Cornwall HE Advisers’ Day Progressing into Geography James Ryan University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Tremough
Presentation Outline Why study geography at university? What will I learn? How will I learn? What a typical course looks like What careers can it lead to? How do I choose the right course? Making a successful application Questions?
Why study geography? You enjoy learning about people and their societies, economies, cultures and the environment You enjoy working at the interface between social sciences, humanities and environmental sciences You are keen to learn and develop a wide range of skills You are seeking a broad based academic degree, offering above average graduate employability You want to make new friends and visit new places You want to make a difference to your world!
Michael Palin, President of the Royal Geographical Society, guardian.co.uk 18 Aug 2011
“So many of the world's current issues – at a global scale and locally boil down to geography, and need the geographers of the future to help us understand them.”
“Many employers prize the knowledge and skills that studying geography can provide ... ...Geography students are among those gaining greatest satisfaction from their studies”
Programme pathways and choices BA (Bachelor of Arts) Geography Investigates the social and cultural processes underpinning human understandings of environment and landscape.
BSc (Bachelor of Science) Geography Explores the natural and physical processes shaping the Earth’s surface over different temporal and spatial scales.
Many other options eg: BSc Environmental Science BA/BSc Geography with European Study BSc Conservation Biology and Geography BA Geography and English BA History and Geography BA Politics and Geography
What will I learn about? Why our human and physical environments and landscapes appear as they are, and the causes, rates and patterns of change in different contexts. The dynamic interaction between human society and the environment, including the integrated study of contemporary issues such as climate change, land use, energy policy and sustainability. The importance of different spatial scales–global to local–and time scales for physical and human processes, and the significance of interdependence.
What other skills will I gain? • Intellectual skills, such as critically evaluating • • •
theories and judging evidence in order to make informed decisions and to develop reasoned arguments. Research skills, including how to use a range of technical methods for the collection and analysis of spatial and environmental data. Transferable skills, such as teamwork, problem solving, IT skills, communication skills (presentation, writing, debating). Personal skills, such as time-management, development of responsibility, coping with uncertainty, self-reflection, motivation, flexibility, and creativity.
How will I learn? Lectures Labs and Practicals Seminars Tutorials Field Study Independent Study (Dissertation) Average 10-15 contact hours a week
Transition to University HE Geography is: Broad in scope and diverse in topic Reflects interests and expertise of staff – look at websites and attend open days Assessed using range of outputs
Transition to University is a big step… In general it requires: motivation (from inside and outside) maturity mentoring and support (from friends, family and university staff) embracing as a holistic experience University in UK today is akin to specialist gym membership, not a package holiday…
Learning approaches Geography involves a variety of lecture, field and laboratory environments, including the study of techniques such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In the first year of a geography degree you will usually begin with more general courses, advancing to more specialised research-focused courses in years 2 and 3. Your skills will grow in parallel, so that by the end of your degree, you can shape your course to reflect your strengths and interests.
Level One – foundational modules Tutorials Analysis of environmental data Investigating social and spatial environments Approaches to geographical knowledge Earth system science Global issues in environmental science Environment and society Fieldclass (eg. West Penwith)
Level Two – modules increase focus and depth • Environment, place and the past • Society, nature and space • Applied environmental management • Atmosphere and ocean systems • Environmental policy and politics • Fieldclass and lecture course eg. California
Level Three – specialist and research-informed modules • Sustainable Rural Futures • Wastelands • Issues in Climate Change • The Carbon Cycle
• Energy for a Low Carbon Economy • China • Environmental Geomorphology • Landscape and Environmental Modelling • Environment and Empire • Histories of Science • DISSERTATION
Geography dissertations allow variation and specialisation. Eg Recent dissertation topics: • Historical geography of Francophone Methodism in • • • •
• • •
Jersey, 1900-1950 Policy responses to climate change in the domestic arena Influence of rural politics on wind farm development in rural South Devon Biogeomorphology of a saltmarsh: Saltash, Cornwall Conflict in leisure spaces: surfing and the dynamics of localism Renegotiating Cornish identity on the border Late Holocene palaeoenvironmental changes in Northern Patagonia Historical geography of the submerged forest in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall
Regional and overseas field study ‘The California fieldtrip was incredible! The places we visited were amazing and the coursework that we did there was challenging but really interesting, and provided training in a lot of techniques that could be used for dissertation research’.
Multiple geographical career paths Development and Global Issues Environment and Sustainability Business Teaching Travel, Tourism, Leisure and Culture Physical Systems Geographical Techniques Research Media and broadcasting
Where could a geography degree take you? Sam Stibbs Programme: BSc Geography & Environmental Management, 2010 Now: Remote Sensing Technician Company: Network Mapping
Where could a geography degree take you? Sam Gillchrest Programme: BSc Geography, 2010 Now: Cartographic assistant Company: UK Hydrographic Office
Where could a geography degree take you? Abi Brady Programme: BSc Geography Year of graduation: 2010 2011 Sustainability Assistant Internship; part-time Ambassador Project Assistant Now: Sustainablilty Advisor, Investec Bank plc;
Where could a geography degree take you? James Lythgoe Programmes: BA Geography, 2010; MSc Energy Policy, 2011 Now: Internship Company: Good Energy
Recent graduate destinations Remote Sensing Technician, Network Mapping European Mobility Administrator, Unilever Assistant Town Planner, David Lock Associates Recruitment Consultant, Allen And York Quantity Surveyor, Chartered Surveyors Environmental Consultant, RPS Group Project Manager, Coastline Section Coordinator, Marks & Spencer PhD Studentship, Porthcurno Telegraph Museum Cartographic Assistant, UK Hydrographic Office Transport Planner, Scott Wilson Ltd Relay Worker, UCCF
Choosing a course There are approximately 80 Universities with 1600 geography-related degrees in the UK! BA or BSc? (how much flexibility?) Joint honours (Geography and….?) Do the modules offered reflect your interests? How is the course taught and assessed? How many taught classes per week compared with independent learning? Are staff experts in their field? What are fieldwork opportunities? Study abroad schemes?
What are the facilities like? How big is the department? How many students per staff member? Will you get plenty of face-to-face contact? What are the entrance requirements? What is the reputation of the course/university? What opportunities are they for extracurricula activities? How expensive will it be? What are the opportunities for part-time work? Is living at home an option?
Making a successful application Know what you want from a course Know what the course requires from you Work hard to get your grades! UCAS personal statements are important to show your passion for the subject, but your 3 best Alevels are everything! Examine prospectuses and online info – eg for preferred subjects (generally open for Geog) Open days – attend as many as you can Speak to admissions officers Speak to students Talk to your teachers
Sources of information • UCAS – see course search and entry profiles www.ucas.ac.uk • Royal Geographical Society www.rgs.org • Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Subject Centre, http://www.gees.ac.uk/home/students.htm • National Student Survey • Times and Guardian University Guide • Other online info: www.ukstudentlife.com www.thestudentroom.co.uk www.opendays.com
Good luck and thank you for listening! Any questions?
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