What Further Study Options Are There For Me With A Degree In Geography?
Geography is an incredibly diverse field of study, encompassing physical, human, and environmental features of the world. It is a field with many opportunities for further study, offering a range of diverse paths for individuals to choose from.
This article will discuss some of the options available for individuals with a degree in geography who are looking to continue their studies, including master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas and certificates, research doctorates, professional doctorates, online courses, short courses, postgraduate conferences, research fellowships, and summer schools.
Each of these options will be explored in more detail in the following sections.
Key Takeaways
- Geography offers a wide range of opportunities for further study, including master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas and certificates, research and professional doctorates, online courses, short courses, postgraduate conferences, research fellowships, and summer schools.
- These further study options provide advanced knowledge and specialization in physical geography, cultural geography, geographic information systems, cartography, and their applications to various industries such as urban planning, natural resource management, environmental consulting, and disaster management.
- Continuing professional development (CPD) activities such as attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, engaging in e-learning, and networking with professionals in the field are also available to enhance skills, knowledge, and experience.
- Geography graduates can pursue diverse career opportunities in areas such as conservation, transport, and urban development, among others. Professional qualifications can also be gained after completing a degree in Geography, leading to many career prospects in academia, research, and government.
Master’s Degrees
A Master’s Degree in Geography provides the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge in the field.
With a Master’s Degree in Geography, students can specialize in physical geography, cultural geography, geographic information systems, and cartography.
A Master’s Degree in Geography can open up a range of career opportunities in fields such as urban planning, natural resource management, environmental consulting, and disaster management. It can also provide the opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths in the government, non-profit sector, and private industry.
With a Master’s Degree in Geography, students are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to assess and solve complex problems related to geography, ecology, and the environment.
Furthermore, a Master’s Degree in Geography can provide the opportunity to pursue a doctorate or other advanced degrees.
Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates
Postgraduate diplomas and certificates provide advanced learning opportunities for those who desire to expand their knowledge of geography. These diplomas and certificates often focus on the application of geography to industry, such as agriculture, urban planning, cartography, and geospatial technology.
The curriculum for these programs may include topics such as the cultural impacts of migration and climate change, digital mapping techniques, and geographic information systems (GIS). Postgraduate diplomas and certificates are ideal for individuals who are looking to gain a better understanding of the complex relationships between physical and human geography, and how geography affects the global economy.
In addition, postgraduate diplomas and certificates provide the opportunity to develop skills for working in an industry related to geography, giving graduates a competitive edge when seeking employment.
Research Doctorates
Research doctorates are the highest level of academic study in geography, providing students with an opportunity to pursue scholarly research and specialized knowledge in a particular field. Doctoral programs in geography typically involve rigorous coursework, field experiences, and a dissertation. Earning a doctoral degree in geography can lead to many career prospects in academia, research, and government.
The doctoral program in geography provides students with a broad range of topics to explore, such as physical geography, human geography, and environmental geography. Field experiences are important components of the doctoral program, as they provide students with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the research topics. Through field experiences, students may also gain experience in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Doctoral students also develop skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. Upon completion of the program, students may pursue a career as a professor, researcher, or consultant.
Professional Doctorates
Professional doctorates in geography offer advanced, specialized knowledge to those seeking to expand upon their existing knowledge and experience in the field.
These doctorates can be best defined as a form of continuing education, allowing students to gain deeper insights into the areas of research within the field.
Professional doctorates in geography also offer students the opportunity to explore the field from a cross disciplinary perspective, drawing from research and insights from a variety of different disciplines.
This approach can provide students with a more holistic understanding of the field, while also helping them to develop skills that can be applied in the field.
With this advanced knowledge, students can then pursue more advanced research topics, or even pursue more specialized roles within the field.
Online Courses
Online courses in geography provide the opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the subject in a convenient and accessible manner.
Through these courses, students can develop their skills in geographical information systems (GIS) software and learn how to use virtual tours to explore geographical features.
Online courses offer students the ability to engage with subject experts and gain an in-depth understanding of the subject.
For example, students can learn to use GIS software to analyze and interpret geographical data.
Additionally, virtual tours can be used to explore different geographical features and gain a better understanding of the world around them.
With the help of online courses, students can gain a comprehensive knowledge of geography and become better prepared for further study.
Distance Learning
Distance learning provides an alternative to traditional education for those interested in studying geography. This type of learning offers a flexible way to gain knowledge without having to attend physical classes.
Distance learning opportunities can range from online courses to short-term diplomas. Many universities offer online courses, which provide the same content as traditional courses, allowing students to gain a degree in geography without having to attend physical classes.
This type of learning can also provide more career prospects, allowing students to specialize in different areas of geography and to gain experience working in the field.
With the increasing availability of distance learning opportunities, more students are able to pursue a degree in geography without having to attend a physical university.
Continuing Professional Development
Moving on from the discussion of distance learning, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is another option open to those with a Geography degree.
CPD can be defined as the process of tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge, and experience that one has acquired both formally and informally. It provides a way for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to their profession, and to show their current and potential employers that they have kept up-to-date with developments in the field.
CPD activities may include attending conferences, taking part in workshops and seminars, engaging in e-learning, and networking with professionals in the field. These activities provide individuals with opportunities to expand their professional network, build their resumes, and learn about study abroad options.
Furthermore, they can gain valuable career advice from established professionals in the field and learn about the latest developments in their field of expertise.
