challenging due to unfamiliarity of the content.

Each exam board provides slightly different topic options within these broad areas. Have a look at the OCR Geography syllabus for more information.

What sort of work is involved?

To study A level Geography, you need to have an enquiring and open mind. Geography is a study of the world around us and you need to be aware of issues worldwide, not just in the UK. You need to be able to debate issues such as migration and to  think about them from political and social perspectives as well. Your opinion is important, but you also need to think about debates from someone else’s perspective. Reading newspapers and articles to keep your subject knowledge up to date is vital.

A basic grasp of maths is required and the ability to interpret graphs and analyse them is fundamental, along with basic maps skills. There is a lot of information and new vocabulary to learn, so you'll need a good memory!. You will learn case studies on specific topics and you will develop the skill of writing longer answers clearly and succinctly.

For the OCR exam board the final exam involves coursework where you will need to complete an investigation of 3000-4000 words. This coursework counts for 20% of your final marks, so is really important!

What background do I need?

There is no requirement to have studied GCSE Geography, but it can provide a head start to the information you have to learn. Having an interest in current affairs and reading newspapers is most important as this informs a lot of in-class discussion. You'll need a decent standard of maths and english to cope with  the writing and the work on graphs and data.

Where can it lead?

Geography is a highly respected academic A level. As well as Geography-based degrees it can support a wide range of other studies such as Biology, Business Studies and Economics.

One year course?

Taking the whole A level in one year is tough and has been made tougher by the requirement for course work. It is possible to do it well, but it requires a large amount of work out of the classroom. The course is content-heavy requiring the recall and application of a large amount of material.

The A level is  assessed at the end of the second year through 3 exams and a piece of coursework. Exam boards differ somewhat in their exam structure: this is what OCR require.

Paper 1: Physical systems lasts 1 hour 30 mins, counts for 22%. This paper covers the main physical geography topics. From studying coasts, or glaciation or desert, how landforms developed and the influences of both climate and human activity on this. Water and carbon cycling, stores and processes, human activity affects on tropical rainforest and arctic tundra. Physical changes in  over time at a range of scales as well as global management strategies to protect these cycles.

Paper 2: Human interaction  lasts 1 hour 30 mins, counts for 22%. This paper covers the main human geography topics. The relationships and connections between people, the economy, and society and how these contribute to creating places, taking a topic each from global systems (trade or migration) and global governance (human rights or power & borders).

Paper 3: Geographical debates lasts 2 hour 30 mins, counts for 36% and covers synoptic (unifying)  themes in Geography. For this paper you study two of the following 5 topics: Climate change, Disease dilemmas, Exploring oceans, Future of food, Hazardous Earth.

Coursework: Investigative geography A project which counts for 20%, in which you define a question or issue to investigate, carry out the fieldwork , and write a report of 3000-4000 words showing independent analysis, evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing.

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Interested in studying A level Geography?

cife independent sixth form colleges offer:

• Traditional A level Geography two year A level courses combining independent schools' small class sizes and emphasis on exam success with the student-centred outlook of the best state state sixth-form colleges
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• Help starting your revision with Geography A level Easter revision courses
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2023 Geography Degree Guide

Geography degrees shrinking in popularity, best geography schools by degree, geography degree requirements, prior education for a geography program, geography degree types.

About 93.5% of workers in careers related to geography obtain at least bachelor's degrees. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in geography careers have.

Career Opportunities for A Degree In Geography Graduate

Growth projected for geography careers.

Geography Degree Salary Potential

High paying careers for geography majors.

Getting Your Geography Degree

Top ranking lists for geography, best schools geography, best value colleges geography, study areas in geography, most popular majors related to geography.

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

Geography, MA

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus , or online
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA Geography

The MA program in geography is designed to offer specialized academic and professional training in geography so students may secure a sound graduate background for further specialization or for immediate employment. The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal and professional goals.

In addition to innovative coursework, the state-of-the-art research centers, Spatial Analysis Research Center and Urban Climate Research Center, offer students the opportunity to work with exceptional faculty on diverse research projects. Students have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in geography, including four members of the National Academy of Sciences and rising talent in the fields of urban heat island research, GIS and more.

Students earning the Master of Arts in geography have the ability to build a path of knowledge that reflects their personal interests within the realms of geography. Students benefit from a wide variety of coursework and research opportunities in four broad interdisciplinary themes that span the expertise of the faculty within the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning:

• computational spatial science
• earth systems and climate science
• place, identities and culture
• sustainability science and studies

Additional Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (GPH 597)
• 30 credit hours and a thesis

Required Core (3 credit hours) GCU 585 Geographic Research Design and Proposal Writing (3) or GCU 596 Geographic Research Methods (3)

Other Requirement (8 credit hours) GCU 528 Geographic Problems and Context (3) or GCU 529 Contemporary Geographic Thought (3) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (1) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (1) methods and statistics course (3)

Electives (13 or 16 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) GCU 599 Thesis (6) or GPH 599 Thesis (6) GPH 597 Geography Capstone (3)

Additional Curriculum Information Coursework and research hours are selected by the student in consultation with an advisory committee. The program recognizes that other graduate-level courses are offered at ASU. Advanced topics are often taught in omnibus courses, which have rotating content that is not reflected in their titles. Students may include these courses in their curriculum with approval of the program directors.

The other requirement course, Seminar: Geography Colloquium, is taken twice, once in each of the first two semesters of the program, for one credit hour each time. Other courses may be used with approval of academic unit. For the methods and statistics course requirement, students should consult with the academic unit for eligible courses.

Students take 13 credit hours of electives for the thesis culminating experience option and take 16 credit hours of electives for the non-thesis option.

Up to six credit hours of 400-level coursework may be applied toward the plan of study.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The personal statement must address three items:*

• What specialty in geography does the applicant wish to pursue, and why?
• What aspects of the applicant's education (a description is needed) will enable the student to pursue this specialty?
• What additional training does the applicant believe can be obtained at Arizona State University to realize the applicant's educational and career goals?

*Applicants also should provide any other information they feel should be considered in their application for admission, e.g., research experience or information which might be drawn from the applicant's resume.

Letters of recommendation must be from three faculty members who can attest to the applicant's academic achievements.

Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options.

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Geography (Meteorology-Climatology) -->

Bs - geography (meteorology-climatology).

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Geography -->

Bs - geography.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Geography -->

Ba - geography.

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Professionals with expertise in geographical sciences research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including consulting firms, government agencies, community organizations and public and private research facilities. Skills in geographical data analysis, mapping and climate science are valuable to businesses and institutions relying on research-based approaches to solve complex real-world problems.

Some graduates of the program continue on to pursue doctoral degrees.

Career examples include:

• environmental scientist or specialist
• geographic information systems technician
• geological materials technician
• geophysical data technician
• geoscientist
• geospatial information scientist or technologist

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here .

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-7533

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Your tuition estimate

Undergraduate key:

12+ credits for full-time

6 credits for part-time or working students

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Tuition breakdown**

Academic Year Total

*This is not a bill. This is only an estimate. Special class fees are dependent on specific class enrollment and are not included here.

For additional cost estimates, view our standard cost of attendance .

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• Colleges and Schools

Online Bachelor of Arts in Geography

Are you interested in expanding your knowledge of human cultural traditions around the world? In the Bachelor of Arts in Geography program, you'll learn how people interact with the environment through cutting-edge techniques, preparing you to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. Graduates of this bachelor's in geography program pursue a wide range of career paths, including private firms, nonprofit organizations, state, local and federal government agencies and more.

Quick facts

Next start date: 10/16/2024

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Geography (BA) ? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What are the benefits of studying geography?

What will i learn in this online geography degree.

• Geographic information science and technology.
• Population and migration.
• Urban and regional geography.

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in geography?

• Master of Arts in geography .
• Master of Urban and Environmental Planning .

Will my geography degree say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Geography courses

Bachelor's in geography courses cover a variety of topics in research, geographic information systems, physical sciences and human civilization. In addition to core courses, you'll complete electives and a hands-on capstone project, allowing you to focus on topics most important to you. Geography degree courses include:

• View full major map .

What careers can you get with a degree in geography?

A bachelor's in geography gives you the edge you need when applying for jobs following graduation, preparing you for success in careers related to community development, foreign service, intelligence analysis, international trade, urban or regional planning and more.

While this geography degree does not prepare students for careers in meteorology, it does help set you apart from other applicants when applying for similar positions. Potential career paths include, but are not limited to:

Cartographer (Map Maker)

Education professor, geodetic surveyor, geographic information systems analyst (gis analyst), geographic information systems technician (gis technician), human behavior researcher, land surveyor, park ranger, survey technician, learn from leading educators and researchers.

As a part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning is home to nationally and internationally recognized thought leaders and innovators within the disciplines of geography and geographic information science. Our faculty includes:

• Academia Europea Member.
• American Association of Geographers Fellows.
• Fulbright American Scholars.
• U.S. National Academy of Sciences Members.

How to apply

• first-year student
• transfer student
• international student

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply .

Competency requirements

To be admitted to ASU, you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed at least 14 of the following courses.

• Four years of math.
• Four years of English (non-ESL/ELL courses).
• Three years of lab sciences (One year each from biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences or physics).
• Two years of social sciences (including one year of American history).
• Two years of the same second language.
• One year of fine arts or career and technical education.

Note: You cannot have course deficiencies in both math and lab sciences competencies.

Additional admission requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Top 25% in your high school graduating class.
• 3.00 GPA in competency courses (4.00 = A).
• ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents (24 nonresidents) or SAT Reasoning score of 1120 for Arizona residents (1180 nonresidents).*

*Additional information about ACT / SAT:

• ASU doesn’t require the writing portion of these tests.
• ACT or SAT scores are not required for admission but may be submitted for ASU course placement.

High school equivalency

Besides a high school diploma, applicants may also meet undergraduate admission requirements through one of the following:

• 50 or above for tests completed before 2002.
• 500 or above for tests completed between 2002 and 2013.
• 170 or above for tests completed after 2013.
• Total score of 75.
• A minimum total score of 2700.
• A minimum score of 500 on each of the five content areas.
• A score of two or above on the essay.
• Please contact your enrollment coach at 866-277-6589 if you’ve completed the California High School Proficiency Examination or other high school equivalency diplomas.

*Some higher requirement programs require ACT/SAT scores or additional coursework to satisfy aptitude and/or course competency requirements.

Homeschool applicants must meet all general admission requirements for ASU. You may also need to provide additional documentation after you submit your application. If needed, you'll be notified after we receive your transcript.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.

currently enrolled students.

$170 million

in research expenditures in 2022.

interdisciplinary schools and departments.

undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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What's on this page?

