Major overview
Geographers are social and environmental scientists who help improve our understanding of the world. They're interested in the convergence of people and the environment, and in our relationships with urban, rural, regional and remote spaces.
In this course you will gain the skills to address issues such as climate change, growth of cities, bushfires, food security and changing communities.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Career outcomes
Graduates have the skills to help address issues such as climate change, growth of cities, bushfires, food security and changing communities.
Careers
- Landscape / natural resource manager
- Community / regional development consultant
- Bushfire management consultant
- Community development officer
- Demographer
- Environmental / sustainability consultant
- Secondary school teacher*
- Spatial analyst
* Requires an additional teaching qualification
Industries
- Disaster management
- Education
- Environmental assessment
- Government
- International development
- Natural resource management
- Regional planning and development
- Sustainability
Why study at Curtin?
Get the Curtin edge
Curtin has a proud history in human and physical geography developed over 50 years. Backed by this solid foundation, we will ensure your learning is comprehensive and applicable to current and future challenges.
Highly ranked course
Curtin is ranked in the top 200 in the world for Geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
Work experience
Engage with organisations including the Bureau of Meteorology, Canning River Eco Education Centre and Southeast Regional Centre for Urban Landcare, and undertake field trips within Perth, Fremantle and the Wheatbelt.
Major structure
What you’ll learn
During your studies, you'll explore migration changes, social movements and contests over space and place. You'll gain analytical and practical skills, such as interviewing and surveying, mapping, participant observation and statistical analysis, recording field notes and writing demographic reports.
You'll also learn spatial analysis and mapping using ARCGIS and other software.
Throughout the course you'll apply your learning to local environments during fieldtrips in Perth, Fremantle and the Wheatbelt region.
You'll also benefit from our strong links with local communities and industries, as well as our Sustainable Livelihoods program with Papua New Guinea.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Study combinations
Geography is offered as part of the Bachelor of Arts. You can enhance your studies with a second major or choose from a range of elective units that support your career goals.
When coupled with Economics you can complete this major as part of our Bachelor of Arts or our Bachelor of Commerce. Your choice will determine your core units.
You can increase your career opportunities by studying Geography as part of a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Innovation, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce double degree.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Explore more
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