Geography Degrees

The topics covered in a geography degree depend on your focus; physical geography, human geography, or a combination of both. At the undergraduate level, many programmes allow you to explore both areas before specialising. 

Human geography examines human societies, including their development, cultural practices, urbanisation, migration, and responses to global challenges like climate change and inequality. Physical geography, by contrast, focuses on Earth’s physical processes, such as weather systems, climate change, natural disasters, ecosystems, and land formations, including the deep ocean. 

Geography degrees are often offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc), with BA programmes typically leaning toward human geography and BSc programmes focusing on physical geography. However, course content varies, so it’s important to review individual programme details. At the postgraduate level, geography degrees are available as Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc), offering further specialisation in diverse subfields, including geospatial technologies, environmental management, and urban studies. 

Learn what you can do with a geography degree.

Entry requirements for geography degrees 

Undergraduate degrees 

Entry requirements for undergraduate geography degrees are typically flexible. While many programmes prefer applicants with a background in geography, related subjects such as biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, history, economics, or sociology are often accepted.  

Strong grades at the secondary level and a clear motivation for studying geography potentially demonstrated through an application essay or interview are important. International students may need to provide proof of language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores. 

Postgraduate degrees 

For postgraduate geography degrees, applicants usually need an undergraduate degree in geography or a related discipline, such as environmental science, urban planning, or social sciences. Some programmes may accept candidates with professional experience in related fields.  

A strong academic record, a compelling personal statement, and occasionally an interview are key components. International applicants should also meet the required English language proficiency standards. 

Course structure and assessment methods 

Undergraduate geography degrees typically last three to four years, depending on the country and programme, while master’s programmes are usually one to two years. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, lab work, and extensive fieldwork, often involving trips to diverse locations to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. 

Geography students benefit from a broad selection of optional modules, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests, whether in physical geography, human geography, or an interdisciplinary approach. Increasingly, courses incorporate geospatial technologies like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and climate modelling to reflect modern industry demands. 

Assessment methods include written exams, coursework, practical assignments, and fieldwork projects. Many programmes culminate in a dissertation or capstone project, enabling students to explore a topic of their choice in depth. Master's programmes often emphasise research, with some offering internships or placements to enhance practical experience. 

Geography specialisations 

Geography is a broad and interdisciplinary subject, offering a variety of specialisations that intersect with other fields. Students can tailor their studies to focus on areas of interest within physical geography, such as climate science, oceanography, and meteorology, or delve into human geography topics such as, urban planning, economic geography, and migration studies. 

Emerging fields include geospatial technologies (ex: GIS and remote sensing), sustainability and climate adaptation, and environmental policy and management, reflecting modern industry demands. 

For a deeper dive into related areas, check out our guides to Earth and marine sciences, environmental studies, and social sciences. These offer insights into complementary topics like climate change, conservation, and societal challenges. 

Cultural geography 

Cultural geography studies the relationship between human cultures and their environments, exploring how customs, traditions, and societal developments shape and are shaped by the world. Key topics include globalisation, cultural exchange, identity, migration, and postcolonialism. Students will also examine how modern issues like climate migration and digital cultures impact societies and environments, focusing on cultural landscapes and the role of media in shaping cultural identities. 

Environmental geography 

Environmental geography focuses on critical environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, resource management, and natural disasters such as floods and wildfires. Students get to study the interaction between human activities and the environment, and to examine topics like sustainable development, environmental policy, and climate adaptation. This field also includes the study of ecosystem services, environmental justice, and economic impacts of environmental change. 

Historical geography 

Historical geography explores how landscapes and societies have evolved over time, focusing on the physical and cultural changes shaped by human interactions with their environments. Students get to study the development of cultural landscapes, examining historical processes such as urbanisation, migration, and environmental transformations. Historical geography plays an important role in allowing us to understand the processes and patterns through which the world has reached its current state, and in turn make predictions for the future. 

Geospatial technologies and data science 

In geography degrees, geospatial technologies and data science specilisations focus on using advanced tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), remote sensing, and spatial data analysis to understand and manage geographic data. Students in geography courses or a master's degree in geography will study areas like spatial analysis, satellite imaging, and big data applications in fields such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Studying these technologies is essential as they play a critical role in solving real-world problems, from climate change to urban development, and are increasingly in demand across industries. 

