Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geography Victoria University of Wellington

Explore the wonder of science: As a Bachelor of Science (BSc) student at Victoria, you’ll absorb knowledge, observe phenomena, experiment with ideas, and maybe even be part of making new discoveries. With a strong practical focus, a BSc will take you far beyond the lecture theatre. Apply your curiosity to the many laboratories, field trips, and summer scholar opportunities offered within this degree.

Geography focuses on the relationship between humans and their environment. You'll examine how human cultures shape the world around them, and investigate the differences and inequalities between and within different countries and nations.

Study biophysical systems - the way that different Earth, oceanic and atmospheric processes behave - and learn how these natural systems interact with one another.

Course Structure

For this degree you'll need to:

Complete at least 360 points, of which:

• At least 270 points must be from courses listed for the BSc
• At least 210 points must be from 200 and 300-level courses, including:
• At least 150 points must be from courses listed for the BSc
• At least 75 points must be from 300-level courses listed for the BSc

Courses listed for other degrees may be counted as being BSc courses, including:

• A maximum of 30 points if taken to satisfy a BSc major
• A maximum of 60 points if taken to satisfy a second major from another first degree at this university
• A maximum of 60 points across both these categories
• Complete one course in MATH 100-399, PHYS 100-399, QUAN 100-399, STAT 100-399, ENGR 121-123 or Engineering Physics for Electronics and Computer Systems (ENGR 142)
• Complete one approved course that demonstrates competency in oral and written communications

In addition to the degree requirements, for this major you'll need to complete:

Four courses at 100 level:

• The Earth System: An introduction to Physical Geography and Earth Sciences (GEOG 111)
• Introduction to Human Geography and Development Studies (GEOG 112)
• Environment and Resources: the Foundations (GEOG 114)
• Statistics in Practice (STAT 193) (or equivalent)

Three courses at 200 level:

• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Science (GEOG 215)
• Human Geography: Approaching Our World (GEOG 217)

One course from:

• Worlds of Development (GEOG 212)
• Environment and Resources: New Zealand Perspectives (GEOG 214)
• Ecology and Environment (GEOG 222)

Four courses at 300 level:

• Research Design (GEOG 324)
• Field Methods (GEOG 325)

One course from:

• GEOG 312-316
• Islands and Oceans: People, Power and Place (GEOG 322)

One further course from GEOG 300-399

At the end of your three-year BSc you can continue your learning with postgraduate studies. Give your career options a boost and choose from a range of postgraduate science programmes offered by Victoria University of Wellington.