Study options
Graduate Diploma in Science in Geography
Prerequisites
Graduate Diploma students must have previously completed a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Course requirements
- 120 points from 200 and 300-level
- at least 75 points must be at 300-level or above
- up to 30 points may be from courses outside science offered at this university
- a project worth 30 points may be included, with approval
The diploma is effectively a BSc major in Geography and the programme of study should meet the requirements of the major.
More information about the Graduate Diploma in Science is on the Faculty of Science website.
Graduate Diploma in Arts in Geography
More information about the Graduate Diploma in Arts is on the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences website.
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSc) in Geography
The PG Certificate in Science can be completed in one trimester or part time over up to two years.
Prerequisites
Postgraduate Certificate students must have previously completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree or equivalent degree or work experience with an average grade of B or higher in appropriate 300-level papers.
Course requirements
60 points from:
- GEOG 401 - 489
- GEOG 580
- PHYG 401 - 488.
More information about the Postgraduate Certificate in Science is on the Faculty of Science website.
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts)
Prerequisites
Postgraduate Diploma students must have previously completed a Bachelor's degreee with a major in Geography.
Course Requirements
120 points from:
- GEOG 401 - 489
- PHYG 401 - 488
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSc) in Geography
Prerequisites
Postgraduate Diploma students must have previously completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with an average grade of B or higher in relevant 300 level courses.
Course requirements
120 points from:
- GEOG 401 - 489
- GEOG 580
- PHYG 401 - 488
Note: the programme does not include a research project and must be approved by the School.
More information about the Postgraduate Diploma in Science is on the Faculty of Science website.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours and Bachelor of Science with Honours in Geography
Prerequisites
Honours candidates must have previously completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) including GEOG 324 and GEOG 325 plus 40 points of approved courses, ideally with a B+ grade average or higher in these courses.
Course requirements
- GEOG 489
- 90 points from GEOG 401 – 488 and PHYG 401 – 488
Students wishing to enrol in BA or BSc Honours in Geography must write to the Geography Graduate Coordinator (Philip Morrison) by 2 December prior to the year of intended enrolment stating both their desire to enrol AND the names of academic staff members approached regarding supervision of potential research projects. Early application is recommended although approval to enrol in Honours may be granted until the 10 January of the year of study.
Master of Science
A Master of Science in Geography consists of two parts two parts and is normally completed in two calendar years. Part 1 (the first year) involves coursework and a research preparation course. Part 2 (the second year) is a full-time research project, leading to a thesis.
Prerequisites part 1
Master's candidates must have previously completed undergraduate degree with a B+ grade average in 300 level courses or relevant graduate or postgraduate diploma, including 60 points from GEOG 301-399.
We encourage students to focus their studies in one of our distinctive areas, but any coherent programme of study may be undertaken.
Course requirements
- GEOG 580
- 105 points in approved courses from (GEOG 401–488, PHYG 401–488)
Prerequisites part 2
Students require an average B+ grade in their Masters' Part 1 courses. Students with a lower grade must discuss options with the programme director, which include redirection into a suitable postgraduate diploma.
Course requirements
- GEOG 591 - Thesis
Master of Arts (MA) by Thesis
Master's candidates must have previously completed BA (Hons) degree with a First or Second Class Honours in Geography, or related subject (with permission of the Associate Dean). Prospective students must also obtain a recommendation by a potential project supervisor before enrolment.
Course requirements
- GEOG 591 - Thesis
More information about the Master of Arts is on the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences website.
PhD in Geography
The PhD is the highest degree offered by the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences and usually takes three to four years to complete. It is an internationally recognised research degree culminating in a thesis and opens up rich and varied career opportunities.
Prerequistes
A first class or high second class Honours or Master's degree.
The Faculty of Graduate Research is the initial contact point for all PhD students. Please visit their website for all queries, including available funding, the role of a supervisor and the application process. The Faculty provides ongoing support to PhD students throughout their studies at Victoria.
PhD students are encouraged to apply for a range of scholarships offered by the School, the University and others. Details can be found on the scholarships webpage.
More information for international students is on the Victoria International website.
Careers
Employment opportunities for Geography graduates are numerous. Since Geography covers a wide range of topics and disciplines, graduates of the programme may be employed in, urban planning and regional planning, Policy analysis in social and economic development, health and transport, Central Government (i.e. Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Centre for Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZAID, Treasury, Department of Conservation, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment) and Local Government with the Regional Councils.
Employers regard the breadth of knowledge and skills of geography graduates from Victoria University very highly. These essential skills can then be built on to develop the specialist abilities needed in a particular organisation.
People who have a good understanding of social and economic development issues are in demand by many businesses in New Zealand. Similarly people familiar with other cultures and economies are needed by businesses exporting to overseas markets, particularly in Asia.
Staff
The following School staff work in this area: