University Of Canterbury Geography

Qualifications

Overview

Geography is an exciting and distinctive discipline at the interface between Science and Arts. Its focus is on putting various types of knowledge together to find innovative solutions to problems faced by society such as climate change, poverty, sustainability, health, and inequality. We aim to provide courses and learning that will enable you to make a difference in your chosen career path after university.



Studying Geography will allow you to take an informed and analytical view of our changing world, and of your place in it. The relationship between people and their environment is a key geographical theme, as is the way in which this relationship can be made more sustainable for the future.

This puts Geography at the core of many important current debates. For example, geographers are able to examine the issue of climate change holistically by looking at both the physical factors that affect the problem and also the human responses to the challenges created.

Why study Geography at UC?

  • UC is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for Geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020).
  • The undergraduate programme is structured around four curriculum pathways: physical geography, human geography, geographic information systems (GIS), and resource and environmental management.
  • Learning through community engagement occurs in a number of courses within Geography. It is a key feature of GEOG 110 Human Geography: People, Process, Place; and of GEOG 309 Research for Resilient Environments and Communities, which involves students working with local communities to address important real-world issues.

Resources and fieldwork

Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment is committed to close contact between students and our staff. 100-level students have their own laboratory, and the School’s learning centre and computer labs are available to students for quiet study, group work, and research.

Fieldwork in various places is an integral part of many courses. The School operates climate stations in Kā Tiritiri-o-te-moana Southern Alps and elsewhere in Te Waipounamu South Island, and utilises the University’s field stations at Cass and Kawatiri Westport.

The School hosts Te Tai Whenua o te Hauora | GeoHealth Laboratory, Toi Hangarau | Geospatial Research Institute, and also Gateway Antarctica, with staff and graduate students often making summer visits to Scott Base in Antarctica.

Recommended preparation

Entry into Geography is open to all students who are eligible to enter an Aotearoa New Zealand university. The essential background is a lively and enquiring interest in change in today’s world.

Some experience of geography in Year 12 and Year 13 will help, but is not strictly necessary. Depending on how students wish to develop their geographical interests, a background in science or experience of humanities or social science subjects (eg, languages, history, digital technologies) can be useful.

Courses

UC offers a major and minor in Geography as part of the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science.



You can also study this subject as a minor within the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.

Geography major

To complete a major in Geography within the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:

100-level

  • Two 100-level GEOG courses

200-level

  • Three 200-level GEOG courses

Only one of GEOG 213 The EU, Globalisation and Migration or GEOG 224 Language and Space may be included.

300-level

  • 60 points of 300-level GEOG courses

There is a range of courses at 200 and 300-level. You can specialise within or combine courses from the four curriculum pathways:

  • physical geography
  • human geography
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • resource and environmental management

There are also options to undertake internships and research as part of your degree. GEOG 309 Research for Resilient Environments and Communities is designed to reinforce study in all of these pathways.

Students interested in postgraduate studies in Geography will need to take either 90 or 120 points at 300-level, with 60 points from GEOG courses (if doing 90 points this must include GEOG 309), and the remaining points from other 300-level courses as approved by the Head of Department.

Geography minor

For the Geography minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:

  • 75 points in 100 to 300-level GEOG courses, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above

Career opportunities

Recent graduates have found work all over Aotearoa New Zealand and the world, from Tāmaki-makaurau Auckland to Melbourne, California to Antarctica. Many have found careers in the public service, the tourism industry, private companies dealing with geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS), the police, local authorities, and in education.

The Resource Management Act has created a lively market for geographers in consultancy and in regional and local government. Those who gain technical expertise in areas such as GIS and remote sensing are also in demand from both the public and private sectors. In addition, research and policy positions in central, regional, and local government are popular.

Some graduates find work overseas for Manatū Aorere | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, development agencies, and the United Nations, or in positions that are particularly people-focused, like the union movement, teaching, or personnel, where communication skills are critical.

Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Geography.

Contact us

School of Earth and Environment | Te Kura Aronukurangi

Phone +64 3 369 0655
Email [email protected]

Location
See the School’s website for up-to-date location details.



Postal address
College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand