BSc (Hons) Geography

Key Points

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Geography is about how people relate to and interact with the spaces, places, landscapes and environments in which they live, and how those places relate to the wider world.

Program description

The Bachelor of Geography provides information on the links between physical, human and environmental processes on planet Earth and explores the major issues facing society in the 21st century, such as climate change; water, food and energy security; land degradation; and migration and economic change.

Career options

Geographers who have been trained in scientific methods are involved in a wide variety of environment-based careers that rely on laboratory and computer skills and experience. Some jobs use specific geographic knowledge, while others draw on the range of other skills learned through the degree.

Typical careers for BSc Geography graduates include:
- Land Surveying and Planning
- Mapping
- Evaluation and Management of Land Resources
- Development and Conservation
- Nature and Heritage
- Environmental Governance
- Teaching.
Transferable skills are also encouraged through different approaches to learning, including critical thinking, problem solving, report writing, oral presentations, statistical analysis, independent research and time management.

Program structure

UCC geographers develop a wide range of technical, computer, laboratory, field, and desktop skills that enable them to perform a variety of different jobs.

Geography at UCC provides a broad understanding of the human, environmental, and natural problems facing society with a focus on real-world questions.

The Geography degree is taught mainly by staff from the School of Geography and Archaeology, with input from staff from other schools in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Food Science, particularly in the discipline of geology.

YEAR 1

The common core first-year science course taken by all students within the Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences. Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences.
Subject areas studied include:

YEAR 2,3, 4

Further specialization in geography, studying key subject areas such as:

Earth surface processes
Geomorphology
Atmospheres and oceans
Interactions between people and the planet
Management of the Earth’s resources and environment
The use of laboratory, field and computer techniques.

Specialization in year 3 and 4 leads to a research project.

Independent which students begin to design during the 3rd year, and is submitted as a 10,000 word dissertation in March of the final year. Topics chosen by students may include summer work with research institutes and consultancy firms, providing work experience, job skills and useful links to potential employment opportunities.

*Module availability may change from year to year.

Admission requirements

As a general requirement, a Bachelor’s Degree / High School Diploma / General Baccalaureate / Vocational Degree from a recognized university, with subjects in mathematics and laboratory science, is required.
In the case of international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, a degree officially translated into English will be required.
IELTS 6.5, with no less than 6 in any component (or its internationally recognised equivalent).