BRAC University

What you'll study

This programme provides a balance of physical and human geography together with applied skills in spatial analysis. Core topics typically include physical geography (landforms, climatology, hydrology), human geography (urban, cultural and development geography), and methods courses (cartography, statistics for geographers).

• Introduction to Physical Geography — fundamentals of geomorphology, weather and climate systems, soils and hydrological processes.
• Introduction to Human Geography — population, urbanisation, economic and cultural landscapes, and development theory.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) — spatial databases, mapping, spatial analysis and practical GIS lab work.
• Remote Sensing — satellite imagery interpretation, image processing and applications to land use and environmental monitoring.
• Cartography and Spatial Data Visualisation — map design, symbolisation and communicating geographic information effectively.
• Quantitative Methods and Field Techniques — sampling, survey methods, statistics and practical fieldwork skills including data collection and analysis.
• Environmental Management and Sustainability — resource management, environmental impact assessment and climate change adaptation.
• Electives and Project — options allow specialisation (for example urban planning, disaster risk reduction, gender and development) culminating in an independent research project or practicum.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a higher secondary qualification (or an approved international equivalent) with satisfactory grades. Strong performance in subjects that develop quantitative and analytical skills — such as mathematics, geography, environmental science, or the sciences — is beneficial. All applicants must meet BRAC University's general admission criteria, which may include an application form, academic transcripts and proof of English language competence where applicable. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview or required to take an admissions test.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of careers that use spatial and environmental knowledge. Typical roles include:

• GIS and remote sensing analyst for government agencies, consultancies or private sector companies
• Urban and regional planner or assistant planner in municipal and development authorities
• Environmental consultant, natural resource manager or sustainability officer
• Disaster risk reduction practitioner with NGOs, international organisations or humanitarian agencies
• Policy analyst or researcher in think-tanks, civil society or academic institutions
• Teaching and further academic study (master’s and doctoral research) in geography, environmental science or related fields

Why study at BRAC University

BRAC University combines an interdisciplinary curriculum with practical learning opportunities relevant to Bangladesh and the wider region. Students benefit from hands-on GIS and remote sensing facilities, fieldwork integrated into teaching, and links to BRAC’s development programmes which provide internship and applied research options. The faculty bring experience from academic research, government and development practice, supporting students who want to pursue careers in planning, environment, development and spatial data sciences.