VCE Geography

UNIT 1

In this unit, students learn about different types of hazards - natural, biological, and human made - and how they can lead to disasters. They explore why hazards occur, how they affect people and places, and how communities respond to them. Students investigate two contrasting hazards (e.g. bushfires and disease) and consider the role of climate change, human activity, and technology in shaping outcomes. They develop skills in analysing maps and data, conducting fieldwork and using geospatial tools. By the end of the unit, students will be able to explain causes and impacts of hazards and evaluate real world disaster responses. 

UNIT 2

In this unit, students explore how tourism operates locally and globally, and learn how it impacts people, cultures, economies and the environment. They investigate different types of tourism such as eco-tourism and mass tourism, and examine what makes destinations appealing. Through case studies and fieldwork, students learn how to analyse tourism trends, assess its impacts, and evaluate strategies for managing tourism sustainably. They also develop skills in data analysis, mapping, and applying geospatial technologies. The unit encourages students to think critically about ethical tourism and the challenges of balancing economic benefit with social and environmental responsibility. 

UNIT 3

Students explore how land use changes over time and the impacts these changes have on environments and communities. They investigate a local area undergoing land use change (e.g. urban expansion or wetland restoration) through fieldwork. Students also examine deforestation and melting glaciers/ice sheets in contrasting global regions, analysing how physical and human processes interact. They learn to interpret satellite imagery, maps and spatial data, and apply geographic models to real-world examples. The unit builds skills in critical thinking, spatial analysis, and sustainability evaluation. 

UNIT 4

Students investigate patterns of human population change at global, national, and local levels. They examine trends in fertility, mortality and migration, and evaluate how these influence population structure and growth. Students then focus on one country with rapid population growth and one with an ageing population, analysing policies and responses to manage these challenges. Through data interpretation and case studies, students develop a strong understanding of population dynamics, policy effectiveness, and future implications.