The Knowledge 2019

Geographical

AUTUMN 2019

MAGAZINE OF THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY (WITH IBG)

The

Knowledge FIND OUT WHERE A GEOGRAPHY DEGREE CAN TAKE YOU YOUR 24-PAGE GUIDE TO CAREERS AND COURSES

Open Days

Life after Graduation

University Directory

Celebrating over 100 Years

of Excellence in Geography and Earth Sciences

at Aberystwyth University #LoveAber

Courses: Unergraduate BSc BSc BA BSc BSc BSc BA

Geography Physical Geography Human Geography Environmental Earth Science Environmental Science Daearyddiaeth (Welsh-medium) Sociology

Plus four-year schemes available with a foundation year, year in industry or year studying abroad.

Postgraduate

Open Day Dates: Saturday 12 October 2019 Saturday 9 November 2019

Online Open Day: Next Event: November 2019

MSc Environmental Change, Impact and Adaptation MSc Remote Sensing and GIS MA Practising Human Geography All of our geography degree schemes are accredited by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers.

Contact: Phone: 01970 622021

Email: dges-admissions@aber.ac.uk www.aber.ac.uk/en/dges @AberUni • @AU_DGES AU Geography and Earth Science

*Aberystwyth University’s rankings are compared against the HE institutions listed in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.

101486-0519-C

Web: aber.ac.uk/openday courses.aber.ac.uk

Geographical

Welcome

A

ccording to a report issued by the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency, within six months of graduating, 90 per cent of geography students were in employment. The subject has long been regarded as being one of the most useful degrees for a student to have in their pocket when making the transition from academia to the workplace. In this special issue of The Knowledge, we focus on the wide range of post-degree options available to graduates across a variety of employment sectors. From steering the ships of industry to guiding the wheels of government, geography students are making huge differences in the world wherever they end up. Why not join them!

Paul Presley Editor, Geographical

CONTENTS 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 19 20

Joe Smith, RGS-IBG Director Geography Courses Geography Career Paths Careers: Business Careers: Government Careers: Environment Careers: Charity Careers: Education Careers: Transport & Building Open Days University Directory

2019 • 3

I say whatever to ordinary.

Royal Geographical Society accredited courses to help you make your impact on the world.

Visit go.herts.ac.uk/geographical.

Geographical

An ideal path ‘A knowledge of geography is an essential tool in understanding the enormously consequential and dizzyingly rapid changes our planet is going through.

Geography is the one subject that looks at the whole story.’

S

Former Society President, Sir Michael Palin

ir Michael Palin vividly captures of the value of studying geography, the only subject that covers both the physical and human environments and the complex interaction of processes that shape our world.

Geography is a broad based subject which provides lots of opportunities for future progression. For example, geography is an obvious choice for careers in sustainability and green issues, urban regeneration, energy supply, retail location, managing the effects of hazards, and climate change.

For careers in the world of business, an understanding of global economics forms an important part of geography. If you are thinking of a career in law, human rights, international relations or welfare, then geography gives you the opportunity to consider relevant issues such as ‘How do we measure development?’ and ‘What are the consequences of migration on societies?’

If you are working towards a future course in medicine or veterinary medicine then geography

is a good choice to give your A Level options the breadth that universities seek, as you will gain a clear understanding of how the environment affects health and survival of people, animals and ecosystems as well as enhancing your writing skills.

Even if you don’t yet have a clear idea of what kind of career you might want to pursue, geography gives you the chance to keep your options open as it covers both arts and science components.

As well as being the gateway to a wide range of rewarding careers, research shows that studying geography also leads to higher than average salaries – female geography graduates earn ten per cent above the average – as well as lower than average unemployment rates.

Whether you have a definite career path in mind, or you are simply looking to keep your options open, it pays to choose geography.

Professor Joe Smith, Director Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) 2019 • 5

Geographical

A wide range of choices Deciding to study geography offers a wealth of choices, but which is right for you? Here are a handful of the geography-related academic paths that lie ahead...

• GEOGRAPHY An all-encompassing geographical course involving both physical and human geography through a detailed introduction into how both interact with one another.

This course functions as more of a broad overview of the numerous topics located within the geographical discipline and promotes an emphasises on post-graduate study by introducing you toward new topics that you may wish to continue researching after you have finished your initial BA degree.

There is a substantial emphasis placed on the flexibility of geography as a subject discipline and, as a result, the modules in this course can be highly varied with some universities offering students the option of completing a joint honours with another discipline. This seeks to foster a wider understanding of how geographical studies as a discipline can help to promote new areas of research in other subjects, such as, sociology, history, economics, politics and Earth sciences.

Some universities cater towards those who have not studied geography for A-level and offer a foundational course which will introduce them to the subject beforehand. Other universities offer a year placement usually at the end of the course in a job of your choosing. This course type is good for anyone who wants to get a broad understanding of the topics that encompass this wide-ranging discipline.

