Geography is the study of spatial and temporal variations of the phenomena which make up natural and human-dominated environments. The cultural significance of geography lies in its contribution to an understanding of the total environment. The geographer's skills also find practical application in the conservation and planned development of resources. Increasing numbers of geographers are employed as professionals in these applications. For instance, geomorphologists and biogeographers are undertaking resource inventory surveys and environmental assessment, and human geographers are engaged as urban and regional planners. A Doctor of Philosophy Degree requires three years full-time study and completion of a written thesis. The thesis is reviewed by members of the Australian and international scientific academic community. In the course of their research, PhD students must make a distinct contribution to the knowledge within their specific discipline. Ideally, this will result in the publication of original research findings in peer-reviewed journals of international standing. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Geographers enjoy careers with the many private and public sector employers, both national and international, that are involved in natural resource or social planning, environmental or urban management, environmental research or social policy research. Having the skills to develop and use information-technology and to analyse and interpret social and environmental data makes professionally-trained geography graduates the key personnel involved in decision making processes associated with government, the business sector and community groups. Consequently, geographers are employed by NGOs to organize international aid; by community and welfare organisations to target limited social and welfare resources to the most needy in our communities; by the business sector to advise on management decisions; by governments to assist with the development of urban and environmental policies and the legal framework required for assessment of human interaction with the environment. Alternatively, graduates may continue to study their chosen specialty as postgraduates which can lead to fulfilling careers in research.