Geography is a dynamic discipline that is increasingly recognised as an integral part of developing holistic approaches to contemporary problems in society and environment. The advent of products such as Google Earth (TM) and the rapid uptake of spatial technology in many facets of day-to-day life has also put geography on the public agenda. In essence, geographers study Earth's diversity, its resources, and humankind's survival on the planet. This involves analysing the associations of things and events that give special character to particular places; the interconnections between different areas; and the working of complex systems through time. Geography is the only academic discipline in which an integrative perspective focusing on spatial relationships and processes is a fundamental concern. Geography takes an integrative approach to environmental problems and their solutions, including the study of economic, cultural and social goals and processes that determine strategies for resource use and ecosystem management.

Students undertaking the major in geography are provided with a rich learning environment characterised by an exciting mix of theoretical and practical training in an applied setting. The course options in the major expose students to a diverse range of skills that are much in demand, including experiential and field-based learning, GIS and spatial technology, the principles of modeling, integrated research training, and small-group learning that draws upon the diversity of student and staff professional and cultural backgrounds. The major in geography will equip students with a thorough yet broad-based grounding in the discipline, the background to pursuing a professional career related to geography.

Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.

The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate current geographic approaches to investigating a range of environment and sustainability issues and management strategies in international and Australian contexts
2. Integrate knowledge relevant to geographical science and policy across disciplines
3. Apply a range of written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey and discuss information about geographical science and policy in multidisciplinary contexts, and
4. Engage with current environment and sustainability policy debates, recognising the socio-political and cultural contexts in which they occur.