We speak to nine geography and environmental science students to find out more about their experiences of undergraduate and postgraduate study at a range of UK universities
Francisca Rockey
Bsc Geography
York St John University
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.
Hear more from Francisca and the organisation she founded: Black Geographers here
Joseph Thomas
BSc Geography
Newcastle University
I never originally intended to study geography, but an excellent A-level teacher and a year spent in the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies changed my mind. After a few frantic calls at 4 in the morning to get a place at Newcastle University on clearing, I was set. I’ve spent my degree so far on a primarily physical geography pathway, which has given me a new perspective on the natural world. Newcastle’s degree programme is heavily research-forward, from which I’ve benefitted. I feel I’ve had a thorough opportunity to develop critical reading and writing skills whilst learning about topics that interest me. The support from my university has allowed me to explore some stunning locations: the Northumberland coast, the Lake District and Donegal, to name a few.
I’ve just finished a month-long research expedition to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, with five other students. We’ve studied the impacts of climate change on Russell Glacier, an outlet to the Greenland Ice Sheet, by quantifying and mapping glaciological, geomorphological, and biogeographical processes. In total, we completed six research projects to produce our dissertations. The trip required a serious amount of planning, which was particularly helped by the departments’ research, safety and technical staff. We couldn’t have completed this without the generous support of Newcastle University and our other funders: The Gino Watkins Memorial Fund, The Royal Geographical Society, The Sonia Stonehouse Fund, The Andrew Croft Memorial Fund, The Arctic Club and the Confederation of Scandinavian Societies.
As to where geography will take me next, I’m unsure. Currently, I’ll be happy if I can find a way to combine my passion for the outdoors with a career in trying to understand it. Undoubtedly, studying geography at university has broadened and deepened my perspectives on the world, and I’d love to continue studying it further.
Katie James
Environmental science
University of Greenwich
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.
Charlie Pugh
BSc Geography
My main passion is travelling, which I do at every opportunity. I always try to immerse myself in different cultures and traditions where possible and explore new places, therefore I decided to study geography. The mixture of the modules at Aberystwyth allowed me to study interactions and concepts surrounding people, while also allowing me to get my hands dirty in the lab when learning about environmental processes.
Learn more about geography at Aberystwyth University
Wing Wong
BSc Geography and Urban and Regional Planning
Birmingham University
As an A-level student, I found the University of Birmingham’s BSc Geography and Urban and Regional Planning course to be an ideal fit for my interests. Partially accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), it offers professional recognition and a clear path toward becoming a Chartered Town Planner.
What drew me in was the balance between geography and planning, with modules like Urban Policy Design and Planning Analysis. These courses not only cover theory but also help me build practical skills, like using statistical tools such as R-Studio while working on real-world challenges like policy briefs and neighbourhood plans. The guest lectures from industry professionals, both in the private and public sectors, add invaluable real-world perspectives.
The course offers a variety of fascinating modules across both human and physical geography. I’ve had the chance to explore urban and development geography alongside topics like hydrogeology and ecological systems. Depending on my focus, I could go on field trips to places like Rotterdam, Berlin, or Switzerland, and there’s even an optional fieldwork module in Tokyo in the third year!
One of the program highlights is the third-year placement module, where students like me gain hands-on experience in public or private sectors—working with organizations like Birmingham City Council or West Midlands Police. This practical experience has really prepared me for a career in planning and related fields.
Learn more about geography Birmingham University
Ellie Harvey
BSc Geography
University of Nottingham
Studying geography has expanded my view of the degree in terms of how truly multi-disciplinary this subject is. Through geography I have been able to chase my aspirations of working in botany and conservation. Being positioned in the middle of the country has enabled trips to the Peak District, Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, which has helped to translate theory into surveying and data collection skills.
Jamie MacManaway
BSc Geography
University of the Highlands and Islands
From the physical processes responsible for forming the landscapes around us, to the way that human societies are shaped by (and shape) their environments – geography has it all. I was drawn to study as a mature student after a decade of working in adventure tourism and outdoor education. Over that time, I became increasingly interested in issues surrounding environmental sustainability, and decided that I’d like to actively pursue a career in that field.
Louis Smith-Lassey
BSc Geography
University of Liverpool
MA Urban Design and Planning
Southbank University
I was very fortunate at my university to be able to do planning modules. Luckily, I’ve been able to do some internships within planning this year, especially within green space, which is what I really enjoy – bringing natural and urban environments together. Being able to take everything that I’ve learned and put it all into a career is a very fortunate thing to be able to do.
Hear more from Louis and the organisation Black Geographers here
Matthew Earp
Bsc Geography
University of Derby
After I completed my A-Levels I was unsure where I wanted my career to go. I chose geography due to its range of interesting topics that are heavily applicable in day-to-day life, as well as being increasingly relevant to current global issues (climate change, pollution, renewable energy). I believed this would give me a wide range of potential career paths, a thought which proved true after I joined a ‘Career Preparation for Geographers’ course in my second year.
