Top tips for geography courses in Clearing

Hi, my name is Dr James Robinson and I’m a Senior Lecturer in Human Geography.

What research should I do to prepare?

We have three undergraduate degree options:

• BSc (Hons) Geography

This course focuses on developing the knowledge and tools needed to analyse how human life and the physical environment interact and influence each other.

• BSc (Hons) Human Geography

Exploring the relationship between space and society, Human Geography steps into the fascinating worlds of social, cultural, political and economic geography.

• BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

This course takes a scientific approach to the study of the Earth’s complex physical, chemical, biological and anthropogenic systems and processes, to help assess the impacts of environmental change.

To help you with your choice of programme, you must think about, and research, the geographical or environmental issues that drive your curiosities about the world around us.

What issues interest or inspire you? What would you like to learn more about? What methods, techniques, skills or experiences would you like to develop to further your understanding of those issues? How would you like your degree to be able to help you contribute to addressing the pressing societal or environmental challenges that define the 21^st century?

Reflecting on and researching some initial responses to these questions will help you identify which course is best for you and your passions about these subjects.

You might also want to research the career possibilities with a degree in Geography, Human Geography or Environmental Science. Our graduates have found careers in a range of sectors, including:

• education
• transport planning
• the civil service
• environmental consultancy
• urban planning
• the recycling industry
• the international environmental charity sector
• the energy efficiency industry 

What’s one key piece of advice you would give to a student entering the course through Clearing?

Before you call, research the different undergraduate programmes we offer. Don’t be afraid to contact us and ask any questions that you have. We want to help you make the right choice based on your interests and passions.

What do you look for in prospective students?

We are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about Geography and the Environment and who share our values and responsibilities as global citizens. 

We want to make the world a better place and inspire others by understanding how society and nature interact. Through this, we might overcome and address the challenges that affect our human, physical and environmental worlds.

How can I impress you on the call?

Showcase your enthusiasm and tell us what inspires you. Show us you are keen to learn and want to develop your knowledge. Impress us with your desire to experience new methods and techniques for exploring our social and natural worlds, in the field or the lab. Your interview call is the first step for you to join us on this incredible journey.

Is there anything I can do beyond looking at the course page?

Many of the issues we explore in Geography and Environmental Science affect us in the here and now. We strongly encourage you to keep yourself up-to-date about the world’s most pressing challenges as reported in the news. From ongoing scientific and political debates about climate change such as the ice shelf collapse in the Polar Regions to the global impacts of contemporary conflict. Keeping up-to-date with these topical discussions showcases the relevance of Geography, Human Geography and the Environmental Sciences in their own unique way.

We’d also encourage you to keep yourself informed of developments within the wider academic community, through organisations such as:

• Royal Geographical Society
• Institution of Environmental Sciences
• Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

What are some common misconceptions of Clearing you’d like to address?

Many of our current students who have been through this process will tell you that Clearing opens up doors to experiences that maybe you hadn’t been planning on or expecting. The opportunity to come and study in a fascinating city, to become part of a friendly, warm and vibrant community of staff and students, and to also be able to come and explore the world through new lenses and possibilities.