Why choose geography? Find out where geography can take you, explore links between geography and jobs, and see real-life examples of geography careers with our quick guide.
What is geography?
Geography is all about places and people. Perhaps you’d like to better understand the world, landscapes and the environment? Or maybe you’re interested in climate change, migration, and how communities live and work together? Geography looks at all these issues. It connects science with social science subjects, such as economics, sociology, and politics. It’s a good general subject. And it leads to wide range of careers.
What skills will I learn if I study geography?
Studying geography can help you develop data, research, scientific, and map skills.
Geography often involves practical work so there are usually opportunities for fieldwork and travel.
Learning about geography can also boost your soft skills, including communication, team work and time management.
Why choose geography for your GCSE options?
Geography is good choice for your GCSE subjects if you want to:
- keep your future subject choices open
- study a general subject
- find out about related subjects – such as sociology or geology – which you may not have had the chance to study yet
- better understand the world today
Geography is part of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), a set of core subjects which can help you choose your GCSE options (and which are also used as a measure for schools).
See Choosing your GCSE options for more details.
Geography at A-level
When you’re choosing A-level subjects, consider how your choices go together. Geography fits with science subjects such as biology, physics and maths. But it also works well with social science options, such as politics or economics, or history and arts subjects.
Taking geography at A-level can be a stepping stone to subjects for further study at university or college. These include earth sciences such as geology and geophysics; urban or town planning; and other social sciences. But be sure to check entry requirements for university courses on UCAS, as entry routes vary.
See Choosing A-level subject: five points to consider for more information.
Geography at university
Geography is a broad academic degree. Graduates go on to work across a wide range of jobs and industries.
The Royal Geographical Society reports that geography has high levels of graduate employment and earnings, high student satisfaction rates, and low dropout rates.
What careers can I follow with geography?
Studying geography can lead to careers in areas such as:
- Environment and ecology
- Town planning
- Surveying
- Cartography (making maps)
- Conservation
Watch real-life videos on geography careers
Owain - hydrologist
Owain did a geography degree and now monitors water quality. He started work with the Environment Agency as a temp and from there was able to apply for internal jobs.
See Owain's story
Nicole - planning enforcement officer
“I liked all three subjects… Geography, economics, and design & technology is a mix of what makes town planning, so I thought, I’ll do town planning.”
See Nicole's story
Joanne - education ranger
Joanne took geography at A-level and went on to study ecology and economics at university. She now works with school groups and runs woodland events for members of the public.
Watch now
Kati - head of digital media
Kati took a geography degree and later studied history of design. Her job at the V&A Museum combines her different interests.
See Kati's story
Simon - cartographer
Simon chose GCSE geography. He went on to take a degree in geophysics (which explores the structure of the earth) and now creates maps for the Forestry Commission.
Watch now
Find out more
Explore more icould videos on geography careers. Hear what it’s like to work for employers including The Eden Project, The Met Office, and The National Trust, as well as energy providers and local authorities.
The Royal Society of Geography has more examples of geography jobs.