• HUMAN GEOGRAPHY This branch of geography is primarily concerned with the relationship between human activity and the Earth’s surface, how they can simultaneously affect and influence one another. The topic covers a wide range of different study areas and encompasses a variety of 6 • 2019

other subjects such as sociology, history, politics and economics. Modules can consist of a broad array of topics ranging from current trends in geohazards, urban sustainability, regional development, political and cultural development, and political and cultural geography. If you ever wanted to see how human beings have managed to impact, shape and adapt to the world around us, then this is the degree for you.

• PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY A specialised degree in the geographical field that focuses solely on the physical sciences and how to apply them to your surroundings in order to learn how to map and monitor these changes. These courses take a far more scientific approach to viewing the world around us and how it has formed, with modules including

Geographical

glaciology, biogeography, quaternary environmental change, current trends in geohazards, remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems. Being highly focused on exploring the world outside of your university walls, you are likely to be taken on numerous day and residential field trips in order to learn how to conduct field-based research. If you’re interested in the various processes that define our natural environment, then this course will be ideal.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Provides an opportunity for students to explore interdisciplinary themes throughout biology, geography, and environmental studies whilst gaining a comprehensive overview of what new threats we face as a species. These courses seek to provide an insight into the most significant environmental challenges of our time including climate change and biodiversity loss. Environmental science provides the scientific and technical knowledge for students to investigate ecosystems, environmental patterns, environmental collapse and previous mass extinction events which will foster a valuable understanding of global environmental issues and what they can tell us about human environment relations today. Modules range from sustainable development policy, geohazards, wildlife management and marine biology.

• ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY As the effects of the climate crisis are now becoming increasingly apparent, a new consensus has swept the globe. Now, a demand for more sustainable techniques to combat the worst effects are required more than ever.

This course focuses on the interaction between people and their natural surroundings and how we can live a much more sustainable lifestyle.

Since we use such a variety of resources that have far-reaching negative impacts on the environment, this course will examine the principles and policies needed to help deliver the sustainable goals and consider both the logical and global implications they have on natural resources. As a result, these courses can be quite policy-orientated and focused around the formation of individual policies that can be applied in order to promote a more sustainable development goals whether they be implemented domestically or internationally.

You will develop specialist analytical skills that will help you work with communities and individuals in other professions as sustainable development involves a multidisciplinary approach. With the rising demand for a more sustainable future, businesses are now having to adhere to new environmental goals and regulations, meaning the demand for graduates who specialise in this sector has grown.

2019 • 7

GEOGRAPHY AD half page 133x187mm new August.qxp_Layout 1 06/08/2019 15:19 Page 1

Study Geography at the University of South Wales

Explore. Transform. Experience.

Geographers hold the key to tackling the human and physical challenges of our planet’s future. If you want to be part of it, then look no further than the University of South Wales, where we are rated top in Wales and sixth in the UK for geography and environmental studies courses in the Guardian League Table 2020.

Fantastic Fieldwork We focus on the application of theory through fieldwork. Our students have previously surveyed volcanic activity in Greece, studied Tsunami risk management in Thailand, and worked closely with local communities in the UK and Africa on development projects.* Location, Location, Location We are in the perfect location for studying human and physical environments, with Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons National Park and Glamorgan Heritage Coast all nearby.

Professional Recognition and Links The leading professional bodies accredit our degrees and we have strong links with industry and public sector partners to ensure the best learning experience for our students.

Find out more at one of our Open Days, book online now: southwales.ac.uk/opendays *Additional costs may apply. For up-to-date information please visit our website.

The University of South Wales is a registered charity. Registration No. 1140312

8 • 2019

Geographical

What happens next?

Geography is routinely considered to be one of the most employable degrees available to students.

So what happens once you graduate?

Source: AGCAS 2018 Report: What do graduates do?

OUTCOMES SIX MONTHS AFTER GRADUATION 5.4%

Working full-time in the UK

7%

Working part-time in the UK Working overseas

46.1%

23%

Working and studying Further study (*see below)

5.3%

Unemployed

10.1%

Other

3.1%

0.8% 1.5% 3.9%

*Type of course for those in further study Studying for a Doctorate (eg. PhD, DPhil, MPhil)

9.1%

Studying for a Masters (eg. MA, MSc) 14.8%

Studying for a postgraduate qualification in education 69.8%

Studying for other postgraduate diplomas Studying for a professional qualification Other study

EMPLOYMENT SECTORS SIX MONTHS AFTER GRADUATION Arts, design and media 1.8% Business, HR and finance 22.1% Education 4.5% Engineering and building 5.9% Health 0.1% Information technology 1.4% Legal, social and welfare 3.2% Managers 4.5% Marketing, PR and sales 14.7% Science 0.8% Other professionals, associate professionals and technicians 7.8% Childcare 2.3% Clerical, secretarial and numerical clerks 8.0% Retail, catering, waiting and bar staff 16.4% Other occupations 6.4% Unknown occupations 0.1%

2019 • 9

Geographical

Career paths: Business A degree in geography can provide you with employment options across a broad array of sectors. We look at the way the subject has helped a range of people, starting with those in the business and industry sectors...

