Intent

Human geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies, and physical geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of landscapes and the environment.

Geography puts this understanding of social and physical processes within the context of place - recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and exploring the links between them. Understanding the causes of differences and inequalities between places and social groups underlies much of the newer developments in human geography.

Geography provides an ideal framework for relating to other fields of knowledge. It is not surprising that those trained as geographers often contribute substantially to the applied management of resources and environments.

Geography informs us about:

• The places and communities in which we live and work
• Our natural environments and the pressures they face
• The interconnectedness of the world and our communities within it
• How and why the world is changing, both globally and locally
• How our individual and societal actions contribute to those changes
• The choices that exist in managing our world for the future
• The importance of location in business and decision-making

Ethos

Geography is, in the broadest sense, an education for life and for living. Learning through geography – whether gained through formal learning or experientially through travel, fieldwork and expeditions – helps us all to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, better informed, and more responsible citizens.

Careers in Geography

Geography enables learners to develop a wide and varied skill set that is essential to many vocational areas.  Geographers are able to use and analyse complex and large data sets to establish patterns and relationships.  Geographers also approach their studies with a holistic and synoptic approach that allows them to integrate ideas into the fabric studies.  These are skills prized by employers.  Geography based careers include:

• Geospatial Analyst
• Urban Planner
• Cartographer
• Landscape Architect
• Travel Writer
• Environmental Scientist
• Environmental Consultant
• Surveyor
• Market Analyst
• Teacher
• Economic Consultant
• Transport Planner
• Climate Scientist