Program Overview

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Geographical Sciences

Geographical Sciences is the study of the Earth's landscapes, peoples, places and environments – Geographers use spatial information to solve the World’s big challenges.

Course Details

Careers and Further Study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

Studying a major in Geographical Science can lead to careers in the following areas:

• Environmental Management
• Landscape Management
• Marine and Coastal Science and Management
• Catchment and Water Science and Management

Industries hiring Marine and Coastal Processes graduates include:

• Environmental regulation and consulting
• Mining
• Agriculture
• Property and land development
• Health
• International development, NGOs and not-for-profits

Further Study

An Honours in Geographical Sciences provides you with the skills and knowledge to engage in the advanced analysis of spatial patterns and processes in natural and built environments. It provides you with training in conceptual methodological approaches to geographical inquiry and develops an appreciation of the links between theory and practice in geography. You will also engage in an independent research project on a topic of geographical significance.

Students are eligible for advanced entry into four specialisations of the UWA Master of Environmental Science degree. This allows students to complete a coursework, or coursework and thesis Masters in: Catchments and Water; Environmental Management; Marine and Coastal Management or Sensing and Spatial Data Science specialisations across 18 months or 3 semesters of study. Entry to the Environmental Rehabilitation or Environmental Economics specialisations is possible with conversion (an extra semester of study).

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required.

International Student Fees

Annual course fee

2025

$46,300.00

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

• All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE): 9
• Canadian High School (except Quebec): 68
• French Baccalaureate: 10
• Gao Kao (PR China NCEE)/750: 507
• GCE A-Levels: 8
• German Abitur: 3.6
• Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education: 14
• Indian Senior School Certificate (CISCE): 45
• Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65: 75.5
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB): 24
• Malaysian STPM: 10
• Monash University Foundation Year: 254
• NCUK Foundation Program: 8
• Norwegian Vitnemål: 3.5
• Singapore - Cambridge A Levels: 6.5
• South African National Senior Certificate: 4
• South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT): 324
• Sweden Slutbetyg: 14.5
• Trinity College Foundation: 280
• Unified Examination Certificate (UEC): 14
• University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program: 61
• US College Board Advanced Placements: 7
• US College Board SAT: 1130
• Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP): 56
• Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards: 75

English Competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

How to Apply

Domestic Pathways

• Domestic Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via TISC. Refer to TISC Online for current course codes and application deadlines.
• Domestic Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via GEMSAS, which open and close in accordance with the GEMSAS timeline. All domestic applicants must submit a valid GAMSAT score by the application closing date.

International Pathways

• International Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
• International Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.

Course Structure

Level 1

• Core:
  • GEOG1104 Disasters! (6)
  • GEOG1106 Climate Change: Environment and Society (6)
  • SCIE1104 Science, Society and Data Analysis (6)
• Bridging:
  • MATH1720 Mathematics Fundamentals (6)
  • MATH1721 Mathematics Foundations: Methods (6)
  • SCIE1500 Analytical Methods for Scientists (6)

Level 2

• Core:
  • ENVT2220 The Climate System (6)
  • ENVT2251 Hydrology and Water Resource Management (6)
  • GEOG2201 Geographic Information Systems (6)
  • GEOG2202 Reading Landscapes: People and Processes (6)

Level 3

• Core:
  • ENVT3306 Coastal Conservation and Management (6)
  • GEOG3300 Advanced Spatial Analysis (6)
  • GEOG3301 Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (6)
  • GEOG3303 Environmental Policy and Planning (6)

You'll Learn To

• Apply geographical concepts to understand change in human and physical environments
• Explain the geographical causes and consequences of major environmental and social issues, including climate change, resource scarcity, urbanisation and sustainability
• Apply methods for the investigation and interpretation of spatial processes and patterns in physical and human environments
• Communicate geographical perspectives and knowledge effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using appropriately selected written, oral and visual means
• Develop the knowledge and skills required for employment in careers related to geography

Your Degree Options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Philosophy

Why Study This Course?

• Learn skills in a range of research techniques, including fieldwork, survey design, statistical analysis and spatial data analysis
• Study in one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots
• Gain hands-on experience in field research, group work and leadership