Kate Edwards, CEO & Principal Consultant

Chipo Meke, Management Consultant

Geogrify

KMPG

Degree: Geography, University of Washington (USA)

Degree: Geography with Business Management, Queen Mary University of London

After initial studies in aerospace engineering and industrial design, I opted to pursue geography and cartography as I’ve always had a strong interest in the subjects. I created my own consulting company, Geogrify, that has provided culturalisation services to companies that include Google, Facebook and Amazon.

The role that geography plays in global business, and especially in the technology sector, is so implicit at times that we have to be resourceful and innovative in how, where, and in what role we apply our valued-added knowledge. The work that I do on a daily basis relies upon my ability to view the world through a geographer’s lens. From logistical travel knowledge, to understanding the importance of a historical event in a specific locale, to comprehending the folk costumes of 10 • 2019

a local culture and how they might be leveraged by a creative designer – all of these aspects are reliant on geography.

My work is divided into three main areas: consulting, advocating, and public speaking. The consulting work is my primary function, applying culturalisation expertise to my clients which are in videogames and the tech sector. I often get asked to keynote or participate in many game industry and tech conferences around the world. So a significant portion of my time is spent traveling and it’s something I truly enjoy.

After 30 years of professional work as an applied geographer, I can attest that geography provided me with the perfect foundation. I believe that it can give you a broad and flexible basis on which to build your career in a variety of directions.

When I was picking the course I wanted to study, I didn’t have a career in mind but I felt that geography would help to give me a broad range of skills and knowledge for a number of potential careers.

My team focuses on finance transformation programmes which entails helping clients to change their finance function in multiple ways.

I chose geography because it was a subject I really enjoyed at school and it is a subject that is intertwined into many aspects of life and the world. I knew it would enable me to learn many skills and experiences that would be transferrable when applying for roles. I was unsure about my career and I wanted a degree that would enable me to apply for any type of role I was interested in.

Geographical

Career paths: Government Geography’s emphasis on seeing connections between differing aspects of society is a highly prized skill among those working in and around the halls of power...

Laura McNally, Daniel Hall Ballester, Sustainable Business Partner Senior Data Specialist

Maria Christodoulou, EU Exit Policy Advisor

The Environment Agency

Marine Management Organisation Defra

Degree: Geography and Geology, University of Hertfordshire

Degree: Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Southampton

Degree: Human Geography, Leeds University

Most of my work in the Environment Agency is about giving advice. My role is focussed on waste so I have conversations about how our teams should be handling hazardous waste, for example, and what the law expects them to do. I love the variety and that I know I’m making a positive impact on the environment.

Many people have one career but I think if you don’t know what you want to do, you can try lots of things, and if you don’t like what you end up doing, there’s nothing stopping you from changing it if you have geography as a degree because it’s so transferable to many jobs.

Geography as a subject covers such a wide range of skills and topics that you can do anything you want when you leave school or university, and then you can change your mind!

I started a degree at Southampton, during which time I did some work for the Ordnance Survey. The role I secured as a GIS Technician at the GeoData Institute at Southampton got me where I am today.

The MMO delivers marine planning, marine licensing and marine monitoring.

All these things happen somewhere, and using geography we can make sure that no activity will impact on another, for example a wind farm won’t be built in the middle of a busy shipping route.

We can also ensure that we safeguard the environment by limiting certain activities to certain areas, such as not allowing dredging along fragile areas and not allowing fishing in protected areas.

Everything happens somewhere and most businesses in most sectors have a need for geography skills.

At Defra’s EU Exit Chemicals, Pesticides and Hazardous Waste team, we are responsible for delivering a new policy and framework for chemical management and use in the UK postBrexit. Understanding the geopolitical climate is key when negotiating chemical matters internationally. My team deals with numerous international conventions, such as the Stockholm and Minamata convention, as well as the Climate Conference of Parties: all things I remember learning about at university!

I’m passionate about finding solutions to real-world problems. Geography is all around us, and experts are always coming up with solutions to better the world.

For more career profiles, visit: www.rgs.org/iamageographer 2019 • 11

Geographical

Career paths: Environment Nothing is more important than safeguarding our planet’s natural habitats, and no subject is better suited to give you the skills necessary to make a difference than geography...

Dr Kit Ying Angel Ng, Senior Geomorphologist

Sophie Leigh, Climate Change Consultant

Toby Arnold, Senior Environmental Underwriter

Arup

ERM

Aspen Insurance UK

Degree: Physical Geography, University of Hong Kong

Degree: Geography, Durham University

Degree: Environmental Science, Queen Mary University of London

I did my undergraduate degree majoring in Physical Geography and Master of Philosophy in Slope Geomorphology, and completed my PhD on Landslide Hazard Assessment at Durham University.

I work in Arup’s Hong Kong office as a geomorphologist/geologist. I was also appointed as a part-time lecturer at the University of Hong Kong teaching Physical Geography and Geomorphology.

