Geography

Geographers examine the cultures, economies, societies, physical landscapes and environments of the Earth using a unique combination of the humanities, social and natural sciences.



Our Higher Diploma in Arts - Geography is a conversion course intended for those who already hold a degree in Arts or Science subject other than Geography. This qualification is often considered by those seeking to develop a geographical perspective on the world in preparation for further study and employment, or by those wishing to add Geography as a second-level teaching subject.



The Higher Diploma in Arts Geography consists of modules to the value of 60 credits selected from a range of existing second and third year Geography modules covering the main thematic areas in Geography along with the methods used in geographical enquiry. The module requirements leave scope for students to tailor the programme to their own interests.



All Higher Diploma in Arts – geography students are required to attend a week-long residential field methods course which usually takes place at the end of Semester 2.



While many undertake this Higher Diploma as a routeway into teaching Geography at second level, it also provides a pathway to postgraduate research in Geography at Masters level.



If you are applying for this course to gain a teaching subject, you are advised to check the requirements for the subject area by consulting the https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/ and verify the following:



1) Curricular Subject Requirements

2) Subject Declaration for Geography



If you are applying for this course for future eligibility into the Profession Master of Education, further information is available at https://www.ucc.ie/en/pec01/

Students take undergraduate second and third-year modules to the value of 60 credits.



All students will take four core modules as follows (25 credits):



GG2038 Geographical Research Methods (5 credits)

GG2022 Field Work (5 credits)

GG3001 Geographical Ideas (5 credits)

GG3006 Research Methods and Dissertation (10 credits)



The remaining modules can be selected from the second and third-year module offerings subject to the following requirements:



Physical Geography - Select at least three modules



GG2005 Ice Age Quaternary Environments and Geomorphology (5 credits)

GG2037 Introduction to Geoinformatics (5 credits)

GG2040 Global Environmental Change (5 credits)

GG2046 Atmosphere, Weather and Climate (5 Credits)

GG3007 Marine and Coastal Geosciences (5 credits)

GG3009 Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Development (5 credits)

GG3012 Advanced Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)

GG3041 Environmental Remote Sensing (5 credits)

GG3056 Climate Change and Historical Climatology (5 credits)



Human Geography - Select at least three modules



GG2010 Cities of Diversity (5 credits)

GG2014 Geography of Tourism (5 credits)

GG2023 Rural Geography (5 credits)

GG2024 Social Geographies of Sustainable Development (5 credits)

GG2048 Political Geography (5 credits)

GG2060 Cultural Geographies & Geo-Composition (5 credits)

GG3010 Global urbanism: sustainable cities and communities (5 credits)

GG3027 Regional and Local Planning Issues and Policies (5 credits)

GG3037 Geography of Heritage (5 credits)

GG3046 Geopolitics and Geostrategies (5 credits)

GG3049 Historical Geographies of Ireland: Social, Economic and Cultural Transformations (5 credits)

GG3060 Geoimaginaries of the Sciences and the Arts (5 credits)



You can choose any five additional 5-credit modules offered in the department’s second and third-year undergraduate programme such that the overall composition of the modules taken, including required modules, contains at least 30 credits from the third-year programme (GG3xxx modules including required modules).



Part-time Option

The Higher Diploma in Arts - Geography can be taken part-time. It is taught during weekday working hours over two years.

Requirements

It is intended for those who already have a 3 or 4 year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study the subject Geography intensively over one academic year. The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.



- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Assessment

Geography modules are assessed using a combination of end-of-year examinations and continuous assessments. Details of the assessment used in each module can be found in the UCC Book of Modules. www.ucc.ie/modules

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Start Date 7 September 2026

Skills and Careers Information

You will gain technical geographical skills including:

computer cartography and geographical information systems

remote sensing

quantitative and qualitative research methods

social surveys and analysis

landscape evaluation/planning.



Geography is a diverse discipline with career paths as varied as your individual interests, including:

planning

local/community development

environmental assessment and management

housing policy

regional development

TV news production/research

geo-informatics

journalism

diplomatic service

financial services and global business

public relations

European space agency

market research

teaching

tourism

academic teaching and research

museum/heritage management