Study options.

• Subjects it's useful to have studied first

Careers: Where it can take you

Getting in: entry requirements, other subjects you may be interested in, considering an apprenticeship, explore further, application advice.

Whether you want to help prevent climate change and natural disasters, or improve quality of life and overpopulation, a geography degree will equip you to make a difference.

There are two elements to geography, which you can combine:

• physical geography focuses on the earth and its natural elements
• human geography studies how people interact with the world

You could work in a variety of different fields, from digital technologies, mapping and statistics, to ecology, sustainability, and tourism. But you’ll also have transferable skills that could see you work in teaching, finance, or planning. Geography has one of the highest employability rates of all undergraduate degrees.

• Work in international development to tackle societal and environmental issues..
• Play your part in the UK’s Net Zero goals as an environmental manager or consultant.
• Oversee the geographical information systems that help us manage road traffic, access to healthcare, and flood defences.
• Environmental change
• Health, space, and justice
• Contemporary human geography
• Geographic information systems (GIS)
• Wilderness and habitats
• Natural resource management
• Water science and management
• Sustainable development: Nature and city
• Globalisation and regional development

Options to study in this field include:

• undergraduate courses
• apprenticeships

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Subjects it's useful to have studied first

Some geography courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.

• Environmental science
• Project management
• Risk analysis
• Communication
• Report writing

Find out more about your career prospects from studying geography. The following information is based on a typical environment professional role.

Career options

Transport planning

Town planner

Conservation professionals

Environment professionals

Agricultural and fishing trades

Geoscientist

International aid and development

Officers of NGOs

Travel agents

Landscape architecture

Accounting and finance

Business management

Second year geography with international study student, University of Manchester

Geography-sub-guide.jpg, what is a... climatologist.

Find out more about what you'll need to study geography at university or as an apprenticeship.

Average requirements for undergraduate degrees

Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from geography applicants.  

The expert view

Agriculture and related sciences

Environmental and earth sciences

Hospitality, leisure, and tourism

Materials science and engineering

Mathematics and statistics

Where to apply

Apply to university and apprenticeships, find out more.

Go deeper into topics around geography with the following:

Royal Geographical Society

Where on earth will people live in the future, kiss the ground, geological society.

• Talk about what attracted you to geography, and if there’s a particular area of the subject you’re interested in, such as human geography. Make sure your preferences link in to the course you’re applying to.
• Can you give examples of any of the technical or transferable skills that are associated with studying geography? Maybe during your A levels you’ve found you’re good at problem solving, data analysis, or computing.
• Teamwork will also be important, so mention when you’ve worked well with others, whether in a part-time job, sport, or hobby.
• Have you got any relevant experience, maybe volunteering for the National Trust or the Environment Agency? Or could you get a summer placement with an energy company or government department?
• Show you can also manage your own time well. Have you balanced a part-time job or caring responsibilities with school work? Or maybe you compete in a sport at a high level, that requires a balance between home and school life.

Personal statement builder

Try our tool.

Get help structuring your statement.

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Geography, MA

• Program description
• At a glance
• Accelerated program options
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Attend online
• Application deadlines
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Climate, Environmental, GIS, Meteorology, SPATIAL, Science, earth, geography, map, world

Come discover geographical sciences at ASU. This program offers a unique learning environment that places your focus on location --- the heart of geography, urban planning, climatology and geographic information science. With that foundation, you can tackle some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges facing our world today.

The MA program in geography is designed to offer specialized academic and professional training in geography so students may secure a sound graduate background for further specialization or for immediate employment. The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal and professional goals.

In addition to innovative coursework, the state-of-the-art research centers, Spatial Analysis Research Center and Urban Climate Research Center, offer students the opportunity to work with exceptional faculty on diverse research projects. Students have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in geography, including four members of the National Academy of Sciences and rising talent in the fields of urban heat island research, GIS and more.

Students earning the Master of Arts in geography have the ability to build a path of knowledge that reflects their personal interests within the realms of geography. Students benefit from a wide variety of coursework and research opportunities in four broad interdisciplinary themes that span the expertise of the faculty within the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning:

• computational spatial science
• earth systems and climate science
• place, identities and culture
• sustainability science and studies
• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe or Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply .

30 credit hours and a thesis, or 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (GPH 597)

Required Core (3 credit hours) GCU 585 Geographic Research Design and Proposal Writing (3) or GCU 596 Geographic Research Methods (3)

Other Requirement (8 credit hours) GCU 528 Geographic Problems and Context (3) or GCU 529 Contemporary Geographic Thought (3) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (1) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (1) methods and statistics course (3)

Electives (13 or 16 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) GCU 599 Thesis (6) or GPH 599 Thesis (6) GPH 597 Geography Capstone (3)

Additional Curriculum Information Coursework and research hours are selected by the student in consultation with an advisory committee. The program recognizes that other graduate-level courses are offered at ASU. Advanced topics are often taught in omnibus courses, which have rotating content that is not reflected in their titles. Students may include these courses in their curriculum with approval of the program directors.

The other requirement course, Seminar: Geography Colloquium, is taken twice, once in each of the first two semesters of the program, for one credit hour each time. Other courses may be used with approval of academic unit. For the methods and statistics course requirement, students should consult with the academic unit for eligible courses.

Students take 13 credit hours of electives for the thesis culminating experience option and take 16 credit hours of electives for the non-thesis option.

Up to six credit hours of 400-level coursework may be applied toward the plan of study.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The personal statement must address three items:*

• What specialty in geography does the applicant wish to pursue, and why?
• What aspects of the applicant's education (a description is needed) will enable the student to pursue this specialty?
• What additional training does the applicant believe can be obtained at Arizona State University to realize the applicant's educational and career goals?

*Applicants also should provide any other information they feel should be considered in their application for admission, e.g., research experience or information which might be drawn from the applicant's resume.

Letters of recommendation must be from three faculty members who can attest to the applicant's academic achievements.

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Professionals with expertise in geographical sciences research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including consulting firms, government agencies, community organizations and public and private research facilities. Skills in geographical data analysis, mapping and climate science are valuable to businesses and institutions relying on research-based approaches to solve complex real-world problems.

Some graduates of the program continue on to pursue doctoral degrees.

Career examples include:

• environmental scientist or specialist
• geographic information systems technician
• geological materials technician
• geophysical data technician
• geoscientist
• geospatial information scientist or technologist

School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning | COOR 5671 [email protected] 480-965-7533

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What can you do with a geography degree?

Sabrina Collier

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Table of contents

• Introduction

Typical careers in geography 

Environmental consultant , cartographer , town planner , geographical information systems officer , conservation officer , other careers in geography , landscape architect , teacher/lecturer , politics or non-profit organizations.

If you studied  geography , other students at university may have joked about your degree consisting of ‘coloring in’ – but your degree will have actually provided you with strong research and analytical skills, which are highly regarded by many employers.

Plus, if you want to make a difference to the world, studying geography is a good place to start.  Geography careers  offer opportunities to develop solutions to some of the most pressing issues for modern society, including climate change, natural disasters, overpopulation, urban expansion, and multicultural integration. 

The career path you choose may depend on whether you have studied physical geography or human geography. The former is a natural science, focusing on the Earth’s physical materials and processes, while the latter is a social science, focusing on issues relating to human communities and cultures.

Whatever career path you pursue, it’s advisable to try and get work experience in your chosen field, to gain an awareness of the roles available and to form contacts. Fieldwork is a useful way of developing your practical skills and gaining hands-on experience. Your university may also provide you with opportunities to complete work placements.

Read on to find out more about which  careers in geography  would best suit you, and how to increase your employability in these areas.

Environmental consultants work to ensure that their commercial or government clients comply with regulations and address a variety of environmental issues. This is a varied role, typically focusing on identifying whether an area of land, air or water is polluted, and what the impact would be, by means of desk-based research and field work.

Environmental consultancy offers the opportunity for a structured career path with the potential to specialize in an area of interest. Work experience would be very beneficial for entry in this role, with potential employers including water-related organizations and the government. 

Careers in  cartography  involve developing and producing different types of maps, as well as producing related diagrams, charts, spreadsheets and travel guides. Your role as a cartographer may also include the restoration of old maps and historical documents. Cartographers work within a variety of areas, including publishing, government, surveying and conservation. Today the field commonly also draws on an array of advanced technologies, such as geographical information systems (GIS) and digital-mapping techniques. 

You will not usually need a postgraduate degree or previous experience to pursue this role, but you may nonetheless find it helpful to have completed a specialized degree in a topic such as remote sensing, and/or gain some practical experience.

As a town planner, you may deal with the management and development not only of towns, but also cities, villages and rural areas. You will put your analytical skills and knowledge of the environment into use to improve existing infrastructure and find solutions to environmental issues, as well as ensuring new developments are in line with various policies and regulations.

A large part of your job will be to satisfy the needs of businesses and local communities, while ensuring that development is sustainable and natural environments are maximally preserved. You are likely to need a postgraduate qualification in order to increase your prospects of becoming a chartered town planner.

If, as well as the environment, you’re interested in working with data, analytics and computer systems, then this role might suit you. Geographic information systems (GIS) are computerized systems used for the collection, storage, analysis, management and presentation of complicated geographical information , for example radar.

Geographical information systems officers carry out the gathering and examination of geographical data generated by GIS. The data can be applied in a variety of areas, such as defense, meteorology, oil, gas, telecommunications and transportation, to make decisions which benefit the environment.

For entry into this role, you may find it useful to have previously studied GIS as a module during your degree, and many employers also highly value a relevant postgraduate degree and/or work experience.

If you are passionate about the environment and want to encourage others to appreciate and safeguard the natural world , you might like to become a conservation officer. In this career you will work to protect a natural environment and raise awareness of the ways in which the local community can enjoy its settings without having a negative impact. Similarly, a sustainable development officer would promote their particular employer’s sustainability practices in the local area. To increase your chances of pursuing this career, it is essential to gain some relevant work experience, through paid or voluntary work, and a  master’s degree in sustainable development  may be useful.

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"The prospects my psychology degree has given me are extremely exciting and I hope to be able to continue engaging with this field through further studies and into my career."

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"Being an undergraduate student in a research group might be intimidating at first, given that you will usually work with people who are more experienced than you, but you settle in quick and it’s a great learning opportunity."

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If you have a creative side which you’re keen to explore whilst still protecting the environment, then this role could be for you. Landscape architects create, design and manage the open spaces around us to ensure that they are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also safe and sustainable . To become a landscape architect, you will need to complete an accredited postgraduate degree in architecture .

