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Address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and kickstart your career with a
degree in human geography from Cardiff University
If you’re interested in the world around us and the impact that we have on our planet, then a degree in human geography is for you.
We’re tackling some of the world’s most challenging social, environmental and economic issues. Ranked in the top 100 for geography (2025 QS World University Rankings), we engage directly with the UN’s SDGs to deliver a sustainable future for people and planet.
Studying geography will give you a deeper understanding of the world we live in and the consequences of human behaviour on the built and natural worlds. We’ll teach you how to use that knowledge, and to apply critical thinking and the practical skills you’ve developed to real world situations. Our collaborative approach means that you’ll see how the work we do can make a genuine difference – and you’ll be inspired to work towards a brighter future.
What you’ll learn
If you’re interested in examining where we live, how we live and how we want to live, then our Human Geography (BSc) and Human Geography and Planning (BSc) degrees are for you.
Exploring the changing nature of space and place, culture and identity, and the relationship between society and environment, our programmes make connections between the local, regional, national and global levels.
You’ll develop a critical understanding of the intricate relations between the human world, and the ways societies function. You’ll learn how to use your knowledge to shape the views and actions of elected decisionmakers, the voluntary sector and industry, to improve society.
How you’ll learn
All our degrees include time in and out of the lecture theatre, making sure you develop hands-on, practical skills alongside your academic knowledge. Undertaking field work is crucial for developing research skills, including gathering and analysing data. You could be visiting local industrial sites or exploring urban spaces in Europe.
During your studies, we’ll provide you with the critical skills to help you succeed in relevant industries following graduation. We’ll challenge your thinking, introduce you to new perspectives and knowledge, and encourage you to think critically and creatively about issues affecting where and how we live.
If you want to extend your degree to 4 years, you can choose to study abroad for a year or put your knowledge into practice by doing a professional placement year. Previous students have worked for prominent NGOs, the UK/Welsh Government, charities and more, both at home and overseas.
Your future
We’ll empower you with the skills, drive and confidence to walk your own path after graduation. Our courses are recognised by academic and policy communities both
domestically and internationally, and our professional accreditations include RGS, RTPI, RICS, and CIHT. Our relationships with these organisations make sure you’re tuned in to the debates and developments across the industry and offer you opportunities to build your professional knowledge and profile.
With 92 per cent of our undergraduate students in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after graduating (2022/23 HESA data), you can be sure that a human geography degree at Cardiff University will give you a strong foundation to make a real difference in the world.
With society under increasing pressure from global change and complex social challenges, the knowledge and skills of a human geographer are in demand. You’ll find our graduates working across the public, private and third sectors, in the UK and around the world. This includes fields like transport, economic development, public policy, education, heritage, conservation, environmental management or consultancy, aid and international development.
‘Human Geography is unparalleled in its ability to offer interesting, challenging, and diverse topics of study. On countless occasions it has changed my perspective of the world, the relations I have with others, and my ability to critically analyse arguments, which are at the forefront of global discussion.’
Matthew Ellis, Human Geography graduate
