Philosophy - Why should I study Geography?

Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions and examines the processes behind them. It also investigates the way that people adapt and respond to change and evaluates management strategies associated with such change. Geography describes and helps to explain the similarities and differences between spaces and places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from the perspectives of a different range of actors, with varying powers over decision-making processes.

Within Group 3 subjects, Geography is distinctive in that it occupies the middle ground between social sciences and natural sciences. Diploma Programme Geography almost completely focuses on human geography but does include a small number of physical geography themes within units. The hope is that students acquire elements of both scientific and socio-economic methodologies during their geographical studies. 

Course Content - What will I be studying?

Part 1: Geographic themes (SL/HL)

There are seven optional themes.

Two optional themes are required at SL.

Three optional themes are required at HL. The decision as to which units to study is made by the teacher. 

The seven optional themes are: 

• Freshwater—drainage basins

• Oceans and coastal margins

• Extreme environments

• Geophysical hazards

• Leisure, tourism and sport - this option is typically undertaken at CIS

• Food and health - this option is typically undertaken at CIS

• Urban environments - this option is typically undertaken at CIS

Part 2: Geographic perspectives—global change (SL/HL)

There are three compulsory topics in this core theme which are studied by all students. 

1. Changing population 

2. Global climate—vulnerability and resilience

3. Global resource consumption and security

Part 3 HL Core extension (Higher Level only)

This section consists of three compulsory topic areas relating to global interactions:

1. Power, places and networks

2. Human development and diversity

3. Global risks and resilience

Part 4: Fieldwork

Students will generate a written fieldwork report based on a fieldwork question, data collection and analysis with evaluation. This work will serve as their Internal Assessment (IA)

Assessment - How will I be assessed? 

Prerequisites - What do I need to know before choosing Geography? 

For students choosing to study Geography at HL, a ‘5’ in any MYP Humanities course or a 7/8/9 in an I/GCSE course would be a useful pre-requisite. For those planning to study it at SL, a ‘4’ in any MYP Humanities course or a 5/6 in an I/GCSE Humanities course would be useful. Although you do not need to have previously studied Geography to be able to do well in DP Geography, if you are aiming for the highest grades, a willingness to read widely, write fluently and respond with awe to the natural world will certainly be useful prerequisites. In addition, the ability to write essays in a clear, crisp style will be very useful.

What will allow me to be successful? 

• Download geography quiz game apps to aid with memorization

• Read the news!! Subscribe to the New York Times “Morning Briefing” newsletter for headlines.

• Talk to your parents about global issues! Many of them work in professions that are related to the topics we’ll be discussing throughout the course. They could teach you a lot by talking about what they do :) 

What can I do with Geography in the future? 

Popular careers for people with geography qualifications include surveying, conservation, sustainability, town or transport planning, waste and water management, environmental planning, tourism, and geographic information systems. The army, government, research organisations, law and business world also recognise the practical research skills that geographers develop.

Because geographers learn about human and population development, geography can be useful for jobs in charity and international relations too.