Graduate Diploma in Project Management
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Bachelor of Arts - Geography
Nanaimo
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
Vancouver Island University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Geography program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's physical and human landscapes. This program explores the interactions between human societies and their environments, as well as the spatial patterns and processes that shape our world. Students learn about diverse geographical phenomena such as climate change, urbanization, natural hazards, cultural landscapes, and global environmental issues. The program integrates fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS) technology to develop students' spatial analysis, research, and critical thinking skills.
Curriculum: The Bachelor of Arts in Geography curriculum at Vancouver Island University covers a wide range of topics in physical geography, human geography, and geographic techniques. Core courses introduce students to key concepts and theories in geography, including landforms, weather and climate, population dynamics, economic geography, and spatial analysis. Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas such as environmental geography, urban geography, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, or cultural geography. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, field studies, and research projects to help students apply geographical concepts and methods to real-world problems and case studies.
Research Focus: Vancouver Island University encourages students in the Geography program to engage in research and scholarly inquiry on geographic topics of interest. Faculty members mentor students in designing and conducting research projects, collecting and analyzing geographic data, and presenting findings in academic forums or publications. Students have the opportunity to explore diverse research methodologies such as fieldwork, surveys, spatial analysis, and archival research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in geography and addressing pressing environmental, social, and spatial issues.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Arts in Geography program at Vancouver Island University fosters connections with industry partners, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups to provide students with practical learning experiences and industry insights. Students have the opportunity to participate in internships, co-op placements, or applied research projects with organizations such as environmental consulting firms, municipal planning departments, conservation organizations, or tourism agencies. The university also invites guest speakers, hosts industry panels, and organizes networking events to help students connect with professionals in the field of geography and explore career pathways in areas such as environmental management, urban planning, natural resource management, or GIS analysis.
Global Perspective: Vancouver Island University promotes a global perspective within its Geography program, recognizing the interconnectedness of human societies and environments across local, regional, and global scales. The curriculum explores global environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, as well as the cultural, economic, and political dimensions of globalization. Students have the opportunity to study international case studies, engage with global issues, and examine the spatial dynamics of globalization, migration, urbanization, and sustainable development. Additionally, the university offers opportunities for international exchanges, study abroad programs, or international field studies, allowing students to gain cross-cultural experiences and perspectives on geographical issues and processes around the world.
Location
Nanaimo
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
CAD 21742
Application Fees: CAD $ 150
Academic Qualifications: A minimum overall percentage of 70% in your high school or secondary school studies is typically required. Please note that specific programs may have additional requirements or higher admission standards.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band score less than 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 85 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- PTE Academic: A minimum score of 60.
Vancouver Island University (VIU) provides a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in pursuing their studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the community.
International Undergraduate Regional Scholarship: This scholarship is available to undergraduate international students from specific regions. The scholarship amount varies and is awarded based on academic achievement and financial need.
International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to exceptional international undergraduate students entering VIU for the first time. The scholarship amount varies and is based on academic merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program with outstanding academic performance. The scholarship amount varies and is awarded based on IB scores.
VIU World-Wide Entrance Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students entering a bachelor's degree program at VIU. The scholarship amount varies and is awarded based on academic achievement.
VIU International Undergraduate Student Award: This award is available to international undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of study at VIU. The award amount varies and is awarded based on academic achievement and contributions to the VIU community.
It's important to note that the availability and specific details of scholarships may vary each year.
Graduates of Vancouver Island University's Bachelor of Arts in Geography program possess a diverse skill set and knowledge base that prepares them for a variety of rewarding career paths in both public and private sectors.
Urban Planner: Graduates can pursue careers as urban planners or city planners in municipal governments, regional planning agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations. They analyze land use patterns, develop land use plans, and evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of urban development projects.
Environmental Consultant: Graduates can work as environmental consultants for environmental consulting firms, engineering firms, or government agencies, assessing environmental risks, conducting environmental impact assessments, and developing strategies for environmental management and compliance.
GIS Specialist/Analyst: Graduates with expertise in geographic information systems (GIS) can work as GIS specialists or analysts in industries such as natural resource management, urban planning, transportation, or environmental conservation. They collect, manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data to support decision-making and problem-solving processes.
Cartographer/Mapmaker: Graduates can work as cartographers or mapmakers in government agencies, mapping companies, or publishing firms, creating maps, atlases, and geographic information products for various purposes such as navigation, land use planning, or resource management.
Conservation Officer: Graduates can pursue careers as conservation officers or park rangers in national parks, wildlife reserves, or conservation organizations, protecting natural habitats, enforcing conservation regulations, and educating the public about environmental conservation and sustainability.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Manager: Graduates with advanced skills in GIS technology and data management can work as GIS managers or coordinators, overseeing GIS projects, managing spatial databases, and leading GIS teams in organizations such as government agencies, utilities, or engineering firms.
Remote Sensing Specialist: Graduates with expertise in remote sensing technology can work in industries such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, forestry, or disaster management, analyzing satellite imagery, aerial photographs, or LiDAR data to study changes in land cover, vegetation, or natural hazards.
Transportation Planner: Graduates can work as transportation planners or traffic analysts in transportation agencies, consulting firms, or urban planning departments, analyzing transportation patterns, designing transportation systems, and evaluating the impact of transportation projects on communities and the environment.
Land Use Planner: Graduates can specialize in land use planning, working on projects related to zoning, land development, or land conservation in government agencies, real estate development companies, or environmental organizations.
Geography Educator: Some graduates may pursue careers in education as geography teachers or educators at secondary schools, colleges, or universities, inspiring students to explore geographical concepts, spatial thinking, and environmental stewardship.