Hydrology 

As a key specialisation within physical geography, this field focuses on the study of water in the environment, including its quality, movement, distribution, and usage. Students specialising their geography degrees in hydrology get to explore areas such as climate change impacts on water resources, flood forecasting, water management, hydropower, sustainable water use, and water supply and sanitation through this specialisation. With increasing concerns about water scarcity, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability, the study of hydrology plays a critical role in addressing global challenges related to resource management and disaster prevention. 

Political geography 

A branch of human geography, political geography explores the various relationships between politics and physical spaces. Students get to study topics like topics like territorial boundaries, geopolitical conflicts, climate change policies, and urban governance and even explore the role of international organisations like the ‘European Union’, or ‘the Middle East’. 

Related fields include geopolitics, which explores the effects of human and physical geography on international politics and relations, and electoral geography, which analyses election processes and results in relation to physical spaces and boundaries. 

Population geography 

Population geography focuses on the study of human populations, including trends in spatial distribution, density, and migration patterns. Students in geography degrees will analyse demographic data such as birth and death rates, and examine the effects of population change on urbanisation, resource distribution, and environmental impacts. This specialisation emphasises the use of statistical analysis and GIS tools to understand and manage population-related challenges. 

Urban geography/urban studies 

If you choose to specialise your geography degree in urban geography or urban studies, you will apply your geography skills and knowledge to the study of urban areas. This field explores the design, development, and governance of cities, as well as socioeconomic inequalities, housing, and sustainable urban development. You will examine how urban spaces are shaped by factors like public health, transportation, environmental challenges, and social dynamics. The focus is on understanding the complexities of modern cities and their role in addressing global issues like climate change and urbanisation. 

These are just some of the many geography topics you may choose to study or specialise in. Others include: climate change, sustainable development, geoengineering, smart cities, geomorphology, health geography, energy geography, environmental justice, disaster management, human-environment interactions, transportation geography, and marine geography. 

Geography careers 

If you want to make a difference in the world, studying geography is an excellent choice. Geography careers provide opportunities to address some of the most pressing global challenges, including climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, urban sustainability, population displacement, biodiversity conservation, and resource management. Here are just few possible geography career options you can consider pursuing: 

Geography careers in cartography 

Cartography remains a key career path for those with a geography degree, involving the creation and production of maps, diagrams, and digital mapping resources. Modern cartographers utilise advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and digital mapping software to design accurate and interactive maps. In addition to creating contemporary maps, cartographers may work on restoring historical maps and documents. Careers in cartography span across sectors such as publishing, government agencies, environmental conservation, and private surveying firms. 

Geography careers in town planning 

As a town planning professional, you’ll apply your knowledge from a geography degree to manage and develop towns, cities, villages, and rural areas. Your role will involve responsibilities like; improving infrastructure, addressing environmental challenges, and ensuring developments comply with policies and regulations. A key focus is achieving sustainable development by balancing the needs of businesses and local communities while preserving natural environments. 

Geography careers in environmental consultancy 

Professional environmental consultants provide expertise on a range of environmental issues, including air pollution, water contamination, waste management, and compliance with environmental legislation. They may also be involved in sustainability assessments and the development of environmental policies. Major employers of environmental consultants include government agencies, engineering and construction firms, waste management companies, water suppliers, and conservation organisations. 

Geography careers in teaching 

You may choose to pass on your geography knowledge by becoming a geography teacher in a secondary school, college, or further education institution. This role typically requires a specialised teaching qualification and, in some cases, a Master's degree in Geography or a PhD in Geography. Strong communication skills, an understanding of youth psychology, and creativity are essential for success. Teaching geography can be a fulfilling career path for those passionate about shaping the next generation of students and offering geography degree jobs that contribute to educational development. 

Geography careers in academia 

Alternatively, you may choose to pursue a career in academia, typically requiring a PhD or a research-based master's degree such as a Master of Science in Geography. Academic careers in geography often involve conducting independent or collaborative research, along with teaching and supervising undergraduate and graduate students. You may have opportunities to collaborate with international scholars and contribute to academic publications, shaping the future of geography education and research.  

While all these are great options, careers with a geography degree are not limited to these. There are other career paths you can explore, such as geospatial analysis, climate change consultancy, disaster management, real estate development, sustainability consulting, and environmental policy advising. To explore even more careers with a geography degree, check out our comprehensive guide on what you can do with a geography degree.