The Conference of Heads of Geography in Higher Education Institutions
The Conference of Heads of Geography in Higher Education Institutions (CHGHEI) is a group which promotes the discipline of geography and supports the study of geography in higher education institutions in the UK. It comprises heads of geography from universities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
CHGHEI holds at least two meetings per year to promote discussion and sharing of experience and best practice between heads of geography. Since summer 2020 it has held regular virtual meetings. In addition to sharing best practice it responds to relevant consultations on matters impacting geography in higher education.
While CHGHEI works closely with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), it remains an independent organisation.
Chair: Professor Martin Evans, University of Manchester.
Secretary: Professor Jenny Pickerill, University of Sheffield.
Principles for undergraduate field courses
In December 2020, the Heads unanimously agreed to five principles that should guide departments in the planning and delivery of the fieldwork provision for all undergraduate geography programmes.
The intent of these principles is not to limit fieldwork opportunities - these are fundamental to a geographical education - but rather to ensure that departments develop their fieldwork programmes in ways which maximise the benefits of field education and minimise the disbenefits.
The principles apply at programme, not module, level. Implementation should be guided by evidence and good practice.
The State of Geography in UK Higher Education
The State of Geography in UK Higher Education 2026 report provides a snapshot of the pressures currently shaping university geography provision across the UK and the impacts of them on different institutions.
Based on responses from 56 universities, the the surveyed revealed widening disparities between small non‑Russell Group departments and larger Russell Group institutions.
The report highlights the closure of programmes, uneven student admission changes, reductions in module choices and field class teaching and staffing cuts.
The report provides an important snapshot of the current position of geography in UK higher education and the challenges departments are facing.
Download the full report (PDF)
Report of the Workload Model Working Group
The Heads of Geography Working Group met throughout the 2023-2024 academic year in response to concern among Heads of Schools/Departments about rising workloads among staff and associated stress and mental well-being issues.
This report summarises how different schools and departments have experienced and are addressing common issues.
Download the full report (PDF)
Contact information
If you would like to join the group and participate in our meetings please contact Dr Catherine Souch c.souch@rgs.org