Applied Human Geography

Get equipped with conceptual and practical tools to build a future of sustainable, vibrant and just societies and economies.

Course Details

• Duration: 3 years (BA), 4 years (BPhil(Hons))
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Weekly contact time: 18-24 hours contact time, plus your own study time
• Level of study: Undergraduate
• Course Code: MJD-APHGY
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus), Albany (Regional campus)

About the Course

Creating sustainable and vibrant communities and economies are key challenges facing our world, particularly in the context of rising inequality and significant global environmental change. Human Geography - the study of how historical, economic, political, demographic, social and environmental processes intersect to shape life in different places – is uniquely positioned to address these major challenges.

In this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex, interwoven processes shaping human activity in cities and regions at a range of spatial scales from the global to the local. You’ll also develop critical, technical, and communicative skills to address major human and environmental policy challenges. Analysis of processes of multi-scalar urbanisation, economic transition in regional areas, population change, and adaptation to climate change will be supported by extensive experience in data collection, analysis and interpretation, including the use of Geographic Information Systems and remotely sensed data.

Career Pathways

As a graduate, you'll be in a strong position to pursue exciting careers both Australia and abroad. This includes opportunities across local, state and federal government in Australia (e.g. Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), industry, and the not-for-profit sector. If you're interested in working in firms that specialise in spatial, social, economic and demographic data analysis and planning, you could find roles at companies like Geographia, Profile Id, REMPLAN, Urbis, Deloitte, or Transdev Australasia.

Potential career opportunities include:

• Socio-demographic Analyst
• Regional Development Officer
• Geographic Information System Officer
• Economic Analyst
• Social Researcher
• Social Policy Officer

Further Study

This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level.

You may be interested in:

• Master of International Development
• Master of Teaching (Geography teaching)

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: $45,500.00 (2025)

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

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying one of these majors, find out the admission details below.

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

The application process to this course is different for the assured and graduate entry pathways, and for international and domestic applicants.

Refer to the below regarding application processes for each of the pathways. More information regarding admission requirements and prerequisites for each pathway can be found on the 'Admission Requirements' tab.

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

Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.

Level 1

• Core: Take all units (12 points):
  • GEOG1104 Disasters! (6)
  • GEOG1107 Global Human Inequality (6)

Level 2

• Core: Take all units (12 points):
  • GEOG2203 Regions in Transition (6)
  • GEOG2206 Population Change: Debates and Controversies (6)
• Option: Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:
  • GEOG2201 Geographic Information Systems (6)
  • GEOG2202 Reading Landscapes: People and Processes (6)

Level 3

• Core: Take all units (18 points):
  • GEOG3308 Climate Change: Policy and Practice (6)
  • GEOG3311 Geographies of Economic Development (6)
  • GEOG3312 Migrants, Refugees and Borders (6)

You'll Learn To

• Identify the complex interplay of economic, demographic, environmental, social and political processes that influence the spatial organisation of human activities
• Deploy core geographical concepts, including spatial and temporal thinking, to creatively address real-world challenges and tasks: from rising inequality, to climate change, to population planning
• Apply geographic methods and analytical tools to investigate and interpret urban and regional phenomena
• Communicate geographic knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences through multiple media
• Adopt ethical, self-aware and efficient approaches to autonomous and collaborative work

Why Study This Course?

• Teaching excellence – you'll learn from award-winning teachers and world class researchers.
• Skills-focus – you'll graduate with in-demand technical skills in the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) and socio-spatial, economic, and demographic data analytics. No other geography program in WA offers this kind of in-demand and comprehensive skills training.
• Work-integrated Learning – our course offers opportunities for exciting internships and experience in parliamentary research. Students also have the option of undertaking an internship with the McCusker Centre for Citizenship.

The University of Western Australia

---

Overview:

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.

---

Services Offered:

UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic support:

Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.

Career services:

Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student wellbeing:

Mental health support, counselling, and health services.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Sports and fitness:

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.

Clubs and societies:

A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Study abroad and exchange:

Opportunities to study at universities around the world.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Social events:

Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.

Sporting events:

Supporting the university's sports teams.

Volunteer opportunities:

Contributing to the local community.

Cultural events:

Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class education:

UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.

Excellent employability:

Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant campus life:

A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.

Beautiful campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong research focus:

UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.

---

Academic Programs:

UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.

Health Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.

Law:

Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.

---

Other:

UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.