Research by recent UVic Geography PhD graduate, Lauren Henson (Raincoast Conservation Foundation), and the Gitga’at, Nuxalk, Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Wuikinuxv, and Haíɫzaqv First Nations, shows a remarkable overlap between Indigenous language families and three genetically-distinct grizzly bear groups on the central coast of BC. Photo: Michelle Valberg
News article
With field schools and lots of opportunities for hands-on learning, you'll never get stuck at your desk. Geography field study courses foster experiential learning and other ways of knowing, both locally and around the globe. Photo: Measuring a salmon smolt, Indigenous Knowledge Field School 2019, Kear Porttris
Field schools
Study what you're passionate about and make a difference in the world around you with our flexible programs—out in the community, on campus, in the field, or in the lab. Geography bridges the gap between science and humanities, integrating fields like economics, ecology, political studies, urban design, resource management, human health, and climatology.
Undergraduate
Our graduate program engages with the community through place-based, experiential research. MSc student Brian Timmer studies remote sensing of kelp forests on the BC coast, with particular focus on how submersion by tides and currents affects our ability to accurately detect and monitor kelp. Photo: Markus Thompson
Graduate
Our students get relevant work experience through the co-op program. Work terms can take place in the public and private sectors, with many opportunities based in local, provincial, or federal government departments. Rachel Stewart-Dziama was a Parks Canada interpreter in Ucluelet during one of her co-op terms.
Co-op education
Dr. Maycira Costa and her research team have created the first historical digital map of BC’s coastal kelp forests to investigate the loss of kelp. The new reference map will help address questions related to the habitats of salmon, herring, and many other species that rely on kelp for protection and food. Photo: Vancouver Island bull kelp, Nick Norman
ResearchGeography asks how we impact the natural world and how it impacts us. We view problems from multiple perspectives, including physical science, social science and humanities approaches.
Our students gain the specific set of tools needed to solve new and complex challenges in the environment and in the world around us.
Want to understand how human-environment interactions impact the world? Looking for hands-on learning opportunities in the field?
Why geography at UVic?
Our programs
Applying to UVic
