- Sponsored content
Address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and kickstart your career with a degree in 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 geography may be for you.
At Cardiff University, we’re tackling some of the world’s most challenging social, environmental and economic issues. Ranked in the top 100 for geography (2024 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 – we hope you’ll be inspired to work towards a brighter future.
Human or physical geography?
If you’re interested in examining where we live, how we live and how we want to live, then take a look at our Human Geography and Human Geography and Planning degree programmes. Exploring the changing nature of space and place, culture and identity, and the relationship between society and environment, these degrees make connections between the local, regional, national and global levels.
You’ll develop a critical understanding of the intricate relations between the natural and human world and learn how to use your knowledge to shape the views and actions of elected decisionmakers, the voluntary sector and industry, in order to improve society.
If you’re fascinated by our planet and what we can do in the face of climate change, a degree in Physical Geography or Environmental Geography will help you understand the science of the physical world around us. You’ll explore environments across the world, from the extreme poles to tropical coral reefs, analysing the pressures they face today and in the future.
Our Marine Geography degree is the only one of its kind in the UK, looking at the science behind the relationship between society and the sea. You’ll focus on solutions to keep our oceans healthy and support traditional and emerging marine industries to be sustainable.
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 field and research skills, including gathering and analysing data. You could be recording wildlife activity in specific habitats, visiting industrial sites nearby or exploring urban spaces in Europe. Or maybe you’ll be put to sea in our research boat, the Guiding Light, for hydrographic surveying along the famous Welsh coastline.
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 put this into practice during your degree, there is the opportunity to do a professional placement year. Previous students have worked for prominent NGOs, the UK/Welsh Government, charities such as the Wildlife Trust and more, both at home and overseas.
Your future
We’ll empower you with the skills, drive and confidence to chart your own path after graduation. Our courses are recognised by academic and policy communities both domestically and internationally. Professional accreditations include RTPI, RICS, RGS and GSL. 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 95 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 (HESA data), you can be sure that a geography degree at Cardiff University will give you a strong foundation to make a real difference in the world. With the planet under increasing pressure from climate change and a changing landscape, the knowledge and skills of a geographer are in demand. You’ll find Cardiff University 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. Maybe you’ll specialise and become an exploration geologist, hydrogeologist, mineralogist, geospatial analyst or similar.
‘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
‘Studying a BSc Environmental Geography degree in the school was an exceptional journey that shaped my passion for the natural world and all the environments within it. The field trips were a highlight, providing hands-on experience and connecting classroom knowledge with real-world scenarios. Since graduating I have found it surprisingly easy to secure a fulfilling job in the field.’
Charlotte Hogg, BSc Environmental Geography graduate
