Human geographers study spatial patterns of human activity, interaction between people and their environments; and the relationship between people, spaces, and places.

Human geography covers a variety of research topics. These include cultural, political, economic, and demographic phenomena. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used in human-geographical research.

Human geographers at the Department of Geography of the University of Helsinki study health; diffusion of innovations; communication and technologies; historical cartography; exploration; minorities; nationalism; identity-political symbols; forms of popular culture; and boundaries and borderlands. Learning from the field, international networking, an innovative usage of methodologies, and good academic writing are among the emphases.

After graduation from the Department human geographers work as researchers and other experts in universities, regional research centers, public administration, private enterprises, and civic organizations. Human geographers find employment also in publishing, planning, mapping, tourism, marketing, public relations, and development and environmental projects.