You may also like to pass on your geography skills and knowledge to the next generation as a geography teacher in a secondary school, college or further education institution. Like other teaching roles, this will usually require completion of a specialized teaching qualification and/or specialized study at master’s or PhD level . You’ll need excellent communication skills, creativity and commitment to your subject. You’ll also need to keep up to date with new developments in geography and perhaps arrange field trips as a practical learning method.

Geography degrees, particularly those specializing in human geography, are great for developing skills and knowledge that would be useful for a career in politics or the non-profit sector. If you want to get into politics, it’s wise to be involved with political groups at your university, or to take on leadership roles in societies. Similarly, volunteer work for environmental charities will give you a head-start in the non-profit sector.

If none of the above geography careers are appealing to you, there are still plenty of options available. The skills you’ve gained during your degree would also be useful for careers in a wide range of other industries, from commerce and the public sector, to transport and tourism.

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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK. 

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Geography courses

Studying geography at university, example course modules.

• Global worlds, global challenges
• Skills and techniques in geosciences
• Physical environments
• Environment and society
• Analysing geographical and environmental data
• Earth systems
• Global climate systems
• Historical cultural geographies
• Theory, space and society
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Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

Average for all subjects

Average hours for this subject: 10 (Low N/A - High N/A). Average hours for all subjects: 14.

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

Who studies this subject

• Female : 59% Male : 41%
• Mature : 7% School leaver : 93%
• Full-time : 95% Part-time : 5%

What students say about geography

Academic experience.

In an average week, geography students have about 12 hours of contact time. The course is challenging as there is a large step-up from A-level and the course covers a range of topics, so the skills you need to approach them are varied. However, the feedback is very useful and you will find that you are well supported in reaching the level expected at university. The work is also varied and includes essays, reports, fieldwork, practicals, exams and online exercises. I have found the content very interesting, as it makes you aware of the extent to which geography is relevant to a huge array of issues.

The geography course covers a wide range of content including both physical and human geography modules. The work/ assessment style has varied, from online tests, exams, coursework and primary research (interviews and land-use surveys, scientific practicals) to use of essential statistical programs and other software. The content of this course was very interesting - we studied areas ranging from culture, society and economy to river systems, ecology and glaciers. Communicate with other students rather than rely on lecturers to answer all of your questions (they cannot offer 1-1's as often as other subjects)

As a geography student, the physical side of the course is far more scientific than the human side. The human side features a lot of abstract concepts - some people find this easier than others - but there is quite a split between the two. The experimental aspect of physical geography is good fun and offers real insight to the uses of geography in the real world.

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need.

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

• Geography for most courses

Useful to have

• Mathematics

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

• January application
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• Personal statement
• Work experience

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Six months after graduating, longer term career paths, jobs where this degree is useful.

• Social Researcher
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) officer
• Hydrologist

Other real-life job examples

• Financial analyst
• Water disposals officer
• Heritage manager

What employers like about this subject

Subject-specific skills you can gain from geography will depend to an extent on whether you specialise in physical or social geography, but can include an understanding of current theory and practice in fields of geography; how to generate and interpret research data and the development of field skills. It is especially important to develop good maths and statistics skills during a geography degree, as the mix of data and communication skills is particularly useful to employers. Geography graduates work for a wide range of employers including government agencies, banks, management consultants and environmental businesses.

Explore these related courses...

Related subjects to explore

Environmental science, anthropology, environmental management.

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9 Reasons to study geography

Geography is an overlooked, but hugely relevant and important kind of knowledge. Here are our top 9 reasons why you should study geography.

You may not have paid the closest attention in geography classes in school. And who can blame you? It's not always easy to recognize why you should study geography right off the bat. Sometimes, even adaptive, engaging web and mobile study apps like Brainscape aren’t enough to sustain motivation to study geography, if you don’t see its relevance to your life.

So: why study geography? The truth is that geography is a highly relevant and important type of knowledge for anyone to have. Here are our top 9 reasons why you should study geography.

[And if you are interested in learning about geography, check out Brainscape's Geography flashcards to learn the most important concepts using our effective spaced repetition system.]

1. Look smart

Let’s be honest: we all care about what other people think of us. That’s why our first important reason for studying geography is that it makes you look smart. Saying "Taiwan" when you mean "Thailand" could really change how people think of you. Knowing basic geography can help you avoid embarrassing moments, impress a date, maybe even land a job.

And if you want to look smart in more topics than just geography, use Brainscape's adaptive Knowledge Rehab flashcards to brush up on your general knowledge. Who knows what you need for your next dinner conversation?

But geography doesn’t just make you look smart. It actually does make you smarter, as our next reasons show.

2. Put the news in context

How are you supposed to understand the news if you don’t know geography? Knowing geography helps put current events in context.

For example, knowing that Hong Kong is a city in southern China can begin to help a person understand why it is politically different from the rest of China and why there were recent protests there : it’s geographically isolated.

3. Chart the course of history

Geography not only puts current events in perspective, it help us understand history. A person can’t understand World War II without understanding the roles of the continental Russian Winter or the English Channel. Geography shapes the course of world history. Want to better understand history? Study geography.

4. Build navigation skills

The most basic skill in navigation is understanding the “lay of the land.” Studying geography helps develop spatial thinking. Those skills could come in handy if you get lost driving around town or in the wilderness!

5. Travel smart

Without a basic sense of geography, it’s impossible to get the most out of travel experiences. If you’re heading to Spain, do you want to see misty mountains, rocky coastlines, or searing-hot cities? These questions will decide whether you head to Torla, Basque Country, or Sevilla.

It'll also help you decide your route: it makes much more sense to hit up Lisbon, then Barcelona, and then Paris if you want to end in Germany (rather than the other way around). Study up to make your next vacation easier.

6. Understand your home

Geography allows you to understand the place where you live. People settle in specific places because of the landscape. For example, cities are almost always built on a river or other reliable water supply. What is the history of the place you live? How has the geography affected the area? These are the questions to ask to gain a deep understanding of your home.

7. Get a grasp on globalization

Globalization has been one of the biggest forces in world history for decades. The saying “it’s a small world” reflects this change: the world is as big as it always was, but it’s just more interconnected than ever. Understanding the changes that have swept the world as a result of this interconnection is impossible without appreciating the geography on which it is taking place.

8. Make sense of different cultures

Human culture is fundamentally place-based: the land determines or influences the cuisine, clothing, architecture, even social relationships. Every aspect of a culture is affected by its geography.

Geography helps you understand and appreciate the incredible diversity of cultures around the world. Like with news, geography puts culture in context. To understand a people, you have to know something about their land.

9. Prepare for the future

Geographic skills guide important decisions every day. From architecture to politics to business, the physical landscape frames the debates happening today that will be in the history books tomorrow.

That’s why you should study geography. And remember that for a quick primer, check out Brainscape's adaptive web & mobile Geography flashcards . They're a fun, easy-to-use web/iOS app built around expert-curated flashcards that quiz you on countries, states, capitals, and more. You can use it on a phone, tablet, or on the web, and you can track your learning over time and even study with friends.

Flashcards for serious learners .

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Geography, BA (Hons)

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Geography at Cambridge

Geography at Cambridge is the study of some of the biggest challenges facing our planet, from climate emergencies to pandemics and urbanisation. 

Explore both human and physical geography.  You will have the option to specialise in one of these areas from the second year or continue with both.  

Geography at Cambridge 

Geographers study some of the biggest challenges facing our planet. This course tackles a number of these, including: 

• food security 
• climate and biodiversity emergencies 
• globalisation 
• social inequalities 
• urbanisation 
• melting ice sheets 

You do not have to choose whether to specialise in physical or human geography. If you want to, you can do both in all three years. 

Fieldwork is an important part of this course. It’s an enjoyable way to develop your research skills. You will go on: 

• one-day excursions each year, depending on your choice of papers 
• compulsory field classes of 5 to 8 days in the second year, in September or during the Easter vacation 

Recent fieldwork locations include destinations in both mainland Europe and the British Isles. We are aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of these trips.

Teaching and facilities

We focus on delivering high quality, research-led teaching that is stimulating and challenging. This commitment to teaching has consistently been recognised by external league tables and accolades.

Our excellent facilities include:  

• the Geography Department Library, which contains around 20,000 books, journals and periodicals, and is also a fantastic study space 
• physical geography labs, where you will work 
• the Scott Polar Research Institute, where some of your teaching will take place 

You'll also have access to the impressive Cambridge University Library, one of the world’s oldest university libraries.

Watch the video to find out what a day in the life of a Cambridge Geography student is like:

Course costs

When you go to university, you’ll need to consider two main costs – your tuition fees and your living costs (sometimes referred to as maintenance costs).

Your living costs will include costs related to your studies that are not covered by your tuition fees. There are some general study costs that will apply for all students – you can find details of these costs here .

Other additional course costs for Geography are detailed below. If you have any queries about the costs, please contact the Department.

• Waterproof clothing and footwear: we recommend you buy suitable clothing and footwear for field trips. This is an optional cost and how much you spend depends on personal preference.
• The Department provides £21 of printing credit each year.

Field trips

• Compulsory residential field trip in Year 2: students are asked to contribute about £150. This covers all transport, accommodation and meals. If there is a case of financial need then students can apply to their College for support.
• Potential dissertation costs: you may incur costs when working on your dissertation, but the level of these will depend on your dissertation topic, and therefore your data collection/work location. Some Department support is available to support partial dissertation costs – please contact the Department for further information.

Your future career 

When you graduate you’ll be highly skilled in: 

• dealing with complex problems 
• information retrieval 
• data management 
• statistics 
• using specialist software 

You’ll also be used to working independently and communicating efficiently.  

Our graduates enter many different careers, including: 

• industry and commerce 
• social enterprises and charities 
• social and community work 
• environmental management and conservation 
• the Civil Service

Teaching is provided through a mixture of lectures, practicals, laboratory work, field classes and small-group supervisions. 

You will usually have 6 to 8 lectures each week, plus reading.  

You will also have around 3 supervisions every two weeks, where you discuss a topic beyond the material given at lectures.  

This is usually based on reading, essay writing, preparation of presentations or answering data response questions.

You’ll be assessed through written exams at the end of each year. In second and third year, you’ll also be assessed through coursework. 

You won't usually be able to resit any of your exams. 

Year 1 (Part IA) 

You’ll be introduced to key themes and issues by studying 2 core papers.  

The first core paper is People, Place and the Politics of Difference, and includes topics such as: 

• cultural geography 
• sustainable development 
• historical geography 
• geopolitics 
• uneven economies and inequality 
• health and disease 

The second recent paper on Environmental Processes and Change included topics such as: 

• tectonics and volcanism 
• coastal processes 
• glacial processes 
• Quaternary climate change 
• biogeography 
• atmosphere and climate 

You will also go to a range of lectures and lab classes, both physical and computer-based, that will introduce you to geographical research skills across the subject.   

