Geography
Why Study Geography?
Geography for some belongs to the Humanities and the Social Sciences, but traditionally it also has a strong Environmental Science dimension with Physical Geography, e.g. in the areas of Geomorphology, Biogeography and, within UCC, particularly in Climatology, Coastal and Marine Science, Environmental Management and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
On the Humanities side the major areas of study are in Cultural, Historical, Social, Political Geography and Landscape Studies. The mainstream Social Science emphasis is upon Economic, Urban, Rural and Development Geography and Planning. These different thematic studies are brought together with wider courses on the nature of Geography and in the regional analyses of Europe.
An integrated use of a range of technical skills are also stressed in many areas, such as in cartography, GIS-computing, in field and laboratory based work. In summary, Geography’s focus is on the nature of people’s relationships with the environment at a range of temporal and spatial (i.e. global, national, regional and local) scales of analysis.
The aim of the course is to develop a good working knowledge of the different thematic, regional and skills areas of the demanding discipline. The Geography Department also participates in the four year BA (European Studies) and in the four-year BA (Language and Cultural Studies).
Overview
Students of Geography develop a wide range of practical and useful skills. Apart from library studies and lectures, students also complete practical work in courses, e.g. Physical Geography, Cartography, GIS and computer linked work. Fieldwork and field reports are an integral part of the learning process, as are course assignments, tutorials, essays and opportunities to undertake original research. Dissertations can be undertaken in the final year of studies. Though most courses are taught through lectures, small group work in seminars, laboratories and in the field are considered an essential part. Students will have direct access to at least one staff tutor. Departmental facilities and sources include the main university collection of maps and atlases. There are specialist laboratories for Physical Geography, Palaeo-environmental Analyses, Air Photo Interpretation and for GIS and Computer Cartography. A range of microcomputers, links to the Computer Centres mainframe computers and Internet are available.
Postgraduate Opportunities
Taught Masters include MA in Coastal Management Systems, Masters in Planning & Sustainability, MA in European Development Studies, MA in Contemporary Migration & Diaspora Studies, MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing. MPhil and PhD opportunities are also available.
What will you be studying?
Year 1
In First Arts, Geography combines strongly with Archaeology, Economics, English, French, History, Irish, Mathematics and Sociology. No previous qualification is required for entry to Geography, which is designed for those who have studied the subject before as well as for those who have not.
Year 2
The Second Year provides for specialisation in a range of courses, such as Historical, Urban, Economic Geography, Coastal/Marine, Climate or Development Studies. All courses emphasise the requisition of geographical field, library, laboratory and mapping skills.
Year 3
The Final Year allows for further development of interests and/or an extension into areas such as Geography, Environmental Management, Marine Policy and GIS.
(For complete module descriptions see the Book of Modules for Geography.)
