Since I started studying geography one thing I often get asked is; what exactly is a geography degree then?
As a third-year geography student, I specialise in feminist and socialist geographies, whilst dabbling into the world of geopolitics. Basically, it’s open my education up to a wide range of subject people wouldn’t normally associate with ‘geography’.
Chances are, if you don’t study geography yourself, you won’t be aware that such things as ‘social’ geographies exist. I often get asked ‘how is that geography?’ or ‘Aren’t you supposed to be looking at coastlines and things?’.
But, many people don’t realise how versatile geography as a subject is. Yes, you can look at coasts, ecology and rivers but you can also examine geopolitics, racism, colonialism and sexism. So I think it’s time to answer the question ‘what is a geography degree?’.
Human Geography
If you have studied geography for your a-levels, you are more familiar with the term human geography’ than most. A-levels is really the first taste of human geography you get in education.
You begin to look at cultures and the human effects of physical disasters on communities. You are able to start to combine theories and facts to decipher the complex world we live in.
Human geography is what it sounds like. It is the study of humans from a geographic perspective- either globally, nationally and sometimes in even smaller communities.
It involves studying social mechanisms that form culture and community and identifying the causes and effects of these. You can easily understand why so many people ask ‘isn’t that like sociology’ because in a sense, yes it is.
You have to understand people’s way of thinking and experiences from a wider perspective but then apply them to a geographical issue.
Physical Geography
Physical geography is the type of geography most are familiar with in education. Starting with volcanoes in primary school, and moving up into coasts and rain cycles in secondary school, physical geography is the main aspect of geography in education.
As a degree, physical geography allows you to handle facts, figures and mathematics rather than ideas, themes and conjecture.
If you prefer the science side of life, physical geography is a great way to study the Earth and have a chance to vary your speciality.
With the chance to look at a wide range of physical processes and aspects we experience in the world, physical geography is never short of interesting areas in academia.
Combinations
Within a geography degree itself, you usually have a chance to combine both physical and human geography to the perfect level for your personal preference.
You can even choose just to focus on one aspect if you wish in your later years at university. If you enjoy understanding the social side to life, looking at a variety of cultures but also love the odd lesson about ecology or conservation then geography is a great degree for you.
The versatility of a geography degree also lands you in a great position to enter the workplace. You can gain a wide range of skills as a geographer.
From thematic analysis skills, to computing, coding and mathematic skills, making you very attractive to employers. The combination of physical and human geography is a great way to incorporate a variety of interests into your education and career.