Year 2 (Part IB)  

You take a compulsory paper: 

• Living with Global Change 

This paper examines key concepts and current issues in geography. It is usually based around the theme of geographical risk, but the focus varies from year-to-year. 

You also start to specialise and take 3 papers from a choice of 6.  

Papers change year-to-year. Recent examples include: 

• Inequality 
• Development Theories, Policies and Practices 
• Citizenship, Cities and Civil Society 
• Glacial Processes 
• Biogeography 
• Quaternary Climates and Environments 

You will also do project work involving field, lab and computer skills and techniques.  

Projects vary according to which you papers you choose. 

Everyone has to take a paper in quantitative methods. 

You will also take part in field classes of 5 to 8 days. These trips usually include a mix of different types of geography. They’ll help you to develop knowledge and skills for your dissertation.  

Year 3 (Part II) 

You can choose to specialise further or keep a balance across the subject as a whole.  

You take 4 papers from a choice of 12. Papers on offer vary each year, but recent examples include: 

• Global Urbanism 
• Work and Employment 
• Political Ecology 
• Glaciology 
• Postcolonialism and Decoloniality 
• Geographies of the Arctic 
• Environmental Knowledges 
• Volcanology 
• Legal Geographies 
• Geographies of Food and Power 
• Demographic Continuity and Change 
• Life within Limits 
• Landscape and Power 

You also submit a dissertation of 10,000 words on a topic of your choice.  

Planning for the dissertation starts in the second year. Data is usually collected in the summer between your second and third year, with analysis during the third year. 

For further information about this course and the papers you can take see the Department of Geography website . 

Changing course

It’s really important to think carefully about which course you want to study before you apply. 

In rare cases, it may be possible to change course once you’ve joined the University. You will usually have to get agreement from your College and the relevant departments. It’s not guaranteed that your course change will be approved.

You might also have to:

• take part in an interview
• complete an admissions test
• produce some written work
• achieve a particular grade in your current studies
• do some catch-up work
• start your new course from the beginning 

For more information visit the Department website .

You can also apply to change to:

• Management Studies at the Judge Business School

You can't apply to this course until you're at Cambridge. You would usually apply when you have completed 1 year or more of your original Cambridge course.

You should contact your College’s Admissions Office if you’re thinking of changing your course. They will be able to give you advice and explain how changing courses works.

Minimum offer level

A level: A*AA IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level Other qualifications : Check which other qualifications we accept .

Subject requirements

To apply to for Geography, there are no specific subject requirements at all Colleges, but studying Geography at A level/IB Higher Level is desirable and some Colleges may require it. 

The following Colleges require Geography: 

• Murray Edwards 

If you apply to Churchill College and you have studied Geography at A level/IB Higher Level, you will need to achieve A*/7 in this subject.

What Geography students have studied

Most Geography students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2018, 2019 and 2023) achieved at least A*A*A (64% of entrants).

The majority of these students took Geography (99%).

Other common subjects were:

• English (Language, Language & Literature, or Literature)
• Mathematics

The majority of students who studied IB achieved at least 42 points overall.

This information shows some of the common subjects our applicants have studied. Although these are common subject combinations, this doesn't mean they're favoured. 

When you're choosing your post-16 subjects, it's most important to check whether any subjects are required for your course. You can also check our guidance on choosing your high school subjects for more information.

Admission assessment

There is an admission assessment at some Colleges for this course. You do not need to register in advance.

Check the College admission assessments page for more information.

Submitted work

You won't usually be asked to submit examples of written work. You may be asked to do some reading prior to your interview, but if this is required the College will provide full details in your interview invitation.

Offers above the minimum requirement

The minimum offer level and subject requirements outline the minimum you'll usually need to achieve to get an offer from Cambridge.

In some cases, you'll get a higher or more challenging offer. Colleges set higher offer requirements for a range of reasons. If you'd like to find out more about why we do this,  check the information about offers above the minimum requirement  on the entry requirements page.

Some Colleges usually make offers above the minimum offer level. Find out more on our qualifications page .

All undergraduate admissions decisions are the responsibility of the Cambridge Colleges. Please contact the relevant  College admissions office  if you have any queries.

Find out more about Geography at Cambridge

• Visit the Department of Geography website - The Department of Geography website has more information about this course, facilities, people and research.

Explore our Colleges

• Find out how a College works - A College is where you’ll live, eat and socialise. It’s also where you’ll have teaching in a small group, known as supervisions.
• How to choose a Cambridge College that's right for you - If you think you know which course you’d like to study, it’s time to choose a College.

Visit us on an open day

• Boon an open day - Get a feel for the city and the University
• Find an event - We offer a range of events where you can find out more about Cambridge, Colleges, and your course. Many of our events have hybrid options so you can join us virtually.

Find out how to apply

• Find out how to apply and how our admissions processes work - Our admissions process is slightly different to other universities. We’ve put together a handy guide to tell you everything you need to know about applying to study at Cambridge.
• Improve your application - Supercurricular activities are a great way to engage with your chosen subject outside of school or college.

Discover Uni data

Contextual information.

Discover Uni allows you to compare information about individual courses at different higher education institutions.  This can be a useful method of considering your options and what course may suit you best.

However, please note that superficially similar courses often have very different structures and objectives, and that the teaching, support and learning environment that best suits you can only be determined by identifying your own interests, needs, expectations and goals, and comparing them with detailed institution- and course-specific information.

We recommend that you look thoroughly at the course and University information contained on these webpages and consider coming to visit us on an Open Day , rather than relying solely on statistical comparison.

You may find the following notes helpful when considering information presented by Discover Uni.

• Discover Uni relies on superficially similar courses being coded in the same way. Whilst this works on one level, it may lead to some anomalies. For example, Music courses and Music Technology courses can have exactly the same code despite being very different programmes with quite distinct educational and career outcomes. Any course which combines several disciplines (as many courses at Cambridge do) tends to be compared nationally with courses in just one of those disciplines, and in such cases the Discover Uni comparison may not be an accurate or fair reflection of the reality of either. For example, you may find that when considering a degree which embraces a range of disciplines such as biology, physics, chemistry and geology (for instance, Natural Sciences at Cambridge), the comparison provided is with courses at other institutions that primarily focus on just one (or a smaller combination) of those subjects.You may therefore find that not all elements of the Cambridge degree are represented in the Discover Uni data.
• Some contextual data linked from other surveys, such as the National Student Survey (NSS) or the Destination of Leavers in Higher Education (DLHE), may not be available or may be aggregated across several courses or several years due to small sample sizes.  When using the data to inform your course choice, it is important to ensure you understand how it has been processed prior to its presentation. Discover Uni offers some explanatory information about how the contextual data is collated, and how it may be used, which you can view here: https://discoveruni.gov.uk/about-our-data/ .
• Discover Uni draws on national data to provide average salaries and employment/continuation data.  Whilst starting salaries can be a useful measure, they do not give any sense of career trajectory or take account of the voluntary/low paid work that many graduates undertake initially in order to gain valuable experience necessary/advantageous for later career progression. Discover Uni is currently piloting use of the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data to demonstrate possible career progression; it is important to note that this is experimental and its use may be modified as it embeds.

The above list is not exhaustive and there may be other important factors that are relevant to the choices that you are making, but we hope that this will be a useful starting point to help you delve deeper than the face value of the Discover Uni data.

Key information

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The List of All U.S. Colleges With a Geography Major

Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492. Fast forward a few centuries later and most of the world has already been discovered. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a need for geography anymore, it just means the need for such a field has evolved. A student with a love for geography loves to study the relationship between people and the world they share. This student can find help in selecting the right college by starting with the complete list of universities that offer this degree program we have compiled in this post.

Why Should You Study Geography in College?

Geography has become more than simply traversing an unknown land across the globe and creating a map of said land; it is the study of the interactions between people and their environments and how these interactions overall affect the planet. These environments can be either natural, like the study of climate change, or human, like the study of culture and landscape.

At the surface, geography doesn’t appear to hold much promise for a future career. On the contrary, because geography is known as the “mother of all sciences,” students who pursue this program have a myriad of options from which to choose.

Physical geographers study the landscape and how these affect our way of life and how our changes to the landscape affect the earth. Cultural geographers study people’s behaviors in relation to their effects on the environment such as transportation methods and building cities. Political geographers study the global political issues between countries and cultures around the world.

A student who studies geography in college will reap the benefits of a well-rounded education. They can expect to learn excellent communication skills, excellent skills in research, and a broadened ability to think critically. In having a geography degree, the world becomes a never-ending pool of learning that can ultimately make a change for the greater good.

How Can You Increase Your Chances of Acceptance?

It’s important to think of a high school transcript and profile like a resume when contacting college admissions officers. They will be looking for a high GPA score and proof that the student is dedicated to learning all that comes with a major in geography. That being said, a student should have excellent grades in natural science, basic math courses, and computer science.

Extracurricular activities are also a great way to boost a student’s profile that makes them stand out to college admissions officers. Science fairs and school clubs that are geared toward the student with a heart for geography are excellent choices for making a profile shine. For more information about the importance of extracurriculars before college, check out this post on the CollegeVine site!

There are some students who have figured out early on that they want to study geography in college. Fortunately, CollegeVine has designed the Early Advising Program to help give 9th and 10th graders a head start in the admission process. The tools given to the student through this program help set up the student for a successful admission process once high school is over and it’s time to begin the freshman semester.

Sometimes it takes a student a little bit longer to decide on a major, whether it’s geography or not. CollegeVine also has an program that helps rising seniors stay on course and on schedule in time for college admissions. The College Strategy Program is geared for the junior student and helps them navigate and organize all the necessary steps to gain higher chances of acceptance into the college of their dreams.

What Colleges Have a Geography Major?

With so many universities to choose from in the country, it’s hard to find the one that’s a great fit and one that offers a geography major. That’s why CollegeVine has done a little bit of leg work for you and provided a list of all the colleges in the nation that offer this degree program.

