Geography

Geography is a wide-ranging subject: from the study of physical landscapes on the one hand, to cultural identity on the other, as well as how these two fields intersect. This breadth of subject matter is drawn together by our shared passion to understand the human and environmental patterns, processes and associations that create our world.

Our postgraduate course in geography gives you the opportunity to choose from across a broad range of modules to build a course with flexible study tailored to your own interests and professional needs. We offer modules designed to respond to contemporary issues, including the climate and ecological emergency, cities and urbanisation, poverty and inequality, cultural change, nationalism, identity, gender, migration and international development.

You will study with internationally recognised experts defining their field with ground-breaking research. This directly informs our teaching to create a lively, stimulating environment and provide you with the pivotal knowledge to develop a career in the sector.

The course benefits from a mix of classroom and field-based teaching bringing you together with other students to build your social and professional networks and develop important skills in data collection and analysis.

We offer this course as a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. For the Diploma and Certificate you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation. The Diploma and Certificate are ideal if you are interested in studying at postgraduate level for personal or professional reasons, but don't yet want to commit to a full MSc.

Highlights

In discussion with the course director for this course, you will plan a bespoke, coherent programme of study together which reflects your personal and professional interests and ambitions.

We thrive on the breadth of research interests of our staff in this area. This means that we offer a wide range of postgraduate courses in geography, as well as allowing our students to engage with other disciplines such as anthropology and international development. We offer multiple approaches to the study of societies and cultures, human geography, and sustainability, poverty and development, as well as community and citizenship, at local, regional and global levels.

Birkbeck's mode of teaching is unique: mostly in the evening or at weekends, but also including local and international fieldwork, so you can also gain relevant work experience during the day. You will be surrounded by committed fellow students from all cultures, backgrounds and career stages, who share their experience and expertise with their peers. Many of our students work in areas under discussion and so can bring their experience to bear in discussions about theory and practice.

We are proud of our vibrant research culture, powered by a shared passion for learning and intellectual engagement among our academics and students. We have a strong commitment to social justice, which is demonstrated in much of our research.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in business, environmental management, local government, policy work, and in environmental groups and charities. Possible professions include:

geographical information systems officer

nature conservation officer

policy researcher

environmental consultant

planning and development surveyor

town planner

market researcher

tourism officer.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.