Geography

Why geography at UVic?

Our programs

Applying to UVic

A man in an orange jumpsuit and helmet stands in well lit cave — KGFS 2023 - Applications Open Now
We are pleased to be returning to the Horne Lake Caves, Gordon River Caves, Looper Canyon in May for another offering of our Karst Geomorphology Field School. We will examine how karst forms, and the geomorphology, hydrology, geology, and biogeography of two specific karst landscapes in differing geologic units to compare formation processes. Applications are now open and are **due March 8th**. Photo: Noah Guengerich.
KGFS 2023

A long house in the forest decorated with indigenous art — University of Koeye 2023 - Applications Open
Our Koeye field school is back in person for the first time in four years! Designed to be highly experiential, the course gives students time and opportunities in the Koeye watershed to interact with its natural features as well as with Knowledge Holders, scientists, and natural resources managers. Fellowships are available for Indigenous students, all **applications due March 15th**. Photo: Kear Porttris, 2019
IKFS 2023

Student stands barefoot in shallow end of glacial pool — PGFS 2023 - Applications Open
Applications are open for our Physical Geography Field School! We will be returning to the Lillooet Icefield early September for a week of remote backcountry hiking and learning a variety of field research techniques. And there will be a helicopter ride! Applications are due **March 22nd**. Photo: Physical Geography Field School 2022, Johnny Walcot.
PGFS 2023

Close up image of salmon smolt being measured — Field experience
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

Student in a lab testing water samples — Undergraduate studies
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

Student poses with Maasai youth in front of a stone wall — Graduate studies
Our graduate program engages with communities through place-based, experiential research. MA Student Kate Herchak (Inuk) worked with Maasai youth through photo-voice methodology to explore their role in local economies. This research is a part of a larger project to bridge Indigenous knowledge between Canada and Tanzania.
Graduate

Student standing between moss covered rock walls in front of a small waterfall — Co-op education
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

Research that makes an impact
Lives are lived across time and space. Dr. Denise Cloutier and her research team work with older adults as community co-researchers with lived expertise, to explore questions about how our environment, and the places we call ‘home’, influence our health, quality of life, and quality of dying.
Research

Understanding people and their environment

Geography 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?

Territory acknowledgment
We acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.