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Geography  (GGC1)

Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Geography
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
Award
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Overall Programme Credits:
Programme Credits:
N/A
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 10

Curricular information is subject to change.

Geography focuses on the analysis of the natural and manmade environments with particular reference to locations, distributions, spatial structures, processes and interrelations. It seeks to develop our sense of place and our appreciation of the web of interconnections that are the reality of the natural and social environments, past and present.

The programme in Geography introduces the main branches of human and physical geography, and applies this knowledge to selected regions (mainly Ireland, Europe, North America and the Tropical World) and to problem-solving situations. Teaching is by means of lectures, tutorials, practicals and field classes. You will undertake practical work to become familiar with cartographic, computing and other data handling techniques, and to develop a critical appreciation of geographic research problems and research presentations. You will also undertake a range of field work projects in the Dublin area, and have the opportunity of participating in occasional programmes held elsewhere in Ireland or abroad. Geography graduates make use of their knowledge and skills in a wide range of jobs including administration, computing, education, finance, information, management, marketing, planning, tourism and research in private, public and international aid organisations.

In order to progress to Stage 2, students must have passed two Level 1 Geography modules offered at Stage 1.

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop in areas such as:
  • Writing
  • Researching
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Presentations
  • Teamwork
  • Global awareness
  • Social responsibility
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-awareness


This programme supports students’ career development and employability through:
  • Cultural awareness, resilience and self-confidence e.g. Study Abroad/ERASMUS
  • Development of critical thinking, problem solving skills and decision-making e.g. through individual and group projects and assignments
  • Development of self-reflection skills


Stage 1

In order to progress to Stage 2, students must have passed core modules GEOG10140 and GEOG10080. Geography is only available with a limited number of subject combinations in Stage 2 and Stage 3. Please see https://www.ucd.ie/artshumanities/baartsjointhonours/progressionrequirementsforstage2/ for information on the combinations available if you plan to progress with Geography into Stage 2.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
GEOG10140 Mapping a Sustainable World Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
GEOG10080 Dynamic Earth Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students may choose additional option modules from the list below. Modules offered in Spring may be chosen in place of electives.
GEOG10130 Geography Matters Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students may choose additional option modules from the list below. Modules offered in Spring may be chosen in place of electives.
GEOG10100 People, Places, Regions Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students may choose additional option modules from the list below. Modules offered in Spring may be chosen in place of electives.
LSOC10010 Making the Irish Landscape Spring  5