Department of Geography
Where Heritage Meets Innovation
UK Top 10 Department for Geography
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Join one of the UK’s most vibrant communities of geographical researchers, dedicated to tackling today’s most pressing environmental and societal challenges. At Manchester, our passion for geography goes beyond theory, we shape the conversation and bring that energy directly into the classroom.
With a rich academic heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we offer the ideal environment to grow your expertise. Learn from leading academics, benefit from strong industry connections, and engage with cutting-edge research through the prestigious Manchester Urban Institute.
Our flexible programmes and wide range of course units allow you to develop a broad, interdisciplinary knowledge base while refining your own specialisms and transferable skills, equipping you for wherever your journey takes you next.
Proud heritage
Be part of our future whilst enjoying our history - Geography has been taught here for more than 125 years
Real-world impact
Study at one of the world's leading institutions for sustainable development
Outstanding facilities
One of Europe's best equipped universities for Geography, with numerous laboratories, including microscopy and sediments laboratories
After Your Studies
Information based on graduate data across Geography master's courses, 2017-2021.
Example Roles
Geography graduates have particularly great employment prospects and go on to shape environmental policy and more through positions in the public and private sectors.
Some example job titles:
- GIS Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Environmental Consultant
- Research Associate
- Project Manager
- GIS Technician
Graduate Destinations
Heritage/ Environmental Services
Further Education
Local/ National Government
Consulting
Renewables and Environment
Top Employers
- DEFRA
- Department of Land and Surveys
- The Environment Agency
- Natural England
- The Environment Partnership
- The Organic Soil Association
- The UK Atomic Energy Authority
- United Nations
- UNEP
- Yorkshire Water
Samuel's Manchester
MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction
Samuel decided to stay at the University after his undergraduate degree from the Department of Geography, choosing to complete a master’s in Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction. He chose Manchester due to its strong international reputation as well as the quality of support and learning available to him.
Samuel particularly enjoyed the sense of community and camaraderie from his cohort and the strong relationships with professors, making his experience at Manchester invaluable.
Meet the Geography Academics
Prof Kevin Ward
Professor of Human Geography
Kevin is a Professor of Human Geography at Manchester and Director of the Manchester Urban Institute. As a geographer with interests in the financing and governance of cities, he describes Manchester as the right vintage for his work.
"What comes with the status of being a good professor includes supporting early career people ... I think we should be doing more as professors."
Dr Polyanna Bispo
Lecturer in Physical Geography
After growing up in Brazil and seeing the Amazon being destroyed first-hand, Polyanna went into research to help prevent this. She now works as Lecturer for Physical Geography as well as lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of Geography.
"Our department is a very interdisciplinary environment and recognised worldwide for the quality of research and teaching. It's a vibrant environment and all the colleagues are very supportive and friendly."
Dr Joe Blakey
Lecturer in Human Geography
Joe is an environmental and political geographer, and Lecturer in Human Geography at Manchester. As a Mancunian through and through, Joe’s research challenges the assertion that the UK’s carbon footprint is stabilising.
"There are lots of different ways of cutting the cake of global carbon emissions. The problem is, we typically count our carbon footprints in just one way."
Faculty of Humanities
The University of Manchester