Why Study Geography?
Geography provides a basis for comprehending and managing many of the issues facing New Zealand and the World – environmental conservation and degradation, social and economic structures, development regions, demographic influences on society, the spatial characteristics and problems of cities and rural areas, atmosphere and management of water, soil, air and biological resources. By studying such themes in different contexts and places, geography helps break down insularity and contributes to international understanding while providing its students with a wide range of vocationally relevant skills, for instance: information gathering, data analysis and critical assessment.
Our flexible degree programmes enable you to choose your specialisation. You can focus on topics across the geography discipline or specialise in areas of either human or physical geography. Your tailor made degree is targeted to take you where you want it to go.
Topics covered by Geography papers
Geography papers embrace a range of disciplines or sub-disciplines that make a Geographer sought after both in New Zealand and internationally.
These disciplines are largely focused on:
Physical Geography
- Geomorphology
- Climatology
- Hydrology
- Biogeography
Human Geography
- People, Environment and Development
- People, Place and Power
- People, Communities and Sustainability
- People, Space and Contestation
Environmental Management
- The nature and causes of environmental problems
- Concepts and methods for managing the environment
- Environmental management in New Zealand and overseas
- Science, human values, and environmental concerns
Qualifications
A variety of qualifications are available through the School of Geography
- Undergraduate qualifications we offer and their requirements
- Postgraduate qualifications we offer and their requirements
Schedule of Papers – 2023
We offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate papers in Geography
Papers in Environment and Society
ENVI 111 Environment and Society
18 points (Semester 1)
ENVI 211 Environmental History of New Zealand
18 points (Semester 2)
ENVI 311 Understanding Environmental Issues
18 points (Semester 1)
ENVI 312 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Climate Change
18 points (Semester 2)
The combination of dual Geography 200/300 levels normally alternate on a 2-year cycle.
Papers in Geography
100 level papers
GEOG 101 Physical Geography
18 points (Semester 1)
GEOG 102 Geographies of Sustainable Futures
18 points (Semester 2)
200 level papers
GEOG 201 Field Research Methods
18 points (Full year)
GEOG 215 Envisioning Sustainable Cities
18 Points (Semester 2)
GEOG 216 Environmental Management: Principles and Values
18 Points (Semester 1)
GEOG 219 Special Topic in Human Geography (Geographies of the Contemporary World: A focus on Migrant Workers)
18 Points (Semester 1)
GEOG 276 Geographies of Contestation, Action and Change
18 Points (Semester 2)
GEOG 280 Engaging with People and Place: Doing Geographical Research
18 Points (Semester 1)
GEOG 282 Climate Change: Present and Future
18 Points (Semester 1)
GEOG 283 Climate Change: The Past
18 points (Semester 2)
GEOG 288 Rivers and Runoff
18 Points (Semester 1)
GEOG 298 Coastal Geomorphology
18 Points (Semester 2)
300 level papers
GEOG 301 Field Research Studies (for BSc and BAppSc Majors)
18 Points (Full year)
GEOG 376 Geographies of Contestation, Action and Change
18 Points (Semester 2)
GEOG 379 Special Topic in Human Geography (Geographies of the Contemporary World: A focus on Migrant Workers)
18 Points (Semester 1)
GEOG 380 Field Research Studies (for BA Majors)
18 points (Full year)
GEOG 384 Envisioning Sustainable Cities
18 Points (Semester 2)
GEOG 388 Climate Change: Present and Future
18 Points (Semester 1)
GEOG 389 Climate Change: The Past
18 points (Semester 2)
GEOG 394 Rivers and Runoff
18 Points (Semester 1)
GEOG 397 Environmental Management: Policy and Practice
18 Points (Semester 2)
GEOG 398 Coastal Geomorphology
18 Points (Semester 2)
400 level papers
GEOG 401 Theories of Development
20 points (Semester 1)
GEOG 402 Development Planning and Practice
20 points (Semester 2)
GEOG 454 Alpine Geomorphology
20 points (Semester 2)
GEOG 457 Advanced Urban Geography
20 points (Semester 2)
GEOG 460 Climatology
20 points (Semester 1)
GEOG 461 Mountain Hydrology
20 points (Semester 2)
GEOG 470 A Research Topic in Geography
40 points (Full Year)
GEOG 472 Developments in Environmental Management
20 points (Semester 1)
GEOG 474 Coastal Management
20 points (Semester 1)
GEOG 490 Dissertation
60 points (Full year)
GEOG 495 Master's Thesis Preparation
40 points (Full year)
Papers in Planning
PLAN 411 Planning Theory
20 points (Semester 1)
PLAN 412 Spatial Planning and Development
20 points (Semester 2)
PLAN 435 Planning Case Study I
20 points (Full year)
PLAN 438 Planning Practice
20 points (Full year)
PLAN 535 Planning Case Study II
20 points (Full year)
PLAN 590 Planning Project
50 points (Full year)
