Geographical
Current students share their views Thinking about studying geography? Here’s what a few geography students have to say
Francisca Rockey
Sarah Hui Ann Tan
Katie James
Bsc Geography York St John University
BA Geography The London School of Economics and Political Science
Environmental science University of Greenwich
I always knew I wanted to continue with my education. When I was looking at what subject I wanted to study I wasn’t thinking about what’s going to make me the most money – I thought: what do I actually have a passion for? I’m most interested in physical geography, but I do like human modules as well and I can do both with a BSc. I want to go on to do an MSc in disaster management and resilience when I finish my undergraduate, because the area of geography that I’m most interested in is natural hazards and management of them. The area of the world I’m interested in is Southeast Asia. I want to be equipped with everything I need to know to be able to actually go and help in areas of the world where there are disasters occurring, and maybe take away some of the more western ideas of management as well. 8 . 2020
Intuitively, I knew I was more of a human geographer. Hence, when it came to researching universities and modules I was most attracted to the BA Geography programme. Opportunities to engage with independent research has been for me, the best part. The biggest highlight was definitely my experience as an Undergraduate Research Fellow in my second and third year, working with Dr Thomas Smith. From brainstorming initial ideas and conducting fieldwork, to writing manuscript drafts, and ultimately, submitting a manuscript and responding to peer reviewers and editors, the Fellowship was an extremely meaningful experience. Another memorable highlight was our programme’s fieldwork trip to Havana, Cuba in second year. I had an incredible week exploring a new environment and conducting independent fieldwork.
I took a few years out of studying to decide what I wanted to do. I had a key interest in working within the natural sciences and so I attended an open day and spoke to Dr Peter Burt, the programme leader for Environmental Science and Geography at Greenwich. It was his enthusiasm which made me choose Greenwich. I can honestly say I enjoyed every moment of my degree. Being taught by the researchers who actively research environmental issues and how to work towards global development instilled in me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the field. I am currently undertaking my PhD at the University of Greenwich in: ‘The role of species-combination pollination systems in crop production, crop stress responses and fruit/vegetable quality’. I am focusing on how different pollinators interact with one another and how this can affect crop yields and quality in England and Tanzania.
