Geographer (WA)

Education and Training:

To become a geographer you usually have to study geography or applied geography at university. You can study geography as part of an arts or science degree. You can also undertake a specialised degree in applied geography, resource and environmental management or environmental science. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your WACE at Stages 2 and 3. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Geographers are rarely employed under the job title 'geographer'. They tend to be employed in local, state and federal government agencies; private sector organisations; and public corporations. They work in town planning, environmental and resource management, regional development, education and a range of other roles depending on their area of specialisation. Geographic information systems (GIS) is a growing employment area, with geographers often using remote sensing technology, databases and other geographic information technologies. Some are self-employed and work as consultants.

Many geography graduates become teachers after completing a formal teaching course. See the entry for Teacher - Secondary for more information.