Explore the processes changing our world
By studying Geography at Te Herenga Waka—University of Wellington, you’ll explore the diverse challenges faced by different people in different places, and consider how we can (re)make places for a more just and equitable world.
You’ll grapple with key contemporary issues such as sustainable development in our cities and regions, transport challenges, climate change, economic inequality—and explore what we can do to support the wellbeing of people and planet in a changing world.
You’ll explore these issues from a range of perspectives, including environmental processes, urbanisation, migration, gender, Indigenous rights, and cultural diversity.
What you’ll learn
As you explore the complex relationships between people and place, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge to help address pressing global challenges like climate change, urbanisation, and inequality. You’ll learn to think critically and build spatial awareness—which are essential for making informed decisions in an interconnected world.
You’ll have the opportunity to look at people and place through these related areas:
- Human Geography
- Development Geography
- Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Physical Geography and Earth Sciences
- Enviromental Studies
- Environmental Science.
How you’ll study
You’ll develop your creative, critical, and analytical skills through:
- interactive classes
- geospatial tools and techniques
- field trips
- practical lab work
- individual and collaborative projects and assignments.
Real-world learning for in-demand skills
You’ll learn about many real-world cases throughout your coursework, drawn from the extensive field research of our staff.
Field trips and field studies courses will give you the chance to study and do research in urban and rural locations around the Wellington region.
Our capstone courses will give you a taste of postgraduate study. You’ll develop highly valuable skills as you participate in a research team supported by leading academics to address a local social or environmental challenge.
Industry connections
Take advantage of our strong ties to some of New Zealand's most important geographic organisations such as:
- GNS Science
- Statistics New Zealand
- Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand
- Manaaki Whenua
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).
We also have strong connections with Government ministries, high commissions, and non-governmental organisations. You’ll have opportunities for hands-on learning, designed to give you the skills to tackle real-world challenges.
Choose your study path
Our flexible degrees let you tailor your study to suit your interests. You can major in Geography in a:
- Bachelor of Arts: if you're more interested in the social and cultural aspects of Geography, a Bachelor Arts could be a great fit. Focus on issues like sustainability, urbanisation, and development, with room to explore other humanities subjects.
- Bachelor of Science: if you'd like to focus on the scientific side of Geography, including physical processes and environmental systems, this is a good option for you.
- Bachelor of Environment and Society: if you're passionate about environmental issues, and interested in both the social and scientific aspects of Geography, this degree could suit you well.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Geography at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
As a Geography student, you’ll gain skills and knowledge that are in high demand with employers, including:
- a critical understanding of complex social and environmental issues
- the ability to visualise geographic information
- experience with research design and field methods.
You could find work in many different area, including:
- local, regional, and national government
- land and water management
- urban development
- project management
- environmental consulting
- community development
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- education
- scientific and public engagement.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Geography.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Geography
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Geography
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
-
Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Globally ranked
Our Geography subjects are ranked in the top 150 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Postgraduate study
If you’d like to go further with Geography, there are many options available after you graduate. Depending on your grades, you could build on your degree with an Honours year, or enrol in a Master’s programme. You could also enrol for a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. These shorter programmes are a great way to further your learning in a particular area of Geography, and improve your career prospects.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.