Alfred State College

Appalachian State University

Aquinas College (Michigan)

Arizona State University | ASU

Auburn University

Auburn University at Montgomery | AUM

Augustana College

Austin Peay State University | APSU

Ball State University | BSU

Bismarck State College | BSC

Bowling Green State University | BGSU

Bridgewater State University

Brigham Young University | BYU

Bucknell University

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | Cal Poly Pomona

California State University, Chico | CSU Chico

California State University, Dominguez Hills | CSUDH

California State University, East Bay | CSU East Bay

California State University, Fresno | CSU Fresno

California State University, Fullerton | CSU Fullerton

California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach State

California State University, Los Angeles | Cal State LA

California State University, Northridge | CSUN

California State University, Sacramento | Sacramento State

California State University, San Bernardino | CSUSB

California State University, Stanislaus | Stanislaus State

California University of Pennsylvania | Cal U

Calvin College

Carthage College

Castleton University

Central Connecticut State University | CCSU

Central Michigan University | CMU

Central Washington University | CWU

Clark University

Colgate University

College of Staten Island | CUNY CSI

Colorado State University | CSU

Columbia University

Concord University

Concordia University Nebraska

Dartmouth College

Delta State University

DePaul University

East Carolina University | ECU

East Central University | ECU

Eastern Illinois University | EIU

Eastern Michigan University | EMU

Eastern Washington University | EWU

Elmhurst College

Evergreen State College

Farmingdale State College | SUNY Farmingdale

Fayetteville State University | FSU

Ferris State University

Fitchburg State University

Florida Atlantic University | FAU

Florida International University | FIU

Florida State University | FSU

Fort Hays State University | FHSU

Framingham State University

Frostburg State University

George Mason University

George Washington University | GW

Georgia Southern University

Grand Valley State University | GVSU

Gustavus Adolphus College

Hofstra University

Humboldt State University | HSU

Hunter College | CUNY Hunter

Illinois State University | ISU

Indiana State University | ISU

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis | IUPUI

Indiana University Bloomington | Indiana

Indiana University of Pennsylvania | IUP

Jacksonville State University | JSU

Jacksonville University

James Madison University | JMU

Johns Hopkins University | JHU

Kansas State University | KSU

Keene State College

Kennesaw State University | KSU

Kent State University

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | KU

Lehman College | CUNY Lehman

Louisiana State University | LSU

Macalester College

Marshall University

Mayville State University | MSU

Metropolitan State University of Denver | MSU Denver

Miami University

Michigan State University

Middlebury College

Midland College | MC

Millersville University of Pennsylvania | MU

Minnesota State University Moorhead | MSUM

Minnesota State University, Mankato | MNSU

Missouri Southern State University

Missouri State University | MSU

Missouri Western State University

Montclair State University | MSU

Mount Holyoke College

Murray State University | MSU

Nicholls State University

North Carolina Central University | NCCU

North Carolina State University | NC State

North Dakota State University | NDSU

Northeastern Illinois University | NEIU

Northeastern State University | NSU

Northeastern University

Northern Arizona University | NAU

Northern Illinois University | NIU

Northern Kentucky University

Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest University

Nova Southeastern University | NSU

Oberlin College

Ohio Northern University | ONU

Oklahoma Baptist University | OBU

Olivet Nazarene University | ONU

Pace University

Pacific University

Park University

Peninsula College

Pennsylvania State University | PSU

Pittsburg State University | PSU

Plymouth State University | PSU

Portland State University | PSU

Rhode Island College | RIC

Rocky Mountain College | RMC

Rowan University

Rutgers University–New Brunswick | Rutgers

Saginaw Valley State University | SVSU

Salem State University

Salisbury University

Sam Houston State University | SHSU

Samford University

San Diego State University | SDSU

San Francisco State University | SF State

San Jose State University | SJSU

Sarah Lawrence College

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | SRU

Soka University of America

South Dakota State University

Southeast Missouri State University | SEMO

Southern Connecticut State University | SCSU

Southern Illinois University Carbondale | SIU

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | SIUE

Southern New Hampshire University | SNHU

St. Cloud State University | SCSU

State University of New York at Cortland | SUNY Cortland

State University of New York at New Paltz | SUNY New Paltz

State University of New York at Oneonta | SUNY Oneonta

State University of New York at Potsdam | SUNY Potsdam

Stephen F. Austin State University | SFA

Syracuse University

Temple University

Texas A&M University

Texas Christian University | TCU

Texas Southern University | TSU

Texas State University

Texas Tech University | TTU

The Ohio State University | OSU

The State University of New York at Albany | SUNY Albany

The State University of New York at Binghamton | SUNY Binghamton

The State University of New York at Buffalo | SUNY Buffalo

The State University of New York at Geneseo | SUNY Geneseo

United States Military Academy | Army

University of Alabama

University of Alaska Fairbanks | UAF

University of Alaska Southeast

University of Arizona

University of Arkansas

University of California, Berkeley | UC Berkeley

University of California, Los Angeles | UCLA

University of California, Santa Barbara | UCSB

University of Central Arkansas | UCA

University of Central Oklahoma | UCO

University of Chicago

University of Cincinnati

University of Colorado Boulder | CU Boulder

University of Colorado Denver | CU Denver

University of Connecticut | UConn

University of Delaware

University of Denver

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Hawaii at Hilo | UH Hilo

University of Hawaii at Manoa | UH Manoa

University of Houston–Clear Lake | UHCL

University of Idaho

University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign | UIUC

University of Iowa

University of Kansas

University of Kentucky

University of Louisiana at Lafayette | UL Lafayette

University of Louisville

University of Maine at Farmington | UMF

University of Mary Washington | UMW

University of Maryland, Baltimore County | UMBC

University of Maryland, College Park | Maryland

University of Massachusetts Amherst | UMass Amherst

University of Michigan–Flint | UofM-Flint

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | Minnesota

University of Missouri | Mizzou

University of Missouri–Kansas City | UMKC

University of Montana

University of Nebraska at Kearney | UNK

University of Nebraska Omaha | UNO

University of Nebraska–Lincoln | UNL

University of Nevada, Las Vegas | UNLV

University of Nevada, Reno

University of New Hampshire | UNH

University of New Mexico | UNM

University of North Alabama | UNA

University of North Carolina at Charlotte | UNC Charlotte

University of North Carolina at Greensboro | UNC Greensboro

University of North Carolina at Wilmington | UNC Wilmington

University of North Dakota | UND

University of North Texas | UNT

University of Northern Iowa | UNI

University of Oklahoma

University of Oregon

University of Richmond

University of South Alabama | South

University of South Carolina | USC

University of South Florida | USF

University of South Florida St. Petersburg | USFSP

University of Southern Maine | USM

University of Southern Mississippi | Southern Miss

University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)

University of Tennessee

University of Tennessee at Martin | UTM

University of Texas at Austin | UT Austin

University of Texas at San Antonio | UTSA

University of Toledo

University of Utah

University of Vermont | UVM

University of Washington

University of West Georgia | UWG

University of Wisconsin-Madison | Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin–La Crosse | UW–La Crosse

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee | UWM

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh | UW Oshkosh

University of Wisconsin–Platteville | UW–Platteville

University of Wisconsin–River Falls | UW–River Falls

University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point | UW–Stevens Point

University of Wisconsin–Whitewater | UW–Whitewater

University of Wyoming

Utah State University

Utah Valley University | UVU

Valparaiso University | Valpo

Vassar College

Villanova University

Virginia Tech

Wayne State College

Weber State University

West Chester University | WCUPA

West Liberty University

West Virginia University | WVU

Western Illinois University | WIU

Western Kentucky University | WKU

Western Michigan University | WMU

Western Oregon University | WOU

Western Washington University | WWU

William Paterson University | WPUNJ

Worcester State University

Wright State University

Youngstown State University

Want access to expert college guidance — for free? When you create your free CollegeVine account, you will find out your real admissions chances, build a best-fit school list, learn how to improve your profile, and get your questions answered by experts and peers—all for free. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey.

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• How to Make Your Coursework as Good as It Can Possibly Be

Many GCSE and A-level subjects are assessed in part by coursework in addition to exams, meaning that the mark you receive for coursework contributes to your overall grade. Many students prefer coursework, because it’s a chance to showcase your academic abilities away from the high-pressured environment of the exam room, making it ideal for those who don’t perform to the best of their abilities in exams. However, the time you have available for coursework, in contrast with the time constraints of the exam room, can lull some students into a false sense of security. Coursework is arguably just as challenging as exams, just in different ways – and, given the fact that you have more time, much higher standards are expected of you in coursework than in exams. Careful planning and research are needed for successful coursework, as well as strong data-gathering and essay-writing skills. In this article, we look at how to produce excellent coursework, from planning to proofreading. This information might also be useful to you if you’re planning on attending an Oxford Summer School this summer.

What is coursework?

GCSE and A-level coursework typically takes the form of an extended essay or project. Its objectives vary from one subject to another, but there’s usually an emphasis on the student conducting independent research into a topic of their own choice. Thus coursework often takes the form of some sort of investigation; it may, therefore, help to have your ‘detective’ hat on as you explore, investigate and analyse your topic. You can usually work on your coursework at home, though it’s sometimes completed under controlled conditions through sessions at school. To give you a better idea of how coursework varies from one subject to another, here are some examples:

• English – English coursework usually takes the form of an extended essay with a title of your choice. You’re usually given a choice of themes and/or texts to explore, and you could choose a format such as a comparison between a set text and another one.
• Geography – Geography coursework usually focuses on the gathering, reporting and interpretation of data designed to answer a particular geographical question. You could investigate usage of a shopping centre, for example, or look at erosion on a particular beach.
• Sciences – coursework for science subjects often takes the form of a scientific project or experiment that you conduct and report on yourself.

Before you start work on your coursework, it’s essential that you have a thorough understanding of the rules. Failing to conform to the rules – inadvertently or not – may result in your coursework (or possibly even your entire qualification) being disqualified, so it’s a serious matter.

• No plagiarism – this is particularly dangerous given the ready availability of relevant information on the internet these days. Make sure everything is in your own words; you’ll need to sign a declaration stating that it’s your own original work.
• There’s only so much help your teacher can give you . They can provide guidance on what you need to include, and on what the examiners will be looking for. You can ask them questions, but they’ll usually only be able to check through your first draft once and offer broad hints on updating it.
• Check the word count , and stick to it. Find out whether footnotes, appendices and bibliographies are included in the word count.
• Check what topics you’re allowed to do your coursework on; if there’s an exam on this topic, you’ll almost certainly have to choose a different one for your coursework.

Choose your topic wisely

Ideally, choose something you’re genuinely interested in, as your enthusiasm will come across and you’ll find it more enjoyable to write. If there’s something you’ve been working on for the course so far that you’ve particularly enjoyed, you may be able to focus more on this as part of your coursework. For science coursework, you’ll need to choose something to investigate that you can measure, change and control; it should be what’s called a ‘fair test’, meaning that you have to acknowledge all the controls you use in the experiment and why. Try not to pick a topic for which the scope is too vast, as you’ll struggle to research it properly and you’re unlikely to do it justice, and it’ll be hard to keep within the word limit. Ask your teachers for some guidance on choosing your topic if you’re not sure what to write about; they might even tell you a bit about what previous students have done to give you some inspiration.

