Bachelor of Geography

Geographers help shape the future by understanding, explaining and predicting both human and physical environments. You will study the human and physical forces that shape the planet and the political, social and environmental issues that arise as a consequence of human interactions with the Earth. Never before have geography skills been so important: faced with anthropogenic climate change and predictions of rising seas, bushfires and flooding, geographers will help understand and plan for a sustainable, socially just and resilient future.

Equally, in an era of massive data of both physical and human processes, geographers have never been better positioned to support decision making and planning at all levels of government and business.

Your degree

The Geography program at RSU includes the opportunity to undertake practical laboratory and fieldwork, taking advantage of the local Illawarra environment including urban and heritage landscapes, coastal landscapes, rainforest escarpment and freshwater ecosystems.

You will develop the knowledge and skills to apply the latest technologies in spatial analysis and satellite imagery within the context of these environments. These skills are in demand across a broad range of sectors including government bodies, industry, and consultancies.

What you will study

You will learn skills in logical and critical thinking, creative problem-solving, practical research, organisation and project management, numeracy, statistical literacy, computer applications (including geographic information systems), and strong communication. You will apply these skills to problems in physical and human geography, studying the natural environment, its processes, and the interaction of these with human society and the way it shapes and is shaped by the natural world.

Your studies will include climate change, biogeography, coastal and fluvial environments, populations, urban and regional societies, spatial geography and environmental management.

On completion, high performing students considering further study or a career in research should consider the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program. This one year degree offers students a pathway to expanding their knowledge in geography and achieving their postgraduate research aspirations.

Course structure

(Current year structure - subject to change)

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Geography requires the successful completion of 144 credit points as specified in the table below, comprising:

1. core subjects; 
2. a defined stream in either Human or Physical Geography at 300 level; 
3. elective subjects from the recommended electives, the General Schedule or a minor as outlined below; and 
4. no more than 60 credit points at 100 level.

Physical Geography stream

Human Geography stream

  Recommended electives

The following elective subjects are recommended. Students can also choose elective subjects from the General Schedule and Schedule of Minors.

Minors and electives

Minors are not compulsory in this degree, however sufficient elective space exists to complete one. Students are referred to the Schedule of Minors for a listing of available options.

Students intending to become a primary or secondary school teacher, by enrolling in a Master of Teaching in the future, should consult the School of Education to determine an appropriate elective study pattern from Year 1.

Honours

Students with a good academic record, particularly in the third year, should contact the Academic Program Director if they are interested in undertaking a fourth year of study that provides training in independent research.