I provide specialist assessments in a variety of site-specific and large regional scale development and infrastructure projects including geohazard mitigation strategies. I think geography is a broad subject that allows us to see the world in a more holistic way. It trains our mind to analyse our environment in various spatial and time scales – a sense of ‘space’ through time.

I studied A Level geography, geology and psychology and continued my passions at Durham University, selecting modules on governance, urban geographies and climate change perspectives to combine human behaviour with natural phenomena.

I work on projects within three main sectors: environment, health and safety, and climate change. This involves data analysis, team collaboration and client liaison to accurately report on climate change future scenarios. The work saves the lives of both people and animals, helps to prevent contamination of the natural world and creates innovative solutions to adapt to the ever changing planet.

This would not be possible without key geographical skills which teach you to incorporate many different scenarios and disciplines into one solution.

Going to university was probably the most useful thing I did. The three years studying Environmental Science enabled me to consider what I was good at, what I enjoyed and how I could use my skills to develop a career I was genuinely interested in.

I worked as a junior environmental consultant for a few years before completing a Masters in Environmental Technology. Today, my role at Aspen Insurance UK is to accept risk – for example, in the event of a pollution loss I promise to pay for remediation/ environmental damage restoration.

I see a wide range of risks, from small businesses up to global multi-nationals.

I can be underwriting a construction project in Israel one minute, a UK waste management contractor the next and a property transaction deal later in the day.

12 • 2019

Geographical

Career paths: Charity Working to directly benefit others is one of the most rewarding career choices open to you, and when it comes to charitable enterprises, geography’s multidisciplinary nature helps you see all angles...

Mark Evans, Executive Director

Megan Blyth, Community Empowerment Worker

Outward Bound Oman

Centre for Sustainable Energy

Degree: Environmental Sciences, Aberystwyth University

Degree: Geography, University of Edinburgh

The main turning point in my life was a six-week expedition to Arctic Norway with British Exploring Society, an experience that opened many doors, and led to a decade of Arctic exploration.

A few part time jobs after my degree saw me enter teaching, via a PGCE in geography at Aberystwyth. Teaching enabled me to continue expeditions, and travel. After a few years teaching in Kenya, I ended up in the Middle East, where I’ve been for more than 20 years.

My job is to give the organisation strategic direction, to inspire the staff to remain focused on our mission, and that the quality of what we do remains as high as possible. A typical week is spent at the Outward Bound office in Muscat, working with the staff, writing pitches for funding and meeting key stakeholders.

Whenever I can I try to get out into the field; that involves a two-hour drive either to the desert, or up to 8,000ft into the Jebel Akdhar mountains.

Geography is the one subject that pulls together all the various strands of life: history, economics, science and so on.

That ability to reflect on multiple sources of information and come to a balanced way forward is extremely helpful when running a small business. An awareness of the geopolitical situation in the region is important when formulating strategy, and keeping one eye on the economy enables me to shape pitches for support from both government and the private sector.

I chose geography because for me it was just so relevant to understanding life, and the world around me, the one subject that stitched all the others together.

My role in the Local and Community Empowerment team is extremely varied. A lot of my work is in supporting community energy groups. The energy world is constantly evolving through technological innovations and policy changes.

Geography has equipped me with the curiosity to make connections where others maybe don’t, and look at the world we live in through a critical lens while considering multiple perspectives. It provides you with the skills to go anywhere you want; it gets you outdoors, always exploring and asking questions. It’s also the most important degree to tackle the most critical challenge humanity has ever faced – climate change.

Geographers, we need you!

For more career profiles, visit: www.rgs.org/iamageographer 2019 • 13

Explore today’s Global Challenges Explore Today’s Global Challenges.

Create Sustainable Futures.

If you are fascinated by the relationship between people and places, taking Geography at Bath Spa will equip you to understand key global challenges, from climate change to sustainable development, and enable you to contribute to debates about our physical environment and the ways we interact with it.

We offer four courses: • BSc Geography • BSc Geography (Physical) • BSc Geography (Human) • BSc Global Development and Sustainability all with the option of a professional placement year.

Open Days: 12/26 October, 9/23 November Book on: www.bathspa.ac.uk/be-bath-spa/open-daysand-visits/open-days Course Enquiries to: h.winlow@bathspa.ac.uk Admissions service: 01225 876180, admissions@bathspa.ac.uk

@bathspageog

@bathspageog

90% student satisfaction Top 50 for Geography worldwide Best Students' Union in the UK...

10 years running

Study Geography at Sheffield.

The Queen Mary University of London School of Geography delivers diverse learning opportunities from experienced and passionate academics through lectures, state-of-the-art laboratories and a variety of fieldwork.

Our academics and students are committed to making a difference in the world. From climate change, sustainability and pollution, to the refugee crisis, development and questions of culture, identity and social justice, our research – and therefore your studies – reach out and touch upon some of society’s biggest and most pressing challenges.

