Department of Geography & Regional Planning

Introduction

Geography is the study of the earth in space and time. It considers the variability in physical and human landscapes and their inter-relationships. Geography is a uniquely integrative subject, standing at the intersection of natural and social sciences, as well as drawing inspiration from other subjects in the sciences, arts and humanities. It also teaches us a wide range of analytical and interpretative skills, including fieldwork and group work. It is an ideal platform for securing future employment in many fields and there is substantial evidence that our graduates perform very well on the job market.

Why Study Geography?

Geography affects all humanity. It helps us to understand many of the major issues of today such as climate change, earth movement, global warming, drought and famine, the migration of refugees or of skilled workers, the causes of unemployment, development and under-development and even why family structure is changing in the globalizing world. To do this, we must appreciate how physical factors (climate, landforms, soils and vegetation) interact with human factors (population, production and distribution, political power) to create a 'Cultural Landscape' on the earth's surface.

Goal and Objectives

The new Geography and Regional Planning programme aims at giving students the opportunity for personal and professional growth within geographic education.

Objectives

The specific objectives of the programme is in consonance with those of the International Geographic Union (1992), which are to:

• Assist students to understand and respect all peoples, their cultures, values and their ways of life;
• Empower students to develop an affinity for and understanding of the increasing global inter-dependence of peoples and cultures;
• Develop in students skills and attitudes that will enable them participate in solving problems of their communities, their countries and the world at large;
• Introduce students to relevant skills that will be useful to them in their daily lives as well as become aware of international and environmental impacts of their decisions;
• Enable students adapt to knowledge gained in decision-making roles in society which require local, national and international perspectives and competence; and
• Enable students to acquire skills and perspectives for life-long learning.