A landscape of opportunity
Introduction
Geography is much more than precipitation cycles, podzolic soils, population pyramids and plate tectonics - it is the study of the relationships between the Earth's landscapes, people, places and environments. In short, geography helps us to understand and explain the complex world we live in. The important role of geographical knowledge in understanding current local and global issues, such as climate change and world trade, is increasingly recognised by governments and businesses. Furthermore, the specific skills and expertise gained by geography graduates make them highly prized by employers. HRH Prince William's recent decision to switch to a geography degree highlights the raised profile of geography - a subject, you could say, that is fit for a King!
What is geography?
Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences with the earth sciences. This is possible through its understanding of the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies (human geography) and its understanding of physical landscapes and environmental processes (physical geography). The great Antarctic explorer and hero of geographical endeavour Ernest Shackleton said about his brave expedition team; "Strength is in unity". Geography's strength comes from its ability to unite a kaleidoscope of knowledge from different disciplines - for example, ecology, geology, economics and politics - and to interpret the bigger picture within a spatial context Over the past century the subject has evolved from a simple descriptive science to a major applied science dealing with issues such as climate change, population trends, globalisation and resource management.
Who studies geography courses ?
Few disciplines cover such a broad range of elements as geography, making it appeal to people with a wide variety of interests. The geography courses appeal to those who are interested in understanding the world around them and to people concerned about the impact of humans on the physical environment. The range of transferable skills, such as team skills, decision-making, IT and communication skills, which are acquired during a geography degree makes it an attractive and sensible option for those who have yet to map out a clear career path. So, whether you have a desire to contribute to finding solutions to some of the world's most critical issues or whether you simply have a fascination for people and places, then geography may be the degree for you.
Where to study geography?
Britain is widely recognised as an international leader in geographical teaching and research in higher education. Research standards continue to improve and students benefit from the work of the National Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, recently established to promote good learning and teaching practice.
When it comes to choosing where to study geography the options are vast. There are approximately 90 institutions in the UK offering geography courses (or courses with a large geographical component). Geography degrees can be classified as either BSc or BA, however, there is often little difference between the two in terms of content as both offer combinations of human, physical and environmental geography courses. Some students choose to specialise in either human geography or physical geography but others wish to retain a broader combination of the two. A small number of universities offer degree programmes specialising in physical or human geography.
Key geographical concepts are taught across all the institutions but due to the diverse nature of the discipline geography courses can vary enormously in content. Modules tend to be based around the research interests and specialisms of departmental staff. It is therefore particularly important to look at the research interests and course content in detail in order to decide which university course best suits your interests and career plans.
Compulsory subjects tend to have themes such as 'geographical methods and theory', 'environment and society' and 'information technology for geography'. Typical option modules range from subjects such as remote sensing and GIS to meteorology, environmental planning, geomorphological processes, world trade policy, geographies of race and gender, or economic and cultural development in Latin America.
Fieldwork is an appealing and integral part of most geography degrees. As well as providing a way of learning new skills and research techniques, this is where the textbooks really come to life! Britain offers a wealth of interesting fieldwork locations to study topics such as coastal erosion, urban regeneration and tourism. Fieldtrips outside of the UK may take you to places such as Spain to study European integration and regional identity or to the French Alps to study glacial processes. In addition to fieldtrips, the majority of degrees include a compulsory or optional dissertation. This can be an extremely rewarding element as you are expected to carry out an individual research project on a subject of your choice. Your dissertation can then be used as evidence of your work to show potential employers.
After university
The career options available to geography graduates is extremely wide-ranging. On graduating, your career path is likely to branch off in one of three general directions. Some graduates pursue jobs directly related to geography, such as in town and transport planning, land and water management, environmental consultancy, development policy, tourism or recreation. Others choose to use their skills in more generalist careers such as information technology, administration and management, the financial sector, and marketing. The third option is to continue with full-time study and training to develop a career in teaching or research, or to gain further qualifications for entry into more specialist professions.
Geography ranks third among the academic disciplines for the employability of its graduates. The intellectual, analytical and technical skills developed during a geography degree are highly sought after by employers in both the public and commercial sectors. Geographical data is prized, with government showing an ever-greater dependency on evidence-based and policy-relevant research. It is estimated that 80% of all data now collected has some geographical feature and those best placed to interpret this data are geographers.
The modern geographer
The stereotypical image of a geographer dressed in a fleecy anorak and corduroy trousers, preoccupied with quadrat surveys, map reading and memorising capital cities is a far cry from the reality of modern geographers. Although these stereotypes stem from the fact that fieldwork and knowledge of space and place are key elements of geographical learning, you would be hard-pushed to find a geographer colouring in maps. Instead, you are more likely to discover geographers using sophisticated computerised mapping techniques, such as remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), to display and analyse data for deciding how best to distribute aid in Afghanistan or monitoring the impact that a change in land use has on an endangered species.
So, if you want to study a subject recently described by the British press as "painfully trendy", not to mention enjoyable, and wish to expand your career horizons at the same time, then why not embark on a three year voyage of discovery by opting for a geography degree.
