Careers

Geography is a highly employable subject. Over 96% of our undergraduates enter work or further study and we are recognised as having amongst the best graduate prospects in the United Kingdom. As a student in Geography at the University of Bristol you will join a vibrant academic community. You will be taught by our world-leading researchers, who are working on a range of pressing global challenges. Whether you choose to specialise more in Human Geography or Physical Geography you will gain valuable transferable skills and attributes. These include:

  • In-depth subject knowledge, including an understanding of a range of challenges facing society and environment in the Twenty-First Century. Above all, you will have an appreciation of the interconnectedness of contemporary social and environmental issues.
  • The ability to think critically about these challenges from a range of perspectives across the social and physical sciences, and to think creatively about how to tackle big issues.
  • Excellent communication skills, including oral presentation and the ability to write in a variety of forms.
  • Strong analytical and research skills, including qualitative and quantitative data collection through fieldwork.
  • Specialist skills, including methods of spatial analysis (e.g. Geographic Information Systems) and advanced IT (e.g. coding).
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Career pathways

A Geography degree from the University of Bristol will offer you entry into a wide range of sectors. There is no single trajectory or career pathway following a degree in Geography, and Geographers are valued by employers for their ability to think about challenges critically, work from a variety of perspectives and communicate effectively. Our graduates have become leaders in almost every sector, including:

  • Environmental monitoring and consultancy
  • Science and academia
  • Planning and the built environment
  • Policy and government
  • Civil society
  • Development and hazard risk reduction
  • Business
  • Banking and finance

What do Bristol Geographical Sciences graduates do?