Planning a BSc in Geography

Geography may be studied for either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. All Geography courses can be used in either degree, so the choice of degree is mainly decided by what other courses you wish to combine with Geography.

In a BSc degree it is possible to take Geography as a major, as part of a double major or as a second subject. A major is the subject that you study to the highest level of your undergraduate degree.

A major in Geography requires that you complete at least 120 points in the subject of Geography, including the following:

• at least 45 points (3 courses) from these Stage I and II courses: GEOG 101, GEOG 102, GEOG 201, GEOG 202
• GEOG 250 (15 points)
• at least 60 points (4 courses) at Stage III Geography including at least one of these field courses: GEOG 315 or GEOG 330.

While there are a minimum number of courses required to major in Geography, most students take more courses than this. Remember that Geography offers the opportunity to study across the physical and social sciences and to integrate understanding of the physical world and society. With this in mind, we strongly recommended that you take two Stage I courses, four Stage II courses, and more than four Stage III courses. In doing so you will keep your options open for advanced study and will complete a strong programme of study, acquire diverse skills and build an integrated knowledge of physical and human systems. This is especially important if you plan to go on to postgraduate study for which you should check the specific admission requirements.

A BSc combines well with the other physical, environmental and information sciences. Geography is attractive to students who wish to pursue a career in science or environmental analysis.

In your BSc degree you might choose one of the following groupings:

• an Earth Science emphasis, with Geology, Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics courses
• an Ecology emphasis with courses in Environmental Science, the Biological Sciences or Marine Science
• a Social Science emphasis, with Psychology, Statistics, or Computer Science courses
• a Spatial Analysis emphasis combining Geography courses in Geographic Information Science (GIScience) and Remote Sensing with courses in Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics.

Many other subject combinations are possible. If you plan a career in teaching, then combining Geography with Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, or other sciences may prove useful.

For detailed information on your options consult the Undergraduate Prospectus, available from the Science Faculty:

Science Students Centre
Ground Floor
Science Centre Building 301
City Campus
23 Symonds Street, Auckland
Open: Monday to Friday 8am-6pm