Geography is a link between the social sciences (business, history, economics, psychology) and the hard sciences (physics, chemistry and biology). Because of its cross disciplinary nature it teaches you a whole range of skills that can be used in your continuing academic learning and future careers. The skills that Geography teaches you, include; data collection, manipulation, presentation and analysis, essay writing, reading maps, annotating and being able to give formal oral presentations.
For a fuller list of skills download the word document below:
Two of the most important issues facing the world today are; climate change and globalisation. Both of these issues are Geography related. However, it is not just climate change and globalisation that makes Geography so important it is also; population growth, resource management, hazard management, multiculturalism, industrial growth, economic development and much more. If you study Geography you are learning about issues that effect us and the world on a daily basis. To appreciate its relevance, watch the news and you will realise that nearly every issue is related to Geography in some way.
Geography and University
Geography is a multidisciplinary subject. It does not only restrict you to learning one subject at university, but instead offers you a whole range of choices. Choice of Geography related courses include:
Geomorphology (study of landforms and processes)
Geology (study of rocks)
Hydrology (study of water)
Seismology (study of earthquakes)
Glaciation (study of glaciers, ice shelves, etc.
Development Studies
Cartography (maps)
Ecology
Environmental management or science
Ecosystems
Town planning
Leisure and tourism
Teaching (geography!)
Globalisation
Demography (study of people)
Anthropology (study of customs and traditions of people and societies)
Volcanology
Meteorology (study of weather)
International relations
GIS (Geographical Information Systems)
Cultural studies
It is also not necessary to do a Geography related subject at university, just because you studies IGCSE and IB Geography. Because Geography teachers you a variety of skills and is considered an academic subject, universities also look on students who have studied Geography very favourably.
Geography graduates are some of the most employable of all graduates. Employers like Geography graduates because of there broad skills base and understanding of the world that we live in. Traditional Geography careers include:
Town Planner
Geography Teacher
Meteorologist and Climatologist
Vulcanologist
Tourism Industry
Teaching
The Foreign Office
National Parks
Environmental Agencies
Development industry
Water and Forestry Agencies
Resource Management
However, being a Geography graduate does not only restrict you only to Geography related careers. Geography graduates can easily enter other careers, including:
You should only really choose to study a subject because you have an interest in it and you enjoy studying it. You are always going to work better when you enjoy studying the content. Geography looks at both human and physical Geography and there interactions, so there is normally something for everyone to enjoy.
Famous Geographers
Prince William the future King of England studied Geography at St. Andrew's University in Scotland. He graduated with a 2:1.
Michael Jordan is probably the most talented an famous basketballer of all time. Michael Jordan studied Geography at the University of North Carolina
Mother Teresa is probably one of the greatest humanitarians of all time. She spent most of her life dedicating herself to helping the poor in Calcutta, India. Although she did not do a degree in Geography, she did teach Geography.
Rob Andrew one of England's highest ever points scorers in rugby studied Geography at Cambridge University.
Chris Tarrant the presenter of the world famous TV show 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' studied Geography at Birmingham University.
Augusto Pinochet the ex-leader of Chile studied Geography. His specialism was geopolitics and military Geography which he also taught.
Other famous geographers include:
Stuart Pearce (Ex-England football player)
Matthew Pinsett (Former Olympic rower - Gold Medal winner)
Nicholas Crane (Presenter of the BBC series the Coast)
Chris Patten (Former UK Cabinet member in Margaret Thatcher's government)
Why Study Geography?
You should think about studying IGCSE and IB Geography for six reasons:
Geography Skills
Geography is a link between the social sciences (business, history, economics, psychology) and the hard sciences (physics, chemistry and biology). Because of its cross disciplinary nature it teaches you a whole range of skills that can be used in your continuing academic learning and future careers. The skills that Geography teaches you, include; data collection, manipulation, presentation and analysis, essay writing, reading maps, annotating and being able to give formal oral presentations.
For a fuller list of skills download the word document below:
Geography's Relevance and Importance
Two of the most important issues facing the world today are; climate change and globalisation. Both of these issues are Geography related. However, it is not just climate change and globalisation that makes Geography so important it is also; population growth, resource management, hazard management, multiculturalism, industrial growth, economic development and much more. If you study Geography you are learning about issues that effect us and the world on a daily basis. To appreciate its relevance, watch the news and you will realise that nearly every issue is related to Geography in some way.
Geography is a multidisciplinary subject. It does not only restrict you to learning one subject at university, but instead offers you a whole range of choices. Choice of Geography related courses include:
Universities admit 'soft' A-level damage chances of top places at university - Guardian article
Top Universities Warn Against Soft Subjects - BBC article
Geography Careers
Geography graduates are some of the most employable of all graduates. Employers like Geography graduates because of there broad skills base and understanding of the world that we live in. Traditional Geography careers include:
What makes psychology and geography graduates the most employable - Guardian article
UK graduate unemployment rises - but not for Geography - Guardian article
Graduate unemployment at 17 year high - Geography graduates most employable - BBC article
Geography careers - Telegraph article
Human Geography careers - Guardian article
Enjoying Geography
You should only really choose to study a subject because you have an interest in it and you enjoy studying it. You are always going to work better when you enjoy studying the content. Geography looks at both human and physical Geography and there interactions, so there is normally something for everyone to enjoy.