Are you interested in the world of geography and sociology? Are you interested in topics from mountains, volcanoes and the environment to gender, inequality and much more? If you have strong research skills, writing skills and reading skills then this course might be worth looking at.
What is Geography and Sociology?
Geography is the study of earth’s physical features and the atmosphere. It looks at the effects of human activity on these features and the environment such as the distribution of population and resources and political and economic activities. Sociology is the study of humans and their interactions and behaviours in the world around them.
What third level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Geography/Sociology – TCD
Related:
- Geography – Arts
- Geography/History
- Geography/Economics
- Sociology – Arts
- Sociology and Economics
Studying Geography and Sociology in college
There are many courses available in both geography and sociology as separate subjects but this course gives you the opportunity to study them together. This course is four years long and will help you to gain the relevant skills and knowledge to work in both fields. There may also be PLC courses that will act as a stepping stone to helping you into courses such as this one.
With this exact course there are different pathways available. They include Single Honours, Major with Minor and Joint Honours. If you want to take Sociology with Geography that would be a joint honours course. If you want to take them separately that will be a single honours.
Your first year of any undergraduate course will act as a foundation year. You will gain an understanding of the basic principles of both subjects and gain an insight as to what is to come throughout your course in the following years. Modules you will cover will relate to physical, environmental and human geography while you will cover the basic principles of sociology.
As your course goes on, you will cover more complex and in-depth information and modules in both subjects and engage with your critical thinking skills for geography and your research, writing and reading skills as well as developing your understanding in geography and sociology.
Sociology modules you may cover throughout your course may include Globalisation and Development; Comparative Sociology of Europe; Race, Ethnicity and Identity; Social Stratification and Inequalities and more.
In your fourth year you will be able to choose modules to specialise in in Geography. Options include Understanding Environmental Change, Globalisation and African Development, Historical Geography I and II and Periglacial Geomorphology among others.
Some course structures may differ but the above information is based on the Geography and Sociology course offered by TCD.
Career options
There is a wide variety of career opportunities in this area as there are two broad subjects studied. You can work in roles from a researcher, to a GIS technician, a teacher, sociologist and a geographer. Sociology is a very research-heavy area so most jobs related to this will include a lot of research and reading.
There is also the option to continue on your research at postgraduate level and specialise in a particular area. There is also the option of working in research and education roles which is widely popular in the sociology area.
Important skills and qualities for both studying and working in this area include excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, excellent research skills, a critical mind, the ability to work well with others, time management skills, organisation skills, an interest in both sociology and geography, ability to work with statistics, analytical skills and strong writing and reading skills. Reading and writing skills are very important in this course.
Related Jobs
- Researcher
- Surveyor
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Lecturer
- Secondary school teacher
- Environmental Consultant
- Sociologist
Further Study
Visit postgrad.ie for more information.
FAQ
Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always safest to check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
Specific courses may have their own requirements.Certain QQI courses may be accepted.
Points needed to study Geography/Sociology in TCD were 498 points last year.
Where can I study?
For other courses in the area you would like to explore, you can do so here.
Did you know?
- Mount Everest is the tallest mountain above sea level.
- Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on earth.
- Auguste Comte is credited with inventing the term ‘sociology’ and is often referred to as the father of sociology.
Resources
GIS Technician job description example
Sociologist job description
Course information
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