Professional Qualifications
Gaining professional qualifications after completing a degree in Geography can provide invaluable resources and knowledge to individuals looking to pursue a career in the field. There are a number of professional qualifications available, including:
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Professional Geographer (PG): A PG is a professional qualification that is awarded by the Royal Geographical Society. This qualification provides recognition of a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of geography and is highly sought after by employers.
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Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP): The GISP is a professional certification that is awarded by the GIS Certification Institute. This certification demonstrates an individual’s competency in the use of geographic information systems and is essential for those looking for job opportunities in the field of geographic information systems.
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Certified Hydrologic Technician (CHT): The CHT is a professional certification awarded by the American Institute of Hydrology. This certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of hydrology and is helpful for those looking for career opportunities in this field.
By gaining professional qualifications after completing a degree in Geography, individuals can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in their field and open up a range of job and career opportunities.
Short Courses
For those wishing to gain additional knowledge in the field of Geography, short courses offer a convenient and accessible way to do so. Short courses provide insight into a variety of topics, such as geographical information systems (GIS), cartography, and remote sensing. Additionally, they can also touch on topics like climate change, environmental management, and urban planning.
Gaining insight into these topics can open up new career opportunities. For example, graduates with a degree in Geography can pursue roles in areas such as conservation, transport, and urban development. Furthermore, short courses can provide the skills and knowledge to become a professional GIS user or cartographer.
| Topic | Description | Possible Careers |
|---|---|---|
| GIS | GIS courses cover the fundamentals of GIS technology and its applications. | GIS Analyst, GIS Developer, GIS Technician, etc. |
| Cartography | Cartography courses teach the fundamentals of map-making. | Cartographer, Map Editor, Mapping Technician, etc. |
| Remote Sensing | Remote sensing courses cover the fundamentals of satellite imagery and its applications. | Remote Sensing Analyst, Image Analyst, etc. |
| Climate Change | Climate change courses focus on the science, effects, and implications of climate change. | Climate Change Scientist, Climate Change Researcher, etc. |
| Environmental Management | Environmental management courses cover the fundamentals of environmental management. | Environmental Consultant, Environmental Engineer, etc. |
| Urban Planning | Urban planning courses focus on the fundamentals of urban planning and design. | Urban Planner, Urban Designer, Urban Geographer, etc. |
Postgraduate Conferences
Postgraduate conferences provide an opportunity for advanced exploration into the field of Geography. Attendees of these conferences have the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends, discover new job opportunities, and network with other professionals.
These conferences also provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and debate on a wide range of topics, including geography, environmental science, and urban studies. By attending such conferences, geography graduates are able to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the field, and to gain valuable insights into their chosen profession.
Additionally, postgraduate conferences provide an opportunity to build relationships with other professionals, which can lead to future collaborations and job opportunities. In this way, postgraduate conferences can be beneficial to geography graduates looking to further their education and career.
Research Fellowships
The transition from Postgraduate Conferences to Research Fellowships is one of the most common paths taken by geography graduates. Research Fellowships are opportunities to conduct research while gaining academic credits and often times international exposure. This type of program can offer students the chance to gain valuable experience in the field of geography and develop their skills and knowledge in the process.
A number of international exchange programs and fellowships are available for geography graduates seeking to further their studies. These programs offer students the chance to gain experience in a different country and learn more about climate change. The International Research Exchange Program (IREx) is one such program which offers students the opportunity to participate in research projects in a variety of countries. Additionally, the Fulbright Program provides grants to students who wish to study abroad and participate in research activities.
| Program | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| IREx | International Research Exchange Program offers students the opportunity to participate in research projects in a variety of countries. | ||
| Fulbright | Grants to students who wish to study abroad and participate in research activities. | Grants to students who wish to study abroad and participate in research activities, as well as to faculty members who wish to teach or conduct research in other countries. |
Summer Schools
Summer Schools provide geography graduates with the opportunity to gain specialized experience in the field and to develop their skills and knowledge. Such schools offer a wide variety of courses, from data analysis to volunteering abroad. These specialized courses provide the opportunity to build on existing knowledge and gain new insights and perspectives into the field of geography.
Data analysis courses, for example, can provide the student with the opportunity to become proficient in a variety of data analysis techniques and to learn how to interpret and present data in a meaningful way.
Volunteering abroad courses provide a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of geography in a non-academic setting. Through such courses, students can learn about different cultures and societies and gain an understanding of the social, economic, and political dynamics of the area they are studying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for the different study options?
To be eligible for further study options, job prospects and degree types must be considered. Different options may require different qualifications and experience levels. Those interested should research to ensure they meet the necessary criteria.
What is the timeline for completing the different study options?
The timeline for completing the different study options varies depending on the language requirements and job marketability of the program. For example, a program with rigorous language requirements may take longer than one without such requirements. Additionally, programs that provide greater job marketability may be extended to ensure that students have the necessary skills to succeed.
Are there scholarships or funding available for any of the study options?
Scholarship criteria and funding sources vary depending on the study option. Researching available grants, bursaries, and scholarships is recommended to identify potential sources of funding. Additionally, some institutions may offer student loans or payment plans.
Are there any prerequisites for the different study options?
Graduate degrees in geography may require specific prerequisites, such as a bachelor’s degree in the same field. Specialisations courses may also have prerequisites, such as completion of a certain number of units in that specialisation. It is important to research the prerequisites for each course before applying.
What are the career opportunities after completing any of the study options?
Networking opportunities and job search strategies are key for finding career opportunities after completing any study options. Researching job boards, attending career events, and building professional networks can help to make the job search process smoother and more successful.
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