Human Geography and the Environment

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Undergraduate Major

Faculty of Science and Information Technology

Description

Human Geography and the Environment

The Human Geography and the Environment undergraduate major explores the relationships between people and places in a global context. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of the interactions between people and their environment in terms of globalisation, development, urbanisation, sustainability, diversity and inequality.

Graduates of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Human Geography and the Environment can find employment in varying industries and levels of government. Common areas and focuses include regional economic development, urban and regional planning, social and community planning, market research & analysis, education, environmental management and environmental and social impact assessment.

Industry Experience

A placement elective is available to Bachelor of Social Science students, which involves completing a social science project with a relevant organisation.

For more information about Human Geography and the Environment, visit the School of Environmental and Life Sciences site.

View our Bachelor of Arts in the Program Handbook and the online prospectus What Can I Study?.

View our Bachelor of Social Science in the Program Handbook and the online prospectus What Can I Study?.

View our Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice in the Program Handbook and the online prospectus What Can I Study?.

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Some occupations require a higher level of completed study than an undergraduate degree, and for this reason it is worthwhile considering the range of Honours, Research Higher Degrees (RHD), Postgraduate Coursework programs and additional study options available. These options may also be useful for specialising in a particular area, or to stimulate career change. Some of the future options following a major in Human Geography and the Environment include:

Honours:

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Bachelor of Social Science (Honours)

Postgraduate Study:

Research
Masters by Research
PhD

As the global job sector can be competitive, it is of great advantage to complete a postgraduate qualification, particularly by independent research (such as Masters by Research, or PhD). See examples of research areas within this discipline here.

Coursework

After completing a degree there are a broad range of postgraduate options available in a variety of fields which can allow you to specialise in a particular area of interest or build upon your existing knowledge base. To explore such options please visit the Postgraduate Handbook at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/campaigns/postgrad/

 

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Sample Jobs

The following list provides some example jobs available to graduates majoring in Human Geography and the Environment. Some of these jobs will depend on the amount and level of study undertaken, level of experience, the combination of other majors and electives studied, while some may require further study.

Getting the Edge

Most employers seek to recruit people who have relevant work experience and an appreciation for their industry. Here is a check list of ideas about gaining experience and industry knowledge.

  1. Check the type of experience most employers in your field of interest expect. Don’t overlook the part time work you may be currently doing. Most employers understand that the skills are transferrable even if the work is not in their industry.
  2. Check your academic program for any courses that involve a placement or the opportunity to undertake an industry based project.
  3. Check your school for Summer Scholarships for research opportunities.
  4. Check vacancy sites for advertised traineeships, part time employment and vacation work opportunities in your field.
  5. Source and approach organisations directly about possible work shadowing or information interview opportunities.
  6. Source and approach organisations directly for paid work opportunities.
  7. Consider volunteering.

Note: Gaining experience may be important but not at the expense of your studies. Make sure you do not overload your timetable with unrealistic work commitments.

 

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Sample Employers

Graduates majoring in Human Geography and the Environment find employment opportunities in small, medium or large organisations of varying industries. Below are some examples of organisations that may recruit those holding this major. Check employers’ websites for sections titled Employment, Careers, Graduate Programs, or for similar sections. Some employers may also offer vacation work opportunities.

Recruitment Timing

Some large organisations have specific graduate recruitment programs designed to employ the pick of graduates each year. You must be in your final year of study or recently completed to apply for these programs. The timing of these recruitment drives varies and may occur at any point in the academic year, in some cases starting as early as the first few weeks of the first semester or trimester.

Find out if employers in your area/s of interest have graduate programs, when they typically recruit and what recruitment methods they use. Check with the Careers Service .

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Societies and Associations

Associations and societies often provide relevant and up to date information about a variety of issues relating to specific industry sectors. These can be a good starting point to learn more about occupations through profiles, industry news, links to academic journals and information on research developments. Many also offer student membership, conference and professional development activities, newsletters and the opportunity to participate in projects.

 


Don’t overlook student societies and associations. As well as student chapters of professional associations, some faculties or schools have discipline based student associations. Check your school or faculty web site; perhaps you might start one if one doesn’t exist.

Some academic disciplines run Seminar Programs that involve regular seminars presented by University of Newcastle academics, visiting academics and postgraduate students. Check your schools website for the timetable.

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Job Search Sites

Searching job sites is a good way to gain an understanding of: industries recruiting professionals in this field; types of roles and the requirements or expectations of employers for these roles. There are many online job search sites, here are a few to start with:

Australian and International

  • CareerHub: the University of Newcastle Careers Service careers and job search site for enrolled students and graduates.

Australian

  • CareerOne: Australia wide job listings, all levels and industries including executive positions
  • MyCareer: Australian and international listings
  • Seek: comprehensive Australian job listings, also includes New Zealand and UK listings
  • The Big Chair: Management and Executive Jobs

International

Graduate Attributes and Employability

Bachelor of Arts graduates majoring in Human Geography and the Environmentwill have the skills, abilities and knowledge sought after by a broad range of employers. On completion of the degree, graduates can expect:

  1. Advanced social research skills: In-depth knowledge and skills in the design and conduct of social research, including the capacity to collect, organize, critically assess, and present information in written and oral forms.
  2. Specialist Social Science knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of one or more specialist areas in the Social Sciences.
  3. Critical thought and informed decision-making: The ability to structure and present logical arguments, critically analyse material and opinions, and make informed decisions.
  4. Effective management and teamwork skills: The ability to work autonomously and collaboratively, including effective leadership skills, teamwork, organisational and program management capabilities.
  5. High-level communication, interpersonal and presentation skills: Advanced level of written, oral, and interpersonal skills, including the effective use of information and communication technologies.
  6. Ethical and socio-cultural sensitivity: An understanding of ethical issues, standards, and public responsibility in relation to professional practice. An appreciation of cultural diversity and sensitivity towards vulnerable and Indigenous groups.

You will recognise these attributes in the selection criteria listed in the following job ads.

Sample Job Ads & Tips

Job ads provide useful information about the job and the required skills, experience and qualifications. Information like this is useful in career planning. Below is a small sample of job ads with tips on planning and job applications; explore further to gather more useful information for your planning.

Please note, the job ads listed on this page are not current and were sourced from a variety of websites in 2010.

 

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