Join us for our next Open Days on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th October, where you can meet and chat with current students, professors and researchers, join taster lectures and see our labs.

www.qmul.ac.uk/geog

Come to our open day:

Saturday 19 October 2019 sheffield.ac.uk/geography/ug According to National Student Survey 2019, QS University Rankings by Subject 2019 and Times Higher Education Student Survey 2009-2018

Follow us on Instagram

@qmulgeography

Geographical

Career paths: Education Using geography in academic sectors doesn’t only mean being a teacher. The subject’s core values provide a wealth of skills that can be used in all aspects of academia...

Rachel Taylor, International Education Coordinator

Dr Kenneth Lim, Research Scientist

Dr Mark Allan, Teacher of Geography and Physics

Monash University, Melbourne

National Institute of Education in Singapore

Whitburn CofE Academy

Degree: Cultural Geography, Royal Holloway, University of London At Monash I oversee the portfolios for Europe and South Africa, which means I manage the day-to-day requirements for all universities in these regions. A typical week usually involves relationship management, student support and communications, media and events.

Geography is everything in my role!

The cultural geography aspects of travel, tourism and government borders affect everything from student accessibility, visa processing timelines and/or requirements and quantitative trends in terms of where students are interested in going and the experiences my students have while they are overseas and when they come to Melbourne. I firmly believe that the more geography students there are in the world, the better the world will be!

Degree: Geography, University of Cambridge Since my degree, I have been working at the National Institute of Education in Singapore, initially in geography education, and more recently in the broader field of the learning sciences.

Geography is absolutely critical to my work. For projects which are more explicitly geographical in nature, such as our recent collaboration with schools in West Java, Indonesia, on the use of low-cost environmental sensors, understanding of core-periphery relationships have really helped us design for local adoption and scaling.

Geography has given me the ability to appreciate both the physical and the social sciences, the ability to understand systems and scales, and an ever-growing curiosity and optimism about the world around us.

Degree: Geography, Northumbria University I’m a newly qualified teacher of geography and physics. In a typical week, I deliver lessons to pupils ranging in age from 11 to 18 on subjects from across the geography spectrum; from slum conditions in Mumbai to animal and plant adaptations in the Amazon rainforest, statistical data skills to cartographic techniques and GIS. The most enjoyable aspect of the job is when you can share your passion and enthusiasm with children in the classroom.

Geography is of great importance as the global population faces opportunities and challenges. If our next generations are going to tackle these, they require a solid education in which they learn about physical processes and human interactions.

For more career profiles, visit: www.rgs.org/iamageographer 2019 • 15

Geographical

Career paths:

Transport and Building The infrastructure of tomorrow is dependent on understanding the roles it plays in different societies. Geography ties this layer of understanding together like no other subject ...

Damien McCloud, Associate Director

Emma Ballard, Surveyor

Ellie Morris, Assistant Project Manager

Arup

Knight Frank

Lendlease

Degree: Physical Geography, University of Sheffield

Degree: Geography, Durham University

Degree: Physical Geography, University of Exeter

I lead a team of 45 people at Arup which is a mix of data analysts, data engineers, GIS and geospatial professionals, remote sensing professionals and software developers, to help the company deliver their business to clients.

I am also a Global Skills Leader for our skills network which is a community which I help set the learning agenda, create learning paths and materials, and fund projects to help get everyone moving in the direction the industry is going.

We have done a variety of projects from hydrogen through to electric vehicles, it’s so broad, the common theme is location and being able to understand the questions you’re asking and its application.

This is where geography has a lot of value because it gives you an understanding of the world you’re applying this to.

As a surveyor you can be involved in a variety of aspects of property including agency, investment, valuation and asset management. Commercial surveying involves dealing with commercial properties. Geography teaches us to question the world around us and to understand how humans interact with the physical and the built environments.

In my work geography helps in understanding how the physical features of a location affect the value of property, and also allows us to appreciate how the national and local economies and demographics influence the property market. Geography is also important through the technical skills of map reading, measuring buildings and being comfortable working with numbers for valuation and investment work.

I absolutely loved the content of my degree, each module was so varied and different.

My current role is project management and I tend to work within the construction industry. So far I have worked on a number of projects including a new building which will be the headquarters of Google, a dual carriageway tunnel being built under the Thames, a new sustainability initiative at a development near the Olympic park, and the installation of digital advertising screens across London’s underground.

Studying geography allows you to build up an arsenal of practical skills which can be applied in many different contexts. It’s one reason why people who study it go on to have such diverse careers!

16 • 2019

For more career profiles, visit: www.rgs.org/iamageographer

Astounding value!

GREENLAND’S HIDDEN LAKES

NAVIGATING THE CROWDED SEAS

THE SKYSCRAPERS OF TOMORROW

Geographical

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE 30%

www.geographical.co.uk

MAGAZINE OF THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY (WITH IBG)

September 2019 • £4.50

SLASH & BURN WHY THE PLANET IS STILL UNDER DIRE THREAT FROM DEFORESTATION

Plotting the Future

PLUS

HOW DIGITAL MAPPING IS RESHAPING OUR LIVES

a FREE set of Geographical binoculars

PLUS: THE STORY OF CARTOGRAPHY’S PAST

with every 12-month subscription (UK addresses only)

Subscribe for yourself or a friend

Guyana’s Dilemma

CAN SOUTH AMERICA’S NEXT BIG OIL NATION STAY GREEN?