Geography is much more than precipitation cycles, podzolic soils, population pyramids and plate tectonics - it is the study of the relationships between the Earth's landscapes, people, places and environments. In short, geography helps us to understand and explain the complex world we live in. The important role of geographical knowledge in understanding current local and global issues, such as climate change and world trade, is increasingly recognised by governments and businesses. Furthermore, the specific skills and expertise gained by geography graduates make them highly prized by employers. HRH Prince William's recent decision to switch to a geography degree highlights the raised profile of geography - a subject, you could say, that is fit for a King!What is geography?
Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences with the earth sciences. This is possible through its understanding of the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies (human geography) and its understanding of physical landscapes and environmental processes (physical geography). The great Antarctic explorer and hero of geographical endeavour Ernest Shackleton said about his brave expedition team; "Strength is in unity". Geography's strength comes from its ability to unite a kaleidoscope of knowledge from different disciplines - for example, ecology, geology, economics and politics - and to interpret the bigger picture within a spatial context Over the past century the subject has evolved from a simple descriptive science to a major applied science dealing with issues such as climate change, population trends, globalisation and resource management.
Who studies geography courses ?
Few disciplines cover such a broad range of elements as geography, making it appeal to people with a wide variety of interests. The geography courses appeal to those who are interested in understanding the world around them and to people concerned about the impact of humans on the physical environment. The range of transferable skills, such as team skills, decision-making, IT and communication skills, which are acquired during a geography degree makes it an attractive and sensible option for those who have yet to map out a clear career path. So, whether you have a desire to contribute to finding solutions to some of the world's most critical issues or whether you simply have a fascination for people and places, then geography may be the degree for you.
Where to study geography?
Britain is widely recognised as an international leader in geographical teaching and research in higher education. Research standards continue to improve and students benefit from the work of the National Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, recently established to promote good learning and teaching practice.
When it comes to choosing where to study geography the options are vast. There are approximately 90 institutions in the UK offering geography courses (or courses with a large geographical component). Geography degrees can be classified as either BSc or BA, however, there is often little difference between the two in terms of content as both offer combinations of human, physical and environmental geography courses. Some students choose to specialise in either human geography or physical geography but others wish to retain a broader combination of the two. A small number of universities offer degree programmes specialising in physical or human geography.
Key geographical concepts are taught across all the institutions but due to the diverse nature of the discipline geography courses can vary enormously in content. Modules tend to be based around the research interests and specialisms of departmental staff. It is therefore particularly important to look at the research interests and course content in detail in order to decide which university course best suits your interests and career plans.
Compulsory subjects tend to have themes such as 'geographical methods and theory', 'environment and society' and 'information technology for geography'. Typical option modules range from subjects such as remote sensing and GIS to meteorology, environmental planning, geomorphological processes, world trade policy, geographies of race and gender, or economic and cultural development in Latin America.
Fieldwork is an appealing and integral part of most geography degrees. As well as providing a way of learning new skills and research techniques, this is where the textbooks really come to life! Britain offers a wealth of interesting fieldwork locations to study topics such as coastal erosion, urban regeneration and tourism. Fieldtrips outside of the UK may take you to places such as Spain to study European integration and regional identity or to the French Alps to study glacial processes. In addition to fieldtrips, the majority of degrees include a compulsory or optional dissertation. This can be an extremely rewarding element as you are expected to carry out an individual research project on a subject of your choice. Your dissertation can then be used as evidence of your work to show potential employers.
After university
The career options available to geography graduates is extremely wide-ranging. On graduating, your career path is likely to branch off in one of three general directions. Some graduates pursue jobs directly related to geography, such as in town and transport planning, land and water management, environmental consultancy, development policy, tourism or recreation. Others choose to use their skills in more generalist careers such as information technology, administration and management, the financial sector, and marketing. The third option is to continue with full-time study and training to develop a career in teaching or research, or to gain further qualifications for entry into more specialist professions.
Geography ranks third among the academic disciplines for the employability of its graduates. The intellectual, analytical and technical skills developed during a geography degree are highly sought after by employers in both the public and commercial sectors. Geographical data is prized, with government showing an ever-greater dependency on evidence-based and policy-relevant research. It is estimated that 80% of all data now collected has some geographical feature and those best placed to interpret this data are geographers.
The modern geographer
The stereotypical image of a geographer dressed in a fleecy anorak and corduroy trousers, preoccupied with quadrat surveys, map reading and memorising capital cities is a far cry from the reality of modern geographers. Although these stereotypes stem from the fact that fieldwork and knowledge of space and place are key elements of geographical learning, you would be hard-pushed to find a geographer colouring in maps. Instead, you are more likely to discover geographers using sophisticated computerised mapping techniques, such as remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), to display and analyse data for deciding how best to distribute aid in Afghanistan or monitoring the impact that a change in land use has on an endangered species.
So, if you want to study a subject recently described by the British press as "painfully trendy", not to mention enjoyable, and wish to expand your career horizons at the same time, then why not embark on a three year voyage of discovery by opting for a geography degree.