Plan how long it’s going to take

Never leave your coursework until the last minute, even if this is your normal approach to essays and it usually works for you. Make sure you understand when the deadlines are, including time for submitting a first draft for comments from your teacher. Then schedule blocks of time for working on it, allowing plenty of time before the deadline to cater for any unexpected delays. Allow ample time for making corrections based on teacher feedback on your first draft, and keep some time aside before the deadline for final editing and proofreading. Because actual deadlines are few and far between, you’ll need to take responsibility for the writing process and impose some deadlines on yourself to ensure it’s finished in time. Write down your deadlines on a calendar, with the coursework broken into stages and dates assigned to each, by which time each task should be complete. You can base your stages on the next few points in this article – research and data gathering, a structure plan for the piece of work, writing up, and so on.

Conducting your research and gathering data

As coursework is primarily a research exercise, the research phase is crucial, so don’t be tempted to skimp on it and go straight to writing up. Use as many different resources as you can to gather data: books, journals, newspapers, television, radio, the internet and anything else you think might be relevant. For science and Geography coursework, you’ll need to base your work on a hypothesis, so the research stage should start by coming up with at least one hypothesis, otherwise your research will lack direction. The research phase for some subjects may involve site visits for gathering data, so allow plenty of time for this, particularly if you need your parents to drive you somewhere to do so. If it’s a scientific experiment you’re conducting for your coursework, you’ll need to pay careful attention to planning the experiment using rigorous scientific methods (also noting what Health and Safety precautions you are taking), as well as reading up on the background and theory so that you have an idea of what to expect from the outcome of your experiment. In the research stage, make notes about what you expect to happen, so that you can later compare your expectations with what actually did happen. The experiment itself also forms part of the research and data-gathering stage for your science coursework; in the write-up stage, which we come onto shortly, you analyse and write up the results.

Plan your structure

Once you’ve completed your research, the process of writing up begins. Before you get down to the actual writing, however, it’s advisable to write a plan for how you’re going to structure it – essentially an essay plan for English coursework and other subjects for which the coursework is based on an extended essay. It’ll look slightly different from an essay plan for science subjects and others that revolve around project work, but the principle is the same: plan out what order you’re going to present your information in. For big projects, this is particularly important, because with a lot of information to convey, you risk being disorganised and waffling.

Writing up your project

For any coursework, but particularly coursework based around an extended essay, you’ll need to perfect your essay-writing abilities. For science coursework, writing up your project also involves data analysis, as you interpret the results of your experiment and work your notes into formal scientific language.

When you’re writing up, it’s important to find a place where you can work quietly, without distractions that could cause you to make careless errors. You wouldn’t want noise or distractions when you were in an exam room, so treat your coursework with the same reverence.

Supporting materials and images

For some subjects, namely the sciences and Geography, it would be appropriate to include images, graphs, charts, tables and so on in your coursework. For example, for Geography coursework, your extra material could include annotated images and maps of the site you’re talking about, plus tables, graphs and charts. An appendix could then detail your raw data; if, for example, your coursework focused on the results of a survey, you could put the raw survey responses in an appendix and provide summaries and analysis in the main body of the coursework.

Footnotes and bibliography

As we said earlier, it’s important that you always use your own words in your coursework to avoid the possibility of falling foul of plagiarism rules. However, it’s acceptable to quote from another source, as you would in any piece of academic writing, but you must make sure that you state where it is from and use quotation marks to show that it’s a quote from somewhere else. The best way of citing another work is to use a footnote; word processors will allow you to insert one, and it just puts a little number at the end of the sentence and another in the footer of the document, into which you put the name of the author and work, and the page within that work that the quote can be found. At the end of your piece of work, include a bibliography that includes a list of every external source you’ve used in the creation of your coursework. Stick to a set formula when including books. A common format is: Author Surname, Initial. (Date) – Title of Book , page number For example: Lewis, C.S. (1960) – Studies in Words , p. 45 When you get to university, you’ll be expected to include footnotes and bibliographies in all your essays, so it’s a good habit to get into and coursework gives you good practice at it.

The final pre-submission check

Having completed a first draft, received feedback from your teacher, and honed your work into a finished piece of coursework, have a final check through it before you send off your coursework for submission.

• Sense check : have a read through your completed piece of work and check that it all makes sense. Make sure you haven’t contradicted yourself anywhere, or repeated yourself, or laboured the point. If there are any facts that you may have meant to look up to double check their accuracy, do so now.
• Word count : ensure that the completed work falls within the word count, and double check whether the bibliography should be included in the word count. If you’ve exceeded it, you’ll need to work through the piece and tighten up your writing, omitting unnecessary information, reordering sentences so that they use fewer words, and so on.
• Proofread : check your spelling and grammar, and ensure that there are no typos. Don’t just use the spellcheck – go through it with a fine toothcomb, manually, and if you can, ask someone to read through it for you to see if they spot anything you haven’t.
• Formatting : check that you’ve included page numbers, and that the font and line spacing is consistent throughout the work. Ensure that the font is plain and easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Bibliography : check that you’ve included everything, that the format is the same for all sources mentioned, and that the right information is included for each.

Once this stage is complete, you’re ready to submit your coursework along with your declaration that it’s entirely your own work. Get ready for a feeling of immense satisfaction when you finally send off your hard work!

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20 Careers In Geography: Exploring Exciting Pathways in Geographic Studies

• June 23, 2023 June 19, 2023
• 13 min read

Geography is a diverse field that encompasses the study of the Earth’s physical features, climate patterns, human populations, and their interactions with the environment. It offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals interested in exploring and understanding our world. In this article, we will explore 20 careers in geography , highlighting the unique aspects of each profession and the skills required to excel in them.

Some of the best geography jobs include geographer, GIS analyst, environmental consultant, urban planner, and cartographer.

Table of Contents

List of 20 Careers In Geography

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the captivating world of geography? Brace yourself as we unveil a list of 20 extraordinary careers that will ignite your curiosity and fuel your passion for exploring our planet.

Join us as we unveil these 20 remarkable careers in geography, where every step unveils a world of wonder and a path to making a difference.

1. Geographer

Primary Duties: A geographer’s work revolves around studying the Earth and its land, features, and inhabitants. They use geographic information systems (GIS) to present their findings. By analyzing various geographical aspects, they can provide valuable information about the Earth’s physical and human elements. This geography based profession requires professionals to work with cartographic and statistical data.

Geographers have an essential role in planning, development, and understanding patterns in the environment and urban areas. They provide insights on a location-specific basis, which could be pivotal in making strategic decisions in both the private and public sectors. A career as a geographer often requires a geography degree or a related field of study.

2. Environmental Consultant

Primary Duties: Environmental consultants work on environmental issues including waste management, water pollution, environmental protection, and housing development. They advise on how these factors can affect a project or business. They might use tools like the ones geologists use to conduct assessments.

In this career, professionals use their geography knowledge to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, promote sustainable practices, and protect the environment. An environmental consultant might also perform environmental impact assessments, implement environmental management systems, and conduct biodiversity surveys .

3. Cartographer

Primary Duties: Cartographers specialize in creating maps to communicate spatial information effectively. They use geographical data and specific cartography tools to construct maps that reflect specific areas, demographics, or themes.

In addition to making traditional maps, cartographers today also work on digital maps, 3D maps, and other geospatial data presentations. They might work with urban planners, engineers, and other professionals who need specific geographical data. A degree in geography, GIS, or related field is typically required to enter this career.

4. Urban Planner

Primary Duties: Urban Planners work towards making communities functional, attractive, and sustainable. They consider various factors, such as population growth, infrastructure needs, and environmental impact, to propose development projects. Their work often intersects with geography and its uses since they need to understand how geographical features and elements affect urban life.

Urban Planners are critical in helping towns and cities accommodate increasing population and change. They also work to improve public transportation, green spaces, and overall community design. They work closely with public officials, developers, and the public to ensure that the community’s needs and wants are met.

5. Geomorphologist

Primary Duties: Geomorphologists study the Earth’s surface, primarily how natural forces such as wind, water, and ice shape and alter landscapes. They analyze phenomena such as mountains, rivers, volcanoes, and glaciers, and provide valuable insights about how topography affects climate .

Geomorphologists often work in the field, conducting site surveys, collecting samples, and using various tools and technologies to study landforms. Their work can help predict natural disasters, inform construction projects, and contribute to our understanding of climate change. A degree in geography, geology, or earth sciences is often necessary for this role.

6. Geospatial Analyst

Primary Duties: Geospatial Analysts work with geographic data, using GIS software to analyze, interpret, and present geographic information in a meaningful way. They often work with data relating to physical features, climate, population demographics, and more. This career often leverages the essential elements of geography .

In their job, Geospatial Analysts may help organizations make informed decisions related to logistics, development, strategic planning, and more. They need strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of geographic information systems. Relevant education in geography, GIS, or related fields is typically required.

7. Climatologist

Primary Duties: Climatologists study climate patterns over periods of time and analyze how these patterns impact the environment and human life. This entails understanding the various factors that influence climate change . They work in various settings, such as environmental agencies, weather stations, and research institutions.

Climatologists can offer expertise in matters related to long-term weather patterns, climate change, and their impact on the global and local environment. This understanding is critical in shaping policies and practices in agriculture, infrastructure development, and even energy production. A strong educational foundation in meteorology, geography, or environmental science is often required for this role.

8. GIS Specialist

Primary Duties: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialists create, maintain, and update geographic and spatial information using GIS software. Their work provides the data necessary for geospatial analysis, urban planning, disaster response, and many other applications. They are well-versed in the use of geographers’ tools .

A GIS Specialist’s work might involve everything from collecting geographic data, creating maps, conducting spatial analysis, to training others to use GIS technology. This job is integral to various industries, including urban planning, transportation, environmental science, and even marketing. A geography degree, particularly one that includes coursework in GIS, is a common path to this career.

9. Hydrologist

Primary Duties: Hydrologists study water and its distribution, circulation, and physical properties. They analyze how water influences the surrounding environment and how changes to the environment impact water resources. Understanding the relationship between water and its environment often involves studying geographical and topographical elements .

In their job, Hydrologists may predict future water levels and availability, monitor and manage water supplies, and conduct research on water quality. They often work for government agencies, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations. An education in hydrology, geography, or earth sciences is typically necessary for this career.

