Geography is the scientific study of the features of the earth, its atmosphere, and how these features affect and are affected by human activity. Students interested in careers in geography will study things like plate tectonics and population distribution.
Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students an introduction to the foundational principles of Geography including population distribution, the water cycle, and GIS (Geographical Information Systems).
In subsequent years of study, students will combine practical work, written exams, and laboratory work as benchmark assessments of their course progression.
Most undergraduate Geography courses run for three or four years and in certain cases universities will facilitate work experience.
It is common with all science-based subjects that students are expected to engage in a high number of contact hours with lecturers and tutors, ensuring their successful completion of a rigorous curriculum and preparing them for careers in Geography after university.
A bachelor's degree is adequate for some non-research jobs. For example, graduates with a bachelor's degree may start working as researchers, climatologists, and educators.
Graduating from college with a degree in Geography will serve you well as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill set. A science degree teaches students to think critically and creatively as well as equipping them with invaluable problem solving and communication skills.
Many recent graduates have gone into ‘entry-level’ careers in Geography working as technicians, researchers, and project managers.
Other careers in Geography that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training and/or experience to qualify for, eg teaching, research and consulting positions.
An undergraduate Geography degree is often the first step to go onto further postgraduate study often involving specialization in particular fields and areas of Geography and/or undertaking work in new, sometimes interdisciplinary fields.
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