Geographical studies
Explore the relationship between society and the environment for a better future
Our society and our environment intersect and influence each other in many ways. Through a geographical studies major or minor at UNSW, you will explore the ways physical, social, cultural, economic and political factors shape places. In turn, you will examine how geographical factors impact on people and their wellbeing ecosystems, urban places and economic activity.
The relationship between people, our societies and the environment underpins many of our great global challenges. As a geographer, you will learn to analyse these dynamics by drawing insights from social and physical sciences. This will set you up to work in roles that address complex global issues across a broad range of organisations, including federal, state or local government, not-for-profit corporations, corporate entities, international organisations and educational institutions.
During your studies, you will be part of a passionate and engaged community of staff, students and alumni at UNSW who will engage, support and challenge you to work towards your goals. You will graduate with the passion to make an impact and the skills to work in a range of roles and professions, including urban management, regional planning, environmental assessment, advocacy, policy analysis and international development, and education.
Deepen your theoretical and scientific understanding of geography
Through geographical studies, you will develop your understanding of geography as an academic discipline, diving deep into the most recent theory and practice. As part of this process, you will discuss perspectives and controversies of people and organisations about a range of geographical issues and engage proactively with complex problems in professional practice and/or scholarship.Ìý
Gain the practical experience for a career in geography
During your studies, you will gain hands-on skills and experience to support your deep theoretical knowledge of geography, preparing you for a number of roles, professions and industries.
You will learn to recognise the characteristics and spatial distribution of environments and urban places and report and debate geographic information, ideas and issues, in a range of different contexts using a variety of media.
Through your analysis and evaluation of the connections between people, places and the environment, you will gain experience in assessment of management strategies, supporting sustainable outcomes for organisations. To communicate your understanding, you’ll learn to report and debate geographic information, ideas and issues, in a range of different contexts using a variety of media.Ìý
Study
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We offer the below undergraduate courses with a specialisation in Geographical studies:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) / Arts
- Bachelor of Arts / Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts / Law
- Bachelor of Commerce / Arts
- Bachelor of Economics / Arts
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Arts
- Bachelor of Environmental Management / Arts
- Bachelor of Fine Arts / Arts
- Bachelor of Media / Arts
- Bachelor of Media/Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine / Arts
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours) / Arts
- Bachelor of Science / Arts
- Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Social Sciences/Law
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Arts
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Social Sciences
In addition to the above courses, we offer the below undergraduate single degrees with a minor in Geographical studies:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Media
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
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Honours consists of an additional year of study where you'll develop your research and practical skills. You'll be guided by staff who are passionate about research and work within a faculty that’s ranked above world standards in research excellence. Our research contributes to debate, informs policies and opinions, and creates new knowledge bases that are integral to the continued evolution of environmental understanding.
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We currently offer the following postgraduate degrees related to geographical studies; Masters by Research (MA), Masters of Environmental Management (MEM) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).Ìý
Areas of research supervision include:
- cultural geography
- development geographyÌý
- environmental geography
- historicalÌýgeography
- human geographyÌý
- legalÌýgeography
- political ecology
- politicalÌýgeography
- science and technology studiesÌý
- urbanÌýgeography.