10. Remote Sensing Specialist

Primary Duties: Remote Sensing Specialists use technologies like satellite imaging to gather and analyze data about the Earth’s surface. Their role often complements other geographic professions, aiding in environmental assessment, cartography, and resource management. Understanding how topography affects soil formation is often critical in this role.

Remote Sensing Specialists work across a variety of sectors, including government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and academia. They may use their skills to map deforestation, monitor weather patterns, or plan urban growth. A degree in geography, environmental science, or a similar field is often necessary for this profession.

11. Geographical Information Systems Manager

Primary Duties: Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Managers supervise and coordinate GIS projects, manage GIS professionals , and oversee the use and maintenance of GIS databases. They ensure that the geospatial information meets the needs of users, clients, and stakeholders, and that data collection and interpretation procedures follow best practices.

In this role, GIS Managers may also provide technical support, develop strategic plans, and manage resources for their department. They work across various sectors, from government to environmental consulting to transport planning. A strong background in GIS, geography, or a related discipline, along with management experience, is required for this job.

12. Economic Geographer

Primary Duties: Economic Geographers examine regional and global economic patterns, focusing on how geographical factors impact economies. They might study how geography affects the economy or the role of geography in trade and commerce.

These professionals often work in academia, consulting firms, or government agencies, where they apply their knowledge to address economic issues, inform policy decisions, and assist in strategic planning. Economic Geographers need a solid background in both geography and economics to perform their duties.

13. Geographical Educator

Primary Duties: Geographical Educators, or Geography Teachers, are responsible for teaching students about the world around them. They impart knowledge about different regions, cultures, climate patterns, and how these aspects interconnect. Understanding the essential elements of geography is vital for their work.

In addition to traditional teaching roles, Geographical Educators may also develop curriculums, conduct research, or advise students. Their role is crucial in cultivating the next generation’s understanding of the world and its complex systems. To be a Geographical Educator, one typically needs a degree in education with a specialization in geography.

14. Geoscientist

Primary Duties: Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth to understand its past, present, and future. They often investigate how geology compares to geography , exploring earth processes, studying geologic materials, and understanding how Earth’s history impacts life today.

Geoscientists work in various sectors, from oil and gas exploration to environmental consulting to government services. They often conduct fieldwork, collecting samples and performing tests, and their findings can guide construction, environmental protection, and resource management. A degree in geoscience, geology, or a similar field is required for this role.

15. GIS Developer

Primary Duties: GIS Developers design, develop, and implement software applications that allow users to effectively interpret and visualize geographic data. They use their knowledge of geography and computer programming to make GIS more accessible and user-friendly.

GIS Developers work in various industries, including government, engineering, transportation, and environmental science. They often work closely with other GIS professionals to develop custom solutions that meet specific data analysis needs. To become a GIS Developer, one usually needs a strong background in computer science and a thorough understanding of geographic information systems.

16. Cultural Geographer

Primary Duties: Cultural Geographers study the relationship between culture and geography, focusing on cultural phenomena and their geographical implications. They often explore how geography affects culture and vice versa.

Cultural Geographers work in various fields such as academia, urban planning, tourism, and cultural preservation. They may study cultural landscapes, societal norms, or migration patterns. This career requires a deep understanding of both cultural studies and geography.

17. Spatial Analyst

Primary Duties: Spatial Analysts use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to model, analyze, and predict spatial data and patterns. They translate complex geographic data into easy-to-understand visualizations and reports, aiding in decision-making processes across many sectors.

Their work is vital in various industries such as transportation, urban planning, emergency response, and environmental management. They may develop spatial models, design databases, or provide GIS training. A degree in geography, environmental science, or a related field is often necessary to be a Spatial Analyst.

18. Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Primary Duties: Disaster Risk Management Specialists use their understanding of geography to predict, mitigate, and manage the risks and effects of natural disasters. They work on the planning, development, and implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies.

These professionals work closely with governments, communities, and organizations to minimize loss from natural disasters. They also engage in post-disaster recovery efforts. Their work often entails an understanding of various geographical aspects, such as karst topography and its implications for disaster risk. Relevant education in geography, environmental science, or disaster management is usually required for this role.

19. Transport Planner

Primary Duties: Transport Planners develop transportation strategies to manage the impact of transport on the environment and the public. They use their understanding of geography to assess and address transportation needs, constraints, and impacts. Their work often involves studying how geography affects trade and transportation .

Transport Planners work in various sectors, including government agencies, consulting firms, and transportation companies. They may be involved in policy planning, traffic management, and infrastructure development. To be a Transport Planner, one typically needs a degree in geography, urban planning, or a related field.

20. Geography Teacher

Primary Duties: Geography Teachers educate students about physical and human geographical phenomena. They teach about diverse regions, their characteristics, and the ways geography affects civilizations . Geography Teachers employ various teaching strategies to make complex geographical concepts understandable.

Geography Teachers play a vital role in shaping students’ understanding of the world. They may work in middle schools, high schools, or universities, and their role can also include curriculum development, research, and student advising. A degree in education with a focus on geography is often necessary for this job.

Is a Geography Degree Worth It?

A geography degree can certainly be worth it, depending on an individual’s career goals and interests. The field of geography is broad and versatile, encompassing both physical science (like earth systems and climate) and social science (such as urban development and planning).

This multidisciplinary approach offers a comprehensive understanding of global issues, making geography graduates attractive to a wide range of employers. Careers in urban planning, environmental consultancy, transportation, and GIS are just a few examples of roles that geography graduates are well-suited for.

However, as with any degree, it’s essential to consider your personal interests and future career aspirations. A geography degree can provide foundational knowledge applicable to numerous fields, but further specialization might be required for some roles.

Therefore, it’s worth researching and understanding the potential career paths before embarking on a geography degree.

Whether you’re interested in the natural environment, human societies, or the intersection between the two, a career in geography offers diverse opportunities to explore and contribute to our understanding of the world.

These 20 careers in geography offer diverse opportunities for individuals passionate about exploring the world, understanding its complexities, and making a positive impact on society. Whether you have an interest in maps, the environment, urban planning, or data analysis, there is a rewarding career path waiting for you in the field of geography.

Conclusion:

Geography is a field that encompasses a wide range of careers, each with its own unique focus and set of skills. From cartographers and urban planners to climatologists and geospatial analysts, there are numerous opportunities to explore and contribute to our understanding of the world. By pursuing a career in geography, you can combine your passion for the Earth with meaningful work that helps shape a sustainable and informed future.

FAQs: 20 Careers In Geography

What educational background is required for a career in geography.

Most careers in geography require at least a bachelor’s degree in geography, environmental science, or a related field. Higher-level positions may require a master’s or doctoral degree.

Are there opportunities for fieldwork in geography careers?

Yes, many geography careers involve fieldwork. Professionals often collect data in the field, conduct surveys, and perform on-site observations.

Can geography careers contribute to addressing climate change?

Absolutely. Careers such as climatology, environmental consulting, and conservation science play vital roles in understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

What skills are important for a successful career in geography?

Strong analytical skills, spatial reasoning, data interpretation, and proficiency in GIS and other mapping software are essential for success in geography careers.

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Register to study through Unisa

• Subjects & modules
• All subjects

All Geography modules are offered fully online, and all study materials are available online. Therefore, students registering for any Geography module are required to have regular access to a computer and internet in order to download and read essential study material from the myUnisa module site and the World Wide Web. All modules require a level of compulsory online learning activities and group work. For some modules, the ability to download and watch video clips or recordings on the internet (i.e. via Youtube or myUnisa site) is required as part of the learning experience. Major combinations: NQF Level 5: GGH1501, GGH1502, GGH1503 (BSc major students must complete all three modules, while BA major students must complete ONLY: GGH1501 and GGH1502). NQF Level 6: Select any FOUR of GGH2601, GGH2602, GGH2603, GGH2604, GGH2605, GGH2606, GGH2607 or GGH2608. NQF Level 7: Select any FIVE of GGH3701, GGH3702, GGH3703, GGH3704, GGH3705, GGH3707 or GGH3708, GGH3710 or GGH3711. Note: the Inclusion of GGH2607 as part of the major combination will automatically lead to the exclusion of GGH3703 and vice versa.) Major combinations: Honours level NQF Level 8: HRGGH82, GGH4802, GGH4804 and GGH4805.

How does geography have an impact on history?

Impact of Geography on History: A Pilot’s Perspective

As a pilot, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how geography has a profound impact on history. From the vantage point of the cockpit, I have seen how geographical features shape the course of human events. Whether it is the strategic location of cities, the influence of natural resources, or the barriers and advantages presented by physical landscapes, geography plays a pivotal role in shaping historical narratives.

The Influence of Geographical Components

One of the most striking examples of how geography impacts history is the European colonization of America. The East Coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico provided favorable shores for European invasions. These geographical components greatly contributed to the conquest of America and the subsequent establishment of colonization by Europeans.

Geography and the Formation of Civilizations

Geography not only affects the course of history but also shapes the development and formation of civilizations. For thousands of years, the availability of water resources has been a key factor in the location of major cities. Rivers have served as lifelines for human settlements, providing access to transportation, agriculture, and trade. The influence of geography on the early civilizations cannot be overstated.

Trade, Military Usage, and Expansion

As people started to form empires, geography became even more important. The availability of natural resources, such as fertile land and minerals, influenced agricultural and economic activities. Moreover, geographic features like rivers, mountains, and deserts affected the development of trade routes, communication, and the spread of ideas and technology. These factors played a crucial role in the success or downfall of empires throughout history.

The Unique Influence of Geography in China

China stands as a remarkable example of how geography can impact the course of history. The peninsula’s rough terrain, characterized by numerous mountains and frequent earthquakes, played a significant role in shaping China’s civilization uniquely compared to other early civilizations. The geographical challenges and advantages influenced China’s development, leading to its distinctive cultural, economic, and political trajectory.

Geography in Tandem with History

Geography and history are inseparably linked, with key concepts of geography, such as location, place, and region, intertwined with major historical ideas like time, period, and events. By studying geography and history together, learners gain a comprehensive understanding of how events and places have influenced each other across different time periods. This interplay between geography and history enriches our understanding of the world.

The Relevance of Geography in Society

Geographic knowledge and skills are essential for individuals to comprehend various aspects of their lives and the broader world. From navigating and communicating to understanding global networks and the impact of geographical features on daily lives, geography plays a vital role in our modern society.

Geography and Personal Lives

Geography has a tangible impact on people’s lives, often in ways that may go unnoticed. For instance, individuals living near rivers are often at risk of flood-related challenges and may have to acquire flood insurance. Similarly, those residing in desert regions must prioritize water conservation. Border regions pose unique challenges, with individuals residing in one state and working in another, leading to complicated tax filing and other administrative considerations.

