We study economic, urban, social, cultural and population geography. Our focus is on the processes of change in regional economies and human societies – processes that include urbanisation, social and economic development, and dimensions of place and identity. Visit the Development Studies, Environmental Studies and Physical Geography postgraduate pages for more information about these particular areas of geography study. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a tool that supports research in all the above areas. For more information, please view the GIS Facilities web page. Geography has a broad appeal, from global issues through to local environments.

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.