Healing Gardens TREATING THE VICTIMS OF IRAQ’S WAR

Respecting Uluru

THE BAN ON CLIMBING AUSTRALIA’S ICONIC TOURIST SPOT

Front Cover - FINAL.indd 1

YOUR FREE GIFT

SPECIAL EDITION GEOGRAPHICAL 5X30 BINOCULARS These compact binoculars have an easy-to-use focusing dial, feature a 5x magnification and are easy to hold while you’re out and about thanks to the rubberised accents and grips.

ONLY £38 – SAVING 30% ON THE COVER PRICE

(offer applies to UK addresses only)

UK: £9.50 per quarter or £38 per year* PLUS FREE GIFT Europe: £49 per year Rest of the world: £59 per year

06/08/2019 4:40 pm

ORDER NOW! On the web: www.geosubs.co.uk/PO19 Telephone: 01635 588 496 quoting code PO19 Or send form below to:

GEOGRAPHICAL, Freepost RTUS-AXXE-SCGK, Unit K, Venture House, Bone Lane, NEWBURY, RG14 5SH

* Free gifts apply to UK Direct Debit and credit/debit card orders only. In the event of excessive demand, we reserve the right to replace your free gift with an alternative gift of equal or greater value. Offer valid until 30/9/2019.

I would like to subscribe/renew for myself – includes FREE BINOCULARS when you pay by Direct Debit, credit or debit card I would like to subscribe/renew for a friend – includes FREE BINOCULARS if you are an existing subscriber or RGS member I would like to subscribe/renew for both myself and a friend – includes FREE BINOCULARS This is a: new order YOUR DETAILS

renewal

Title First name Surname Address Postcode Telephone Email

RECIPIENT (if different from above) Title First name Surname Address Postcode Telephone Email

Just £9.50 by quarterly Direct Debit £38 by annual Direct Debit - includes FREE GIFT Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by Direct Debit. Please fill in the name and full postal address of your bank or building society.

CHEQUE/POSTAL ORDER I enclose a cheque for £38 made payable to ‘Geographical’ CREDIT/DEBIT CARD

To: The Manager (bank name)

Bank address Postcode Name(s) of account holder(s) Account number Branch sort code

Originator’s identification number

8 3 8 5 6 1 Signature Date

Please charge £38 to my MasterCard/Visa card: Card no.

Expiry date Valid from Issue no. (if applicable) 3-digit card security code: Signature Date If you DO NOT wish to receive details by post or email of products and services available from Geographical, please tick here.

If you DO NOT wish to receive details by post or email direct from carefully selected companies, please tick here.

Instruction to your bank or building society. Please pay Syon Geographical by Direct Debit from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with Syon Geographical and if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

Post to: GEOGRAPHICAL, Freepost RTUS-AXXE-SCGK, Unit K, Venture House, Bone Lane, NEWBURY, RG14 5SH

P019

Geographical

University Open Days Freshman geography student at the University of Sussex, Helena Hosking, offers advice on how to get the most out of visiting a prospective campus...

I

t can be a daunting prospect entering an unknown city or town and trying to imagine yourself walking the streets, going to the pub and lugging yourself to lectures.

However, university open days are a good opportunity not only to get to know your course and the differing modules it has to offer, but most importantly the place where you will be living for the next several years. So how to best make use of these visits?

Often the lectures at an open day offer much the same information given to you on a university’s website, so they may seem futile as part of your open day ‘experience’. Yet, they can be helpful to get a feel of the lecture halls and, most importantly, the lecturers who will likely be teaching you. If you’re applying for the same course at several different places, the subject talks can be a good way to highlight specific differences between each university.

For example, some unis offer a year abroad, additional modules, or specific field work you might be interested

in. Noting these down is a must as, although it will all be fresh in your head at the time, many of these details will be forgotten by the time you’ve travelled up and down the country comparing multiple establishments.

Open days offer talks on student life, extracurricular activities and the all-important application process.

These can offer vital insights as they give you a glance into university life, often delivered by student speakers who can give a very honest depiction of what it’s like to live on a particular campus – the societies, student services, resources, clubs and nightlife on offer. The application lecture is also helpful if you are concerned about the grade requirements for a particular course as they explain the tariff points system.

One of the most important aspects of any open day is the accommodation tour. You absolutely don’t want to miss this! Whether you want to live in student halls or a flat, these tours are really helpful for scouting out the best place for your individual needs, and some of the important factors to consider are the location (are you going to be close to your lectures?), the accommodation size (is there enough storage), and whether the setup is catered or selfcatered – just how good are your cooking skills?

Subject fairs are a good place to talk to students and lecturers about your course in more detail, discuss the balance of exams to coursework, actual student experiences of a course and general university life. You can ask any personal questions you like and also get a chance to read some of the third-year dissertations, important for giving you an idea of a course’s end point.

