Geographers' capabilities

The Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) conducted the Learning and Teaching Academic Standards (LTAS) Project in 2010, which aimed to convey the distinctive nature of different academic disciplines and maintain quality in education.

Based on extensive consultation with the Institute of Australian Geographers (IAG) and other relevant geography associations, the following table establishes the minimum standards expected of an Australian undergraduate student graduating with a major in geography (ALTC, 2010).

More information about geography and a geography graduate can be found in the following document (LTAS, 2010):

Australian Learning and Teaching Council. (2010). Learning and teaching academic standards project: Arts, social sciences and humanities: Geography. Learning and teaching academic standards statement, December 2010. Retrieved from http://disciplinestandards.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/52684122/ altc_standards_GEOGRAPHY_080211_v2.pdf.

Upon completion of a bachelor degree with a major in geography, graduates will be able to:

Know	Demonstrate a coherent geographical understanding of trends, processes, and impacts that shape Australian and other environments and/or societies at different spatial and temporal scales; and Demonstrate an understanding of Geography as an academic discipline, including awareness of its concepts, history and principal sub-fields, whilst acknowledging the contested, provisional, and situated nature of geographical understanding.
Think	Apply geographical thought creatively, critically, and appropriately to specific spaces, places and/or environments; and Recognise, evaluate, and synthesise various views, arguments, and sources of knowledge pertinent to solving environmental and social problems.
Investigate and problem solve	Resolve geographical questions by ethical means, applying evidence-based knowledge, and appropriate research techniques, including those associated with field work.
Communicate	Communicate geographical perspectives and knowledge effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriately selected written, oral and visual means.
Self-direct and collaborate	Contribute effectively as a member or leader of diverse teams working in geographical or multidisciplinary contexts; and Reflect on and direct their intellectual and professional development as geographers.

Hay, I. (2010). Geography learning and teaching academic standards statement. Australian Learning and Teaching Council.

Careers and study

Geography careers

Learn what your geography career might look like and read about the many exciting job opportunities for graduates.

Australian geography study options

After high school, you can study geography degrees at many Australian universities. Read our list of Australian Universities offering geography degrees or subjects. All universities have a team of advisors that can help students find out more about application requirements, entry pathways and study options.