Geography and Geoscience

Geography and Geoscience are the studies of our planet and the people that live on it. This multi-disciplinary programme is designed by leading research scientists in response to critical challenges facing the Earth system and humanity in the 21st century. It integrates knowledge from the physical, chemical, biological and social sciences to develop novel insights into Earth system function and human-environment interactions. So, if you are interested in studying the dynamics of our planet, understanding environmental changes past, present, and future, and learning how to manage Earth’s resources in an economical and sustainable manner, we have the degree for you. The Geography and Geoscience degree programme is the Science entry pathway for the study of geography (human and physical geography) and geoscience (geology and physical geography) at Trinity. Our four-year programmes, culminating in the degrees of Geography or Geoscience, combine classroom lectures, seminars, laboratory-based practical classes, and outdoor fieldwork, to develop the theoretical understanding and technical expertise needed to address applied, real-world problems such as natural resource management and sea level rise.

In the first and second year, you will acquire a broad grounding in geography and geoscience with an emphasis on physical geography, geology and human-environment interactions. You will learn about topical issues such as climate change, natural hazards (e.g. volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides), energy, sustainability and natural resources. These foundation years cover a diverse range of materials including the origins and development of our planet; earth’s structure and composition; circulation in the atmosphere and oceans; the evolution of life on Earth; Earth’s surface processes and environments (e.g. glaciers, rivers and deserts). In addition to learning about the physical, chemical and biological processes responsible for creating and shaping the Earth, students will also consider the unique role that humans play in the Earth’s system, including their impacts on the land, air and water, and the grand challenges linked to environmental governance, policy, and management.

In the third and fourth years, you will deepen your knowledge in specialist areas, while further developing a portfolio of practical and technical skills (e.g. geochemical analysis, geographical information systems). Our flexible programme structure provides for module choice while retaining coherent curriculum design, thereby ensuring graduates are well prepared for entry into the constantly changing job market. Specialist options span the breadth of Geography and Geoscience, allowing you to tailor the course to suit your interests. In this way, you may focus on topics traditionally associated with geography (e.g. geomorpholGeographyogy, globalisation, sustainability) or geology (e.g. volcanology, palaeontology, earth resources), or you may choose to retain a broader, multi-disciplinary perspective that spans the critical interface between science and society.