Open days can be hectic and overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of exactly what you’re looking for. But that’s why you’re there! They can help clarify where you want to be living and studying for the next three or four years. One final tip – I would definitely advise exploring the nearby city or town after you’ve been to the talks themselves in order to get a feel for the local geography and make sure it’s right for you.

•

2019 • 19

Geographical

University Directory A comprehensive listing of places to study geography in the UK...

Aberdeen T: +44(0) 1970 622 606 W: geog.gr/2L2vjG8

Bristol T: +44(0) 1173 941 649 W: geog.gr/2Mtz0ZT

Durham T: +44(0) 1913 341 800 W: geog.gr/2MPsEQG

Aberystwyth T: +44(0) 1970 623 111 W: geog.gr/2Mkb7VG

Cambridge T: +44(0) 1223 333 399 W: geog.gr/2MzGvPm

East Anglia T: +44(0) 1603 591 709 W: geog.gr/2vM1IMc

Bangor T: +44(0) 1248 351 151 W: geog.gr/2nJj4VK

Canterbury Christ Church T: +44(0) 1227767700 W: geog.gr/2OG3h5n

Edge Hill T: +44(0) 1695 584 421 W: geog.gr/2nIvwVJ

Bath Spa T: +44(0) 1225 876 180 W: geog.gr/2Petw3L

Cardiff T: +44(0) 2920 874 022 W: geog.gr/2Mm8IJQ

Edinburgh T: +44(0) 1316 503 565 W: geog.gr/2Pew9m7

Birkbeck T: +44(0) 20 3073 8000 W: geog.gr/2lu67RA

Central Lancashire T: +44(0) 1772 892 400 W: geog.gr/2MU7y4v

Exeter T: +44(0) 1392 722 257 W: geog.gr/2vO4q3I

Birmingham T: +44(0) 1214 146 162 W: geog.gr/2Mi1hmV

Chester T: +44(0) 1244 511 729 W: geog.gr/2nJsP5W

Glasgow T: +44(0) 1413 302 000 W: geog.gr/2Bhms3A

Bishop Grossteste University T: +44(0) 1522 527 347 W: geog.gr/2MzEhzu

Coventry T: +44(0) 2477 657 688 W: geog.gr/2MvXbam

Gloucestershire T: +44(0) 1242 714 700 W: geog.gr/2P7ZYoF

Bournemouth T: +44(0) 1202 966 777 W: geog.gr/2w7bt79

Derby T: +44(0) 1332 591 167 W: geog.gr/2nHQjZj

Greenwich T: +44(0) 2083 319 000 W: geog.gr/2vKMS8E

Brighton T: +44(0) 1273 600 900 W: geog.gr/2L1USXA

Dundee T: +44(0) 1382 383 000 W: geog.gr/2wcVYKG

Harper Adams T: +44(0) 1952 815 000 W: geog.gr/2kpSNxn

20 • 2019

Geographical

Heriot Watt T: +44(0) 131 451 8224 W: geog.gr/2jSQ1Aw

King’s College London T: +44(0) 2078 488 720 W: geog.gr/2MwqSYE

Liverpool T: +44(0)1517 950 618 W: geog.gr/2Pc2cTU

Hertfordshire T: +44(0) 1707 284 000 W: geog.gr/2MOT069

Kingston T: +44(0) 2084 179 000 W: geog.gr/2BaOA8x

Liverpool Hope T: +44(0) 1512 913 000 W: geog.gr/2w9PlsK

Highlands and Islands T: +44(0) 1463 273000 W: geog.gr/2yF8PHx

Lancaster T: +44(0) 152 465 201 W: geog.gr/2BgFM0J

Liverpool John Moores T: +44(0) 1512 315 090 W: geog.gr/2vPpJ4V

Huddersfield T: +44(0) 330 123 2277 W: geog.gr/2lWmwi9

Leeds T: +44(0) 113 343 300 W: geog.gr/2vKV9JA

London School of Economics T: +44(0) 2078 523 636 W: geog.gr/2PfwGob

Hull T: +44(0) 1482 346 311 W: geog.gr/2vNcfH3

Leeds Beckett T: +44(0) 113 812 0000 W: geog.gr/2korkME

London South Bank T: +44(0) 800 923 8888 W: geog.gr/2lWnivz

Keele T: +44(0) 1782 732 000 W: geog.gr/2wcx4uC

Leicester T: +44(0) 1162 523 933 W: geog.gr/2Mmf0Js

Loughborough T: +44(0) 1509 222 222 W: geog.gr/2PeXmoX

Kent T: +44(0) 1227 768896 W: geog.gr/2knqqQv

Lincoln T: +44(0) 1522 882 000 W: geog.gr/2MRjJzj

Manchester T: +44(0) 1612 750 969 W: geog.gr/2KZV61p 2019 • 21

Geographical

University Directory (...continued) Manchester Metropolitan T: +44(0) 1612 472 000 W: geog.gr/2BhCN8q

