School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences Te Kura Tātai Aro Whenua

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Human Geography

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Human Geography
Gold mining in Myit Kyi Na, Kachin State, Myanmar, April 2010. Photo by Ko Ko Si Thu

Human Geography is concerned with spatial dimensions of human behaviour and resource use at various scales, as well as the people‘s relationships with places and environments. Grounded in the social sciences and humanities, Human Geography brings critical insights into key issues facing the world today such as urbanization, inequality, climate change, migration, globalization, indigenous rights and multiculturalism. It helps us question the roles that aspects of identity such as gender, 'race', ethnicity, age and ability play in people's attachment to place, use of space, and participation in cultural, political and economic life.

At Victoria, the postgraduate programme in Geography provides an opportunity for students to advance their understanding of key concepts and research applications in three key areas of Human Geography: urban quality of life, migration, and community engagement under the supervision of expert staff. Alternatively, students may adopt a broad approach to their postgraduate studies, drawing on a range of courses offered in Geography, Physical Geography, Environmental Studies and Development Studies.

Wellington provides an excellent context for the teaching and research in our programme.Many of our courses are informed by relationships with, and contributions from, members of national, regional and local government agencies, non-governmental organisations and consulting companies. Frequently, students carry out research of direct relevance to these organisations, contributing useful and timely knowledge and helping their career prospects.Others head off overseas to carry out research in Asia, the Pacific and Latin America supported by our good staff networks in those regions.

Human Geography (and Geography more generally) will be of direct relevance to students majoring in Geography, Environmental Studies, Development Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, Social Policy, Economics, Politics, International Relations and Tourism.

Potential projects

All students are urged to plan their course of study with the coordinator of Geography before enrolment, as well as during the course of their programme.

Click here to see a list of potential projects.

More information