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What is Geography?

Geography explores the relationships and connections between people and their natural and cultural environments. Geography investigates the ways in which features are arranged on the Earth’s surface and describes and explains the patterns and processes that create them. Ākonga learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies to obtain, present and analyse information. Geography can be studied at tertiary level as a science or humanities subject. It leads to a wide variety of careers in environmantal and urban planning and the public sector.

What this course involves

Level 3 Geography challenges ākonga through internal and external assessments, offering opportunities to gain University Entrance. Internal standards include an examination of a self-selected contemporary issue, exploring different viewpoints and justifying a solution; a large-scale event project, analysing the planning and decision-making processes involved, including social, economic and environmental impacts; and a research project that develops skills in collecting, recording, analysing findings and evaluating the process. You will also examine how a topic forms a global pattern and explore its wider significance. The external programme studies natural processes in the Tongariro Volcanic Environment and the cultural process of tourism development in Rotorua or Bali. New Zealand Scholarship exams extend very high-achieving ākonga, who must discuss entry with their Te Kura kaiako.

Delivery Modes

• * This course is accessed through our online learning environment, My Te Kura.

Recommended prior learning

No prior learning needed.

National qualifications available in this course