Careers in 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.

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.

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 other 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.

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 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.

Studying geography can lead to careers in areas such as:

• Environment and ecology
• Town planning
• Surveying
• Cartography (making maps)
• Conservation

Simon, cartographer, Forestry Commission

Simon chose GCSE geography and then A-level maths, physics and business studies. “When it came to choosing my degree, I sort of wanted to choose something that was a bit more practical.”  He chose a subject called geophysics which explores the structure of the earth. Now he creates maps for the Forestry Commission.

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Owain, hydrologist, Environment Agency

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.

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Nicole, planning enforcement officer, Westminster City Council

“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.” After her GCSEs Nicole wanted to become a dancer but was put off by the fees of performing arts school. Before going to university, she looked after people with learning disabilities and worked as a waitress.

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Joanne, education ranger, Forestry Commission

“Most of my work is with school groups so you do need to be able to communicate with children and enjoy being with them.” 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.

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Kati, head of digital media, V&A Museum

Kati took a geography degree and later studied history of design. She has found a career which combines her different interests.

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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.

And The Royal Society of Geography has more examples of geography jobs.