The study of Geography is as exciting as the word sounds. The main core benefit of studying geography is the fact that it teaches students about the relationship between humans and the natural environment on earth. 

Master of Geography in Australia covers various aspects of the earth such as its physical properties, resources, human societies, urban planning, community development and many more.

There are many job opportunities available in the geography field such as environmental consultants, community planning, cartography, teaching, advisors, meteorologists and many more. 

The graduates of Geography can get their career opportunities in wide areas such as cartography, environmental consultants, teaching, town management and many more.

What do we study in Geography?

Under Geography, the major topics covered are the principles and practices in terms of environmental management, ecosystems, livelihoods, management of natural resources, spatial sciences, analysis, statistics and its related areas.

It also consists of fieldwork, statistical analysis, survey designs, spatial data analysis along with geographic information systems. Graduates of geography will also attain strong professional skills in terms of project management, research planning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

Why study Geography in Australia?

Australia is known to be the top destination for higher education, world-class infrastructures, state-of-the-art learning approaches, along with clean and healthy lifestyle.

The major reasons to choose Australia for a master’s degree, are highlighted in the following points. 

• Australia has secured the top position in terms of producing excellent postgraduates in the world. 
• According to Times Higher Education, Australia has more than 37 top universities producing skilled industry-ready graduates and securing high-earning placement opportunities.  
• Australian Universities have been making huge investments and interests in scientific and technological research, leading in the field of technology and innovations.
• There is no requirement for GRE/GMAT for a master’s program in Australia.
• The average salary of graduates after a master in geography is $118,614.
• Along with quality education, universities in Australia offer numerous scholarships for international students generally starting from $5000.

Top Universities for Geography in Australia

Below are some of the top universities offering master’s programs in the field of Geography.

Australian University Requirement Criteria and Information for master of geography

The University of Melbourne- Master of Geography

• Course duration: 2 years full-time
• IELTS/TOEFL Requirement: IELTS with a minimum overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); Or, TOEFL (internet-based test) with an overall 79. (Writing-21, Speaking-18, Reading 13, Listening-13); Or, Pearson Test of English (Academic) with an overall 58.
• Academic Requirement: Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in a relevant discipline (anthropology, earth, ocean and/or atmospheric science, ecology and evolutionary biology, economics, environmental science, geography, political science, social science, urban studies or zoology) with a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 70%.

Charles Darwin University- Master of Environmental Management

• Course Duration: 2 years full-time
• English Language requirements: IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0; Or, Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) with a minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169; Or, PTE with a minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50; Or, TOEFL-iBT with a minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21.
• Admission Criteria: Applicants must have a recognized bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification in a related subject, or Applicants can have a recognized bachelor degree in an unrelated field along with completion of a graduate diploma in a related field or equivalent international qualification.

Related subjects include biological science, earth science, environmental engineering, environmental science, geography, geographic information or sustainability studies.

The University of Queensland- Master of Geographic Information Science

• Course Duration: 1.5 to 2 years.
• English Language requirements: IELTS with a minimum overall 6.5(with no band less than 6); Or, TOEFL-IBT with a minimum overall 87 and above (with no band less than 19); For TOEFL PB - Overall 570 (listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5); PTE with an overall score of 64 and 60 in each band.
• Admission Criteria: Applicants must have a bachelor degree in science (mathematics, physics, computer science), environmental science, environmental management, geographical science, geology, surveying, geometrics, engineering, or an approved discipline. Applicants must also have a UQ or equivalent GPA of 4.5 or above on a 7-point scale.

The Australian National University- Master of Environmental Science

• Course Duration: 2 years
• English Language requirements: IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0; Or, TOEFL PBT - A minimum score of 570. TOEFL- internet-based test with a minimum overall score of 80; Or, PTE with a minimum overall score of 64.
• Admission Criteria: Applicants must present a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0, with at least 8 courses in related areas of Biology, Earth Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geology, Marine Science.

RMIT University-Master of Geospatial Science

• Course Duration: 2 years full-time
• English Language requirements: IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0; Or, TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79; Or, Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58.
• Admission Criteria: Applicants must have an Australian bachelor degree in any discipline or equivalent; Or, applicants should have at least ten years of work experience in areas such as geospatial science, geometrics, land information, surveying, geography, environmental science, geology, earth science, or environmental engineering. 

Curtin University- Master of Geospatial Intelligence

• Course Duration: 2 years
• English Language requirements: IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0; Or, Pearson Test of English Academic: 60
• Admission Criteria: Applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor Degree in any related discipline. It is recommended for the students to have a basic subject experience in mathematics, statistics.

The University of Wollongong- Master of Philosophy (Geography and Sustainable Communities)

• Course Duration: 2 years
• English Language requirements: IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0; Or, TOEFL-Internet Based: 86
• Admission Criteria: Applicants must hold an honours degree with 2nd class Division 2 or higher, coursework Masters with WAM 60+ or GPA of 2.8 out of 4.

Edith Cowan University- Master of Environmental Science

• Course Duration: 2 years
• English Language requirements: IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0); Or, Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic – 52; Or, TOEFL iBT - Minimum score of 70.
• Admission Criteria: Applicants must have a Bachelor degree in a related discipline of environmental science/biology; Or, Applicants should have a Bachelor degree in any discipline, along with five years of relevant work experience; Or a Graduate Certificate of Environmental Science (or equivalent).

Duration of Geography in Australia- How many years does it take to study Geography in Australia?

To study Masters of Geography in Australia, it takes 1.5 to 2 years for the program to complete, depending on the number of units taken, coursework, and research.

Admission Process and University requirement for Geography in Australia

Scholarships for Geography in Australia

There are numerous scholarships available for postgraduates or master’s degrees in Australia. Some of them are presented in the following table.

Scope of Masters in Geography in Australia

There are numerous opportunities for graduates of geography, in the field of policy development, governmental departments such as agriculture, environment, education; natural resource management, town planning and management, environmental science, sustainable projects development, and many more.

After completing Masters of Geography, or Environmental Science, the graduates will possess academic and practical knowledge on physical geography, human geography and integrated geography.

Below are some of the most popular Geography and environmental science jobs in Australia along with the average salary per annum.

If you’re interested to pursue higher education in the field of geography, Masters in Geography or Environmental study in Australia is absolutely worth it!