What is geography?
Geography is, in the broadest sense, an education for life and for living.
It is unique in bridging the social and natural sciences, and essential in understanding the world in which we live.
Learning through geography – whether gained through formal learning or experientially through travel, fieldwork and expeditions – helps us all to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, better informed, and more responsible as citizens and employees.
Geography informs us about:
- The places and communities in which we live and work
- Our natural environments and the pressures they face
- The interconnectedness of the world and our communities within it
- How and why the world is changing, both globally and locally
- How our individual and societal actions contribute to those changes
- The choices that exist in managing our world for the future
- The importance of location in business and decision-making
While human geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies, physical geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of landscapes and the environment.
Geography puts this understanding of social and physical processes within the context of place - recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and exploring the links between them.
Understanding the causes of differences and inequalities between places and social groups underlie much of the newer developments in human geography.
Geography provides an ideal framework for relating other fields of knowledge. It is not surprising that those trained as geographers often contribute substantially to the applied management of resources and environments.
Geovisualisations
Discover how geographers bring a unique perspective to presenting data in innovative and understandable ways.
Consultations
We respond regularly to consultations and calls for evidence from government departments, Parliamentary Select Committees and other bodies.
Geography in schools
The study of geography equips young people with the knowledge and understanding to be informed citizens, providing them with the skills to pursue a range of careers.
Geography in research and higher education
The high demand for geographical skills translates to good employment outcomes for graduates.
