Joint Honours (JH) Geography
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Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. Fundamentally it is about the world in which we live. Geography offers a 21st century education by uniquely bridging the social sciences (human geography) with the natural sciences (physical geography). Human geography focuses on understanding the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies, while physical geography focuses on understanding the dynamics of physical landscapes. In Trinity, a Geography degree also covers increasingly important environmental issues where humans affect physical environments and vice versa
Is this course for me?
Are you interested in the way the world works? Do you want to make a positive difference to the way in which we live together with the natural world for present and future generations? If the answer is yes, then geography is for you.
Studying Geography at Trinity you will explore a range of topics from the history of cities to the landforms of Mars, strengthening both your creative and analytical abilities. You will develop communication and teamwork skills and most of all you will become fully equipped to become a real-world problem solver. Geography will foster your independence of thought as well as critical and intellectual awareness. You will have opportunities to go ‘into the field’ to explore important geographical issues in Ireland and abroad, exploring the areas that interest you most in more detail through independent research projects. The staff in Geography have a wide range of expertise in physical, human and environmental issues and are passionate about the subject. Come and explore the world and shape the future with us.
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I chose to study Geography as it is a broad course, covering a wide range of topics from physical and environmental to social, economic and historical geography. This varied aspect of Geography appealed to me as I was uncertain which career path I wanted to take when I finished secondary school. I would have the opportunity, over the four years, to discover what I was passionate about. Throughout my time in Trinity, I have thoroughly enjoyed studying Geography. The department is friendly, open and approachable. Fieldtrips are organised around Ireland and abroad, such as Mallorca and Iceland. Students are given the opportunity to study overseas also. I spent my third year in Stockholm University, in Sweden, studying Human Geography through the English language. Studying and living in Sweden was an eye-opening experience. I spent my time with people from all over Europe and beyond. This has influenced my growing passion in migration studies. I hope to continue studying in this area as a Postgraduate in the Trinity Immigration Centre. Also, as a student in Trinity, I have been given the chance to take part in new activities, in the clubs and societies, such as rock climbing, yoga, and African drumming. I believe the learning environment and social activities in Trinity gives the students the opportunity to realise their full potential.
B.A. Student
In the Joint Honour (JH) Programme, Geography can be studied in combination with other subjects such as Economics, Sociology, History or German.
Year 1: Junior Freshman Geography
The first year (Junior Freshman) JH Geography modules aim to provide a flavour of the breadth of the subject, focusing on materials that are dealt with in greater depth in later years, while challenging students to integrate the different approaches and forms of knowledge that characterise the modern discipline of geography.
In the first year, students take three introductory modules in Geography:
- Physical Geography
- Environmental Geography
- Human
Participation in lectures and seminars is in line with other TJH subjects. Certain practical exercises are completed outside the allocated class time.
Year 2: Senior Freshman
The second (Senior Freshman) year geography modules cover issues relating to cultural, economic and historical geography, and to natural and human-modified environmental processes and systems. Research skills are developed further through the Collection and Analysis of Geographical Data module that includes a fieldwork component. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-year examination is used.
Year 3 & 4: Junior & Senior Sophister
Students may also opt to take a number of modules from a suite of options that contribute to greater understanding of the world around us from disciplines outside Geography in their third and fourth years. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-year examination is used.
There are opportunities for students to spend all or part of the third year studying abroad at Exeter, Bordeaux, Paris-Sorbonne, Prague (Charles University), Utrecht or Stockholm universities.
A wide range of career options is potentially available to Geography graduates. The combination of a broad-based discipline and training in highly relevant transferable skills is valued in today’s job market, where adaptability and flexibility are widely regarded as assets. Careers taken up by graduating Geography students in recent years include urban and regional planning, environmental consultancy and research, teaching and overseas development as well as positions in such areas as financial services (including insurance), foreign affairs, leisure and tourism.
For general admission requirements please click here
Geography must be combined with one other JH subject. An honours degree is awarded in both subjects.