Recognizing the Impact of Geography

Proximity to bodies of water, such as seas and rivers, can significantly influence a region’s climate, access to trade routes, and the viability of specific economic activities. Mountain ranges, on the other hand, can impact weather patterns and isolate communities, while fertile plains can support agriculture and dense populations. Understanding these geographical factors is crucial for comprehending historical developments and societal structures.

The Significance of Geography and History

Both geography and history play integral roles in our understanding of the world. Geography helps us comprehend the physical environment and its current state, while history delves into the past and provides valuable insights into human experiences. The past informs the present, guiding us towards immediate actions for a secure future.

Examining Historical Geography

Historical geography is a discipline within human geography that focuses on exploring the geographical aspects of the past and their influence on the present and future. It examines how geographical factors shape human societies over time and highlights the intricate relationship between geography and history.

The Interplay between History and Geography

While history and geography are distinct disciplines, they are tightly intertwined. History seeks to understand human society, culture, and experiences from a temporal perspective, while geography does so from a spatial standpoint. By placing maps within a historical context, we can appreciate the profound connections between geography and historical events.

Impacts of Geography

Geography has various impacts on societies and regions, encompassing social, economic, and environmental aspects. Social impacts include deaths, injuries, and wider health implications resulting from geographical factors. Economic impacts involve the loss of property, businesses, infrastructure, and opportunities. Additionally, geography has environmental repercussions, such as damage or destruction of physical systems, including ecosystems.

Benefits of Geography Knowledge

Geographic knowledge extends beyond its academic relevance – it holds practical value in numerous contexts. Understanding geography equips individuals to better comprehend current events, actively contribute to combating climate change, partake in a global community, appreciate diverse cultures, and learn from historical perspectives.

The Five Themes of Geography

There are five main themes in geography that contribute to our understanding of the subject. These include location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and region. Collectively, these themes encompass the entire scope of geography and shed light on different aspects of the world we inhabit.

Geography’s Impact on Greece

Greece’s geography has profoundly influenced its history. Mountains and the surrounding seas created natural barriers that resulted in the formation of independent “city-states” rather than a unified nation. Loyalty in ancient Greece was primarily focused on individual city-states rather than a broader national identity.

Domains of Geography

Geography can be divided into three primary strands: physical geography, human geography, and environmental geography. Physical geography examines natural features and their impact on people and the environment. Human geography focuses on the study of people and their interactions within various environments. Lastly, environmental geography explores the human impact on the environment and strategies for conservation and protection.

Eratosthenes: The Father of Geography

Eratosthenes, the ancient Greek scholar, is widely regarded as the “father of geography.” He not only coined the term “geography” but also had a comprehensive understanding of the planet’s size. Eratosthenes accurately calculated the Earth’s circumference, showcasing his significant contributions to the field.

Introducing Geography to Children

For children, geography can be explained as a science that deals with the Earth’s surface. Geographers study the physical features of the Earth, such as mountains, deserts, rivers, and oceans, as well as the ways in which people interact with and are influenced by the natural world.

The Importance of Facts in History

Facts play a crucial role in historical understanding. While historical facts provide a basic chronology of events, historians delve deeper to determine why events occurred, identify contributing factors, analyze their consequences, and interpret their meaning. Facts in history serve as the foundation for comprehension and analysis.

Geography and History: Interconnected Disciplines

History is a subset of social studies, which encompasses disciplines like geography, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and political science. While history is focused on the study of past events, geography offers a spatial lens through which the human experience is understood. Both disciplines contribute unique perspectives to our understanding of the world.

The Scientific Nature of Geography

Geography is considered a science and follows the scientific method for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The discipline employs systematic approaches to study the Earth’s physical features, human-environmental interactions, and spatial relationships.

Everyday Relevance of Geography

Geography holds everyday significance, even beyond academic contexts. It provides the foundation for navigation, helping individuals find their way and understand maps and directions. Geography is also intimately connected to modern technologies like GPS and location-based services, facilitating smooth movements and interactions in our increasingly interconnected world.

Geography’s Broad Connections

Geography interconnects with various aspects of life, as every geographic component is linked to the natural environment. Whether examining climate change, cultural dynamics, political factors, or economic systems, geography plays a critical role in comprehending the complexities of global issues.

Impact of Physical Geography on Europe

Europe’s moderate climates and advantageous relative location have been supported by its access to rivers and seas. These geographic advantages have played a significant role in the region’s historical development, including the rise of the Industrial Revolution and the emergence of sophisticated and urban societies.

1. How does geography shape the course of history?

Geography influences historical events by providing strategic advantages and disadvantages, shaping trade routes, and affecting the availability of resources. Mountains, rivers, coastlines, and other geographical features have played a role in determining the course of history.

2. Can geography impact the development of civilizations?

Absolutely. Geography affects the availability of natural resources, the formation of cities, the spread of ideas, and the establishment of trade networks. Access to fertile land, water sources, and advantageous geographic features are crucial factors in the development of civilizations.

3. How does geography contribute to the understanding of historical events?

Geography provides context for historical events. By considering geographical factors such as location, climate, and physical barriers, historians can better understand the motivations, limitations, and strategies of individuals and societies throughout history.

4. Can geography impact the economic and political dynamics of a region?

Definitely. Geography influences economic activities through the availability of resources, trade routes, and transportation access. Additionally, physical barriers and advantageous locations can shape political boundaries and strategies.

5. How does geography influence the formation of cultural identities?

Geography affects cultural identities by shaping the physical surroundings and resources available to a community. Unique geographical features, such as mountains, rivers, or coastlines, often contribute to the unique traditions, art, and beliefs of a particular culture.

6. What are the key geographical factors that have influenced history?

Some key geographical factors include mountains, rivers, coastlines, deserts, and proximity to bodies of water. These features have shaped migration patterns, trade routes, military strategies, and the availability of resources, all of which have significant historical implications.

7. How does geography impact global interactions and connections?

Geography influences global interactions by shaping trade routes, migration patterns, and access to resources. Natural barriers and advantageous locations have historically determined which regions have strong connections and which are more isolated from the global stage.

8. Can geography still shape history in the modern world?

Absolutely. While modern technology and globalization have reduced some of the limitations imposed by geography, it still plays a significant role in shaping historical events. Physical barriers, geographic advantages, and the availability of resources continue to influence societies and determine the course of history.

In conclusion, geography has a profound impact on history, shaping the course of events, the development of civilizations, and the formation of cultural identities. Understanding the interplay between geography and history enriches our perception of the world and provides valuable insights into human experiences throughout time.

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Whitney Todd

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Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/08/20/gcse-results-day-2024-number-grading-system/

GCSE results day 2024: Everything you need to know including the number grading system

Thousands of students across the country will soon be finding out their GCSE results and thinking about the next steps in their education.   

Here we explain everything you need to know about the big day, from when results day is, to the current 9-1 grading scale, to what your options are if your results aren’t what you’re expecting.  

When is GCSE results day 2024?  

GCSE results day will be taking place on Thursday the 22 August.     

The results will be made available to schools on Wednesday and available to pick up from your school by 8am on Thursday morning.  

Schools will issue their own instructions on how and when to collect your results.   

When did we change to a number grading scale?  

The shift to the numerical grading system was introduced in England in 2017 firstly in English language, English literature, and maths.  

By 2020 all subjects were shifted to number grades. This means anyone with GCSE results from 2017-2020 will have a combination of both letters and numbers.  

The numerical grading system was to signal more challenging GCSEs and to better differentiate between students’ abilities - particularly at higher grades between the A *-C grades. There only used to be 4 grades between A* and C, now with the numerical grading scale there are 6.  

What do the number grades mean?  

The grades are ranked from 1, the lowest, to 9, the highest.  

The grades don’t exactly translate, but the two grading scales meet at three points as illustrated below.  

The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A, while the bottom of grade 4 is aligned to the bottom of grade C.    

Meanwhile, the bottom of grade 1 is aligned to the bottom of grade G.  

What to do if your results weren’t what you were expecting?  

If your results weren’t what you were expecting, firstly don’t panic. You have options.  

First things first, speak to your school or college – they could be flexible on entry requirements if you’ve just missed your grades.   

They’ll also be able to give you the best tailored advice on whether re-sitting while studying for your next qualifications is a possibility.   

If you’re really unhappy with your results you can enter to resit all GCSE subjects in summer 2025. You can also take autumn exams in GCSE English language and maths.  

Speak to your sixth form or college to decide when it’s the best time for you to resit a GCSE exam.  

Look for other courses with different grade requirements     

Entry requirements vary depending on the college and course. Ask your school for advice, and call your college or another one in your area to see if there’s a space on a course you’re interested in.    

Consider an apprenticeship    

Apprenticeships combine a practical training job with study too. They’re open to you if you’re 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education.  

As an apprentice you’ll be a paid employee, have the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, and get time set aside for training and study related to your role.   

You can find out more about how to apply here .  

Talk to a National Careers Service (NCS) adviser    

The National Career Service is a free resource that can help you with your career planning. Give them a call to discuss potential routes into higher education, further education, or the workplace.   

Whatever your results, if you want to find out more about all your education and training options, as well as get practical advice about your exam results, visit the  National Careers Service page  and Skills for Careers to explore your study and work choices.   

You may also be interested in:

• Results day 2024: What's next after picking up your A level, T level and VTQ results?
• When is results day 2024? GCSEs, A levels, T Levels and VTQs

Tags: GCSE grade equivalent , gcse number grades , GCSE results , gcse results day 2024 , gsce grades old and new , new gcse grades

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What to Know About the Latest Social Security Number Breach

Hackers may have gained access to the private information of millions of people from a background check company called National Public Data. Should you be worried? We have some advice.

By Ron Lieber

Ron Lieber covered the 2017 Equifax breach while fleeing from a hurricane .

The details are murky. In April, Hackmanac, a cybersecurity company, posted on X that about 2.9 billion records of personal data were for sale, from people in the United States, Canada and Britain. The data was supposedly stolen from National Public Data , a company that does background checks.

That company became the target of a class-action suit, which Bloomberg Law recently reported, contending that thieves got Social Security numbers in the breach. Bleeping Computer, a technology and security publication, rounded up reports of hackers leaking batches of the data.

We may never know the extent of the breach and the subsequent leak. But I’m not sure the details matter much.

Security breaches happen all the time. Thieves frequently find vulnerabilities in large systems and exploit them.

Our lack of data privacy and security is intensely hateful, but in the short and medium term, the only thing we can do is lock ourselves down as best we can.

Here are some reminders about how to do it.

Control Anxiety

Remember, some thieves steal simply because they can. If they don’t try to use stolen information, you don’t have a problem.

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