Geography

Geography is the study of the world we live in. From climate change, natural hazards and environmental crises, to conflict, urbanisation, migration and uneven development, geography is key to addressing the most pressing issues facing our world today. In combining the study of physical landscapes, environments and human societies, geography is unique in offering a rounded, inclusive approach to understanding global challenges.

Studying Geography in UCD, will allow you to understand the context underpinning these challenges and it will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to help address them. From fieldwork, laboratory work and Geographical Information System (GIS), to data collection, analysis, and interpretation, geography offers both physical and social science approaches to the study of our world. This interdisciplinary approach, grounded in real-world examples, ensures that throughout your undergraduate programme you will develop discipline specific and transferable skills that are highly sought after in the workplace including: critical analysis; spatial analysis; oral and written communication; time management; and collaborative working.

Geography is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, labs and fieldwork in Ireland and overseas, and includes independent reading and study. Assessment methods are varied and include a combination of continuous assessment, fieldwork, tutorial or laboratory participation, and exams.

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

First Year

Our Living World • Mapping a Sustainable World • Dynamic Earth • People, Places & Regions

Second Year

Introduction to GIS for the Social Sciences • Rivers, Estuaries and Coasts • Field Studies in Ireland • Global Historical Geographies • Weather, Climate & Climate Change • Quaternary Environmental Change • Geography, Politics and Media • Social Geographies

Third Year

River Catchment Management • Political Geography •  Far Right, Hate & Political Polarisation • Overseas Fieldwork • Development Geographies • Techniques and Fieldwork • Global Risks and Resilience • The Urban Environment • Population Geography • Optional Internship • Optional Study Abroad

Fourth Year

Sexual and Gendered Geographies • Planetary Geomorphology • Citizen Science • Historical Geography of Ireland • Fortress Europe & the Global War on Migrants • Population & Inequalities Research in Action • Applied GIS

Assessment

Geography is taught through lectures, tutorials, labs and fieldwork in Ireland and overseas, and includes independent reading and study. Assessment is generally a combination of continuous assessment, tutorial or laboratory participation and end-of-trimester exams.

In Year 3, you can apply to study abroad for a trimester or a year in partner universities worldwide. Previous students have studied abroad in: France | Germany | Italy | Spain | Sweden | US | Australia

Employers value the ability of Geography graduates to investigate, analyse, critique and interpret complex phenomena. UCD Geography graduates have found employment as: Geographical Information Systems (GIS) specialists working with local government agencies and private industry (e.g. Esri, ICON), researchers and policy analysts with Teagasc, ESRI, NGOs and governmental departments, planners in both local government and private sector consultancies, educators at primary and secondary level, as well as in high-profile national and international universities.

Alumni currently work in other varied organisations such as Google, Habitat for Humanity, Deloitte and property consultancies.Many Geography graduates continue with further study of their discipline or proceed directly to master's degrees in social sciences, spatial analysis, planning, law or business.

In Year 3, you can apply for an optional internship in a range of organisations in the public and private sectors, for example: Government | Environmental | Impact | Business | Planning | NGO's and Charities

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET


• Open Learning Entry Route


• Mature Entry Route


• DARE Entry Route


• HEAR Entry Route


• University Access

By joining the UCD College of Arts and Humanities you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable, just and equitable future. Our courses are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen arts and humanities subjects. Our research and teaching and learning connect with many of the SDGs, most notably:

• SDG 4: Quality Education -Promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality - Advances gender equality by addressing social norms, histories, and cultural practices that contribute to gender disparities.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Encourages understanding and action against social, economic, and political inequalities.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Enhances cultural understanding and heritage preservation, fostering sustainable communities.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through critical inquiry into human rights, ethics, and governance.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Encourages global partnerships and collaboration by fostering international understanding and dialogue.

Our programmes equip students with critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, essential for addressing complex global challenges.