Liam Travers
Why did you choose the course/ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳?
Aside from being the best human geography course in the country, the department allows you to pursue modules from ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’s other world class degree programmes!
What has been the highlight of your ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ experience so far?
Has to be a toss up between being elected president of my hall and the notorious AU carol!
How are you planning to use your degree for your future career?
I have no concrete plans as of yet, but I know my degree will help me find work in a progressive, ambitious and outward-looking organisation.
Sum up your experience in 3 words
Exciting, Rewarding, Unique
Emma O'Reilly
Geography explores such a wide range of issues that there is something for everyone, and contrary to common opinion geographers do a lot more than just colouring in!
Whilst at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ I have covered topics ranging from the integration of the EU, to health policies in the developing world, to the introduction of the tube in Victorian London. As you work your way through the years you are given the opportunity to specialise in particular areas of interest to you thanks to the great variety of courses offered by the Department. BA geographers went on a field trip to New York in the second year which was great fun.
ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ has a very good reputation and the Geography Department ranks very highly in the league tables. The geography programme offered by ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is mainly human geography and as I'm not keen on physical geography this was a big factor in my decision to apply. However, once I got here I found that physical geography modules are available to those who want to study this aspect of geography.
Brendan Chia
Why did you choose the course/ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳?
I chose ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ for the chance to study what I loved in the heart of one of the finest cities in the world.
How has your degree programme prepared you for your future career?
My degree programme exposed me to a wide range of perspectives on some of the big issues in our world today e.g. climate change, migration, geopolitics, and taught me how to approach them. This has proven to be very valuable in my work in international organisations, where I often deal with complex and interrelated issues such as these at the global scale.
What was the highlight of your ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ experience?
The opportunity to meet people and make friends from all over the world, and the amazing experiences/opportunities the university had to offer, such as the Geography degree programme’s field trip to New York City.
Sum up your experience in 3 words
Diverse, Valuable, Once-in-a-lifetime
Amy Rowson
Why did you choose the course/ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳?
Having previously commenced a Geography degree at another university I realised that my interests were solely rooted in political and economic as opposed to physical Geography. Once I’d realised what my interests were and after conducting some thorough research I came to realise that ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ was the perfect place to immerse myself in the types of Geography that I found fascinating.
One of the best things about Geography at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is that you can tailor your module choices to suit you whether that be environmental governance, urban politics or development there are multiple choices.
ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is at the forefront of research and although it’s difficult to comprehend what that means for a first year undergraduate, the reality is that you are taught by leading experts who are passionate and able to provide cutting edge, interesting lectures and classes. Also, it was a significant added bonus that ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ not only had the perfect course for me but that also being based in London meant I could observe much of what I was studying in my surroundings.
How has your degree programme prepared you for your future career?
Following a summer internship, I am commencing a full-time graduate role as a Marketing Executive in financial services and although I have received constant questions along the lines of: “What’s Geography got to do with marketing?”, there are good reasons for my choice. Studying Geography is not just about acquiring incredibly interesting knowledge it has also been about acquiring a broad set of skills.
In my time at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ I’ve been able to debate, create succinct presentations, acquire a set of in-depth critical thinking skills and also be fortunate enough to acquire some quantitative skills. It’s this broad skill base and the backing of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’s reputation that has helped me secure my graduate role and although as an undergraduate you often want to push careers to the back of your mind, ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is a good environment for encouraging students to think about their futures as well as their present studies.
Furthermore, as ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is based in London, an internationally recognised centre for numerous diverse organisations and pressure groups it presented me with many opportunities to develop my personal network. The link may seem unusual but my passion for Geography shines through and I’m keeping my options open for future graduate study potentially into urban politics.
What was the highlight of your ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ experience?
The highlight for me has to be the moment that I walked out of an exam room and realised I’d been able to face questions which were very challenging but also very interesting and current. There’s a sense of pride in being able to tackle topics and issues that politicians and researchers are facing today. That realisation of the depth of your knowledge is an extremely fulfilling moment and definitely demonstrates why ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is such an incredible university to study at.
Sum up your experience in 3 words
Exciting, Challenging, Fun!