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As the subject association for geography the Geographical Association is concerned about the funding position of many UK universities. Many Higher Education geography colleagues are facing the risk of redundancy and there are proposals to merge or close a number of geography departments.
We strongly value Higher Education geography and our partnerships with research colleagues and institutions. Through their contribution to our journals, events and conferences, knowledge exchange programmes and by sharing their advice and expertise they strengthen and enhance school geography.
These cuts are taking place at a time of record numbers of geography GCSE candidates and wider recognition of geography’s positive contribution to our lives, learning and livelihoods.
In 2024 there were almost 300,000 entries for geography GCSE entries, a rise of 120,000 more candidates when compared to 2011, and 35,000 students go onto study geography at A level. Geography graduates enter a wide range of rewarding and valuable careers and, as we transition to a net zero, geographical knowledge and skills are highly relevant to employers in every sector of the economy.
We are concerned that reductions in the capacity of geography in Higher Education will limit opportunities for the discipline to make geography for everyone, and erode the numbers of geography graduates who are needed by our economy, society and environment.
The Geographical Association encourages universities to maintain their current capacity for geography and to capitalise on its growth in schools and relevance to the workplace.
Steve Brace CEO of Geographical Association
Professor Alastair Owens Chair of Geographical Association
