Study Geography at Otago

Matt Shepherd:

Kia ora, my name is Matt Shepherd, and I’m a physical geographer here at the University of Otago studying geography. Coming down to Dunedin isn’t just about opening up Dunedin, but it’s about opening up Otago and the wider New Zealand context. Studying physical geography is about getting out into the great outdoors and experiencing the real-life change that is occurring across this beautiful country. Come on down to Dunedin and be part of this positive impact that we want to make.

Charlotte Brewer:

Hi, my name is Charlotte Brewer, and I study human geography at the University of Otago.

First of all, the reason why I chose Otago to study is because when you come down here, you realise that it’s a university town. I come from Auckland, so coming down here, the contrast is huge. The teaching staff are just so supportive, and it’s just awesome living in this town in such a supportive environment.

I study human geography because I love learning about the world, and I feel like it has really strengthened my voice and my passions around issues such as climate change and social inequalities. It has given me more of a point in discussions and debates where I feel like my voice can be heard and recognised.

Ben Varkalis:

Kia ora, my name is Ben Varkalis, and I’m a teaching fellow in the School of Geography here at the University of Otago.

We teach a broad range of subjects and opportunities that help us understand the world we live in. Geography offers us the chance to gain awareness of global challenges—of which there are many at the moment. You can probably think of some, particularly around climate change, growing social inequalities, and population dynamics. These challenges expose us to the implications they pose, and studying geography helps us understand them.

Geography students have both the opportunity and the responsibility to work in a space where they can make a real difference in their careers and their pathways. These global challenges aren’t going away anytime soon, and the next generation will be responsible for dealing with them.

Geography has a couple of pathways. We can study physical processes that determine environmental change—this is physical geography. We can also study human geography, which looks at how people interact with and are exposed to the environment.

We’re really fortunate that we get to speak about real and relevant issues, challenges, and problems that are occurring right now—issues that need solutions and strategies. These challenges won’t disappear on their own, and we have a responsibility to work on them.

Career pathways in geography are many and broad. There are opportunities to work in policy and influence how things operate. There are roles in monitoring and analysing environmental and social changes. There are also opportunities to be a change-maker.

Geography is a subject that seeks your help and your understanding of the world, so that we can find better and new alternatives to the crises, problems, and challenges we see every day.