Geography and Planning
Cutting-edge research balancing human development with the natural environment
The defining and recognised strength of Geography at UWA is our teaching and research profile that emphasises the integration of the human and physical dimensions of place-based and engaged geographical enquiry. Our work at the nexus of people and the environment is integrated across the social and physical sciences, with a scholarly commitment to social equality and environmental justice, resilience in communities, and societal adaptation in a rapidly changing world.
Offering diverse degree programs, students gain expertise in field-based data collection and research; Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing; socio-economic and demographic data analysis and interpretation; and transdisciplinary thinking. The unique focus on intersecting processes within Geography as a discipline, along with a focus on applied, field-based learning, technical and critical skill development, and addressing real-world policy problems provides a diverse range of career opportunities for course graduates.
Graduates of our degrees are employed across all levels of government (e.g. departments of planning and regional development; local government etc); industry (e.g. mining, agricultural, transport, education, research); consulting and market research firms (especially those that specialise in spatial, social, economic and demographic data analytics); and the not-for-profit sector. The department’s unique interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on real-world problem-solving give graduates a distinct advantage in the job market, recognised by employers domestically and internationally.
The Department Chair is Associate Professor Sarah Prout Quicke.
Research strengths
Our research expertise encompasses topics of global concern including human inequality, uneven economic development, population change, migration, climate and environmental change, energy transitions, and transport planning.
Our research is organised into two major themes that align with the University’s strategic focus on the Indian Ocean Rim and globalisation, capitalising on our geographic location in Perth as a comparative advantage both nationally and globally.
- Understanding and addressing socio-economic and spatial inequality
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Socio-economic inequalities and complex environmental challenges are on the rise. How do we define and respond to these spatial, economic, demographic and environmental challenges? We are all committed to research that has practical application for government, industry, and local communities. Our research on this theme covers the following topics:
- Population change, migration, and development
- Labour market and economic transformation in regional areas
- Transport planning, the built environment and health
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Monitoring deep change and slow emergencies in our altered landscapes
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Human society is fundamentally altering natural systems from the global to local scale, with unpredictable consequences to both people and the environment. Our work is centred upon developing an improved understanding of these systems to promote science-based policy. Our work is conducted in diverse environmental contexts including arid deserts, mountains, tropical rainforests, salt lakes, rivers and coral reefs. We actively encourage student and postgraduate contributions to our expanding and exciting range of research.
Our research on this theme covers the following topics:
- Climate and land surface interactions
- Catchment and ecosystem management
- Environmental dynamics and eco hydrology
- Geographical information science and remote sensing
- Conservation and environmental policy
Courses
Our teaching is designed to enable students to gain valuable workplace skills in data analysis, problem-solving, creative and focused writing, communication and teamwork. Students benefit from working in the classroom and in the field, broadening their experience through work placement and fieldwork opportunities.
Geography graduates are consistently in high demand by employers across a wide range of professions. We hold careers events to enable students to talk directly to graduates and potential employers and take great pride in the contributions our graduates make towards a better society and a more sustainable environment.
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in Applied Human Geography
- Bachelor of Environmental Design, Major in Environmental Geography and Planning
- Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Sciences
- Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability, Major in Applied Human Geography
- Minor in Spatial Sciences
Postgraduate
Centres
The Centre for Regional Development at The University of Western Australia focuses on understanding the major economic, social and environmental opportunities and challenges facing rural, regional and remote Australia.
Planning and Transport Research Centre
The Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC) conducts collaborative, applied research and teaching in support of policy in the connected spaces of transport and land use planning in Western Australia.
The Future Regions Lab
The Future Regions Lab conducts applied research that:
- Illuminates the contemporary challenges and characteristics of regions, particularly against the backdrop of global market restructuring, growing socio-economic inequity and disadvantage, urbanisation and population pressures, and ecological crises.
- Provides evidence-based findings to inform regional strategic decision-making and policy strengthening sustainable industry and community futures.
Our team’s work is also showcased as part of the Geography WA initiative.