Queen Mary, London T: +44(0) 2078 828 200 W: geog.gr/2OFC2aZ

Stirling T: +44(0) 1786 473 171 W: geog.gr/2KYIdEM

Newcastle T: +44(0) 1012 083 923 W: geog.gr/2OHNSS1

Queen’s University Belfast T: +44(0) 2890 245 133 W: geog.gr/2MkDymo

Sussex T: +44(0) 1273 606 755 W: geog.gr/2MlAWV2

Northampton T: +44(0) 3003 032 772 W: geog.gr/2nGdnYv

Reading T: +44(0) 1189 875 123 W: geog.gr/2vNiB9j

Swansea T: +44(0) 1792 205 678 W: geog.gr/2PfK37R

Northumbria T: +44(0) 1912 326 002 W: geog.gr/2vPAO65

Royal Holloway T: +44(0) 1784 434 455 W: geog.gr/2PfSSOW

UCL T: +44(0) 2076 790 500 W: geog.gr/2BidGCk

Nottingham T: +44(0) 1159 515 559 W: geog.gr/2vMvGzG

Salford T: +44(0) 1612 955 000 W: geog.gr/2KXURnJ

Ulster T: +44(0) 28 7012 3456 W: geog.gr/2nHfFGD

Nottingham Trent T: +44(0) 1159 418 418 W: geog.gr/2MgfPnf

Sheffield T: +44(0) 1142 227 900 W: geog.gr/2PfGQ8j

UWE Bristol T: +44(0) 1179 656 261 W: geog.gr/2OGkThk

Open University T: +44(0) 300 303 5303 W: geog.gr/2lu8JPo

Sheffield Hallam T: +44(0) 1142 255 555 W: geog.gr/2nHsmBx

Winchester T: +44(0) 1962 827 234 W: geog.gr/2nJX1y4

Oxford T: +44(0) 1865 285 070 W: geog.gr/2vPwhAx

South Wales T: +44(0) 3455 760 101 W: geog.gr/2MwIQdy

Wolverhampton T: +44(0) 1902 32 22 22 W: geog.gr/2lNHbEK

Oxford Brookes T: +44(0) 1865 484 848 W: geog.gr/2PgxR6S

Southampton T: +44(0) 2380 99 586 W: geog.gr/2MkD6UX

Worcester T: +44(0) 1905 855 000 W: geog.gr/2OH89Y5

Plymouth T: +44(0) 1752 600 600 W: geog.gr/2MRApGO

St Andrews T: +44(0) 1334 462 894 W: geog.gr/2wdbHJI

York T: +44(0) 4167 365 107 W: geog.gr/2MRcDuz

Portsmouth T: +44(0) 2392 842 504 W: geog.gr/2vOtY0C

Staffordshire T: +44(0) 1782 294 000 W: geog.gr/2BhcX4u

York St John T: +44(0) 1904 624624 W: geog.gr/2jZUoKi

22 • 2019

Geography degrees at Aberdeen may be studied as a MA or a BSc and students can choose to focus on Human Geography (MA), Physical Geography (BSc), or follow a Joint Honours programme of study. The single Honours Geography degrees are accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). The curriculum has real-world relevance, introducing students to many of the most pressing problems faced by society today and ways in which those problems may be resolved.

Most Geography students follow the traditional four-year Scottish undergraduate degree with nonScottish domiciled UK students paying fees for their first three years only. We offer direct entry into Year Two for outstanding students. There are opportunities to include a semester, or a year, studying abroad and most students undertake their exchange programme in Year Two. Geography courses are delivered via a mix of lectures, small group teaching, labs and computerbased practical classes, including GIS (Geographic Information System). Honours courses link directly to staff research areas and include, for example, transport, rural studies, digital geographies, environmental change (palaeoecology), glaciology and environmental hydrology. Our field-based teaching brings the subject alive, is fun and helps develop team working skills.

Residential field courses are offered in Years Two (to various locations in Scotland) and Three (European and North American destinations). Across the degree programme students learn a suite of skills transferable to the job market and our graduates have an excellent record of securing graduate-level employment.

We are a friendly Department, staff doors are open and there is a vibrant student-led Geography Society that runs events throughout the year.

Come and study Geography at Aberdeen, the fifth oldest university in the UK, in the year that the Department celebrates its centenary.

Open Day: 5th October 2019 Offer Holder Day 25th March 2020 Book a campus visit anytime • Email: geography@abdn.ac.uk for further information on the Geography degrees

TAKE THE NEXT STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE Study at the University of Greenwich Physical Geography BSc Hons Environmental Science BSc Hons

Come and visit us!

Open Days: 12th October & 23rd November 2019 Or arrange a visit by contacting: study-at-NRI@gre.ac.uk

Photo Credit: Louise Sinnock

University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TB t: +44 (0)208 331 9000 e: courseinfo@gre.ac.uk Geography: www.gre.ac.uk/ug/engsci/f801 Environmental Science: www.gre.ac.uk/ug/engsci/f918

@nrinstitute naturalresourcesinstitute nriuniversityofgreenwich N250-9