Are you interested in geography and economics and what it has to offer? Do you have strong research, reading, writing and analytical skills? These are just some of the important skills needed to study and work in the areas of economics and geography.
What is Economics and Geography?
Economics studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Geography is the study of earth’s physical features and the atmosphere and the effects of human activity on these features.
What third level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Economics and Geography – TCD
Related:
- Geography – Arts
- Geography/History
- Economics – Arts
- Economics/History
Studying Economics and Geography in college
There are many courses available in both geography and economics 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.
Different pathways are available with this course such as studying a Single Honours, Major with Minor and Joint Honours. If you want to study both of these subjects together, that will be a joint honours you will take.
The 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 will cover human, environmental and physical geography as well as the basic principle of economics.
As your course continues you will delve into more in depth and complex material that will help to develop your understanding, skills and critical thinking skills. Subjects will include Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, Introduction to Economic Policy and a selection of optional modules. You will also study Intermediate Economics, Economy of Ireland, Mathematical and Statistical Methods. Subjects you will choose from in your final two years in economics include Economic Analysis; Money and Banking; European Economy; Economics of Less Developed Countries; Investment Analysis; Economics of Policy Issues; Industrial Economics: Competition, Strategy and Policy and many more.
Geography modules you can choose from in geography 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 Economics/Geography course offered by TCD.
Career options
Geography and Economics are both broad fields of work and employment opportunities separately so with a degree in both, the options are huge. You can take the direction of teaching the subjects or working in areas from environmental consultancy, research and teaching, financial services, foreign affairs, leisure and tourism to companies such as Irish Life, Wolfhound Press, Maersk, Central Bank of Ireland and KPMG.
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 in colleges and universities around the country.
There are many skills and qualities that are important in both economics and geography. These include excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, excellent research skills, a critical mind, the ability to work well with others, time management skills, organisation skills, the ability to work with statistics, analytical skills and strong writing and reading skills as well as the ability to work with numbers.
Related Jobs
- Economist
- Geographer
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Secondary school teacher
- Accountant
- Finance
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.
The points required to study Economics and Geography in TCD were 534 points last year. Courses in both economics and geography all range from 200 points to over 500 points.
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.
- Economics was originally called ‘political economy’.
- Ireland is ranked as sixth highest GDP per capita globally
Resources
Comments