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Undergraduate admissions

Geography

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Why choose Geography at UVic?

Understand how people and the planet shape each other—and learn how to make a difference. At UVic, geography is hands-on, career-ready and focused on real-world impact. You’ll study climate change, sustainability and global challenges while building practical skills in mapping, data analysis and field research. Work on community projects, travel through field schools and learn in small, supportive classes where your ideas matter.

Jump to admission requirements

What you’ll learn and do

  • Study climate change, migration and sustainability through real-world case studies
  • Build skills in GIS, mapping, data analysis and field research
  • Work on community-based projects with local organizations and First Nations
  • Learn in small classes with access to faculty and hands-on support
  • Travel through field schools in Canada and internationally

BA or BSc: Which path is right for you?

  BA (Bachelor of Arts) BSc (Bachelor of Science)
Best for you if… You’re curious about people, culture and global issues You’re interested in science, environment and data
You like… Big-picture thinking, discussion, writing Problem-solving, tech, working with data
Focus areas Cities, migration, health, society, development Climate, ecosystems, landforms, environmental systems
Skills you’ll build Critical thinking, research, communication GIS, mapping, remote sensing, data analysis
Course style More social science + humanities options More science, math + technical courses
Tools you’ll use Policy analysis, qualitative research  GIS software, satellite data, spatial tools
Career paths Urban planning, policy, community work, international development Environmental science, GIS specialist, climate analyst, conservation
Focus People-focused, global, social impact Tech-driven, analytical, hands-on science

Customize your degree

  • Human Geography - Explore how people shape places and societies. Study culture, politics, economies and how we understand the world around us.
  • Physical Geography - Learn how natural systems work—climate, landforms, water and ecosystems—and how they interact.
  • Environment and Sustainability - Focus on relationships between people, land and resources. Explore sustainability, conservation and coastal systems.
  • Geomatics - Combine geography with technology. Use GPS, satellite imagery, drones and GIS tools to collect, analyze and visualize data that solves real problems.

Community Engagement option

Add the Community Engagement option to work directly with communities while you study.

  • Collaborate with real organizations on meaningful projects
  • Learn ethical, community-based research practices
  • Build experience that prepares you for careers in public service, non-profits and planning

Hands-on learning

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

  • Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
  • Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
  • On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
  • Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.

Field schools

Take your learning beyond the classroom. Field schools are a core part of the Geography experience. Examples include:

  • Study coastal storm impacts in Clayoquot Sound
  • Explore mountain weather systems on Mt. Washington
  • Conduct field research on the Lillooet Icefield
  • Examine conservation and development in Tanzania
  • Investigate caves and underground landscapes
  • Travel to Northern Europe for sustainability studies

Learn in research labs

  • Applied Conservation Lab
  • Climate Lab
  • Remote Sensing Lab (ice, climate and ecosystems)
  • Landscape and Wildlife
  • Ecology Lab
  • Water and Climate Impacts Research Centre
  • Whale Research Laboratory

Student life & community

You’ll find your people here quickly. Join the Society of Geography Students to meet others in your program through social events, mapathons and community projects—and have a real voice in how the department runs. You can share your work at student conferences like Bridging the Gap or even attend national events, with support to help you get there. 

Community mapping

Work with local groups and First Nations to create maps that tell important stories.
  • Support community decision-making.
  • Learn participatory mapping techniques.
  • Apply your skills to real-world challenges.

Inspiring courses

  • Global Migration
  • Disaster Management and Community Resilience
  • Cities and Planning
  • Conservation and Ecology of Whales
  • Remote Sensing of the Environment

Career possibilities

Turn your skills into meaningful careers across sectors. Graduates work as:

  • Urban and regional planners
  • GIS and remote sensing specialists
  • Environmental consultants
  • Climate and sustainability analysts
  • Emergency and land-use planners
  • Conservation and resource managers

Admission

Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.

Alternatively, you can apply to another major and then add this program as a minor after one year of full-time study.

Program details

Providing you accurate application deadlines, tuition fee estimates, admission requirements, scholarships and transfer credit depends on your situation.

Program details

This information assumes you are . If this is incorrect, please update your information.

Application deadline

Admission requirements

Expanded qualifications

English language proficiency

Transfer credit

Tuition & fees

Tuition rates effective May 1, 2025 (please note some ancillary fees are subject to change for Fall 2025).

This is an estimate only and should be used to give students, parents, and/or sponsors an approximation of the tuition and ancillary fees. This estimate does not include housing, food, cost of books and supplies or other expenses that students can expect in a term.

Scholarships

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