Choosing a Course

Geography

The options for study are pretty vast, so look carefully at what the course offers. There are a number of key common geographical concepts taught across all the institutions and although the names may vary, concepts such as "geographical methods and theory" or "environment and society" are likely to crop up some-where along the line. After that, the choice is wider and modules can vary across courses. The options tend to be based around the research interests and specialisms of departmental staff. It is, therefore, particularly important to look at these research interests and the course content in detail to decide which university course best suits your interests and career plans.

Fieldwork is an appealing and integral part of most geography degrees. Check what the options are, and whether they coincide with the course choices you are making. If you want to work on coastal erosion, you need to be sure that the university's strengths are not in urban regeneration. Some offer field trips outside the UK, which can he especially rewarding. But wherever you end up, don't forget that you'll be working. It isn't a holiday you know.

Environmental sciences

Courses can vary considerably in their content so look carefully to see what suits your background and interests. Some contain mostly science, and no elements of political or social science, while others are at the opposite extreme. If you're heading in a certain direction - maybe you'd like to concentrate on particular scientific areas - then look at those departments at the institution too. You may be being taught by tutors from, for example, the biosciences department, so check the strength of that as well.

Look too at the specialisation of the departments and those who teach in them. Some places will be better than others for climate change, for global warming or for environmental chemistry. Those who do the research in these fields are often the ones who can impart the most excitement in the subject, so find where your own interests lie and try to have them coincide with the teaching strengths of your course.

Some courses last four years, and include a year studying abroad. This can he valuable both for your studies and for your own personal development. You could end up studying pollution in East Asia, or the effects of global warming in Australia. It can he a rewarding experience, but you may prefer shorter field trips closer to home. These too can be part of your course, so make sure you're aware of the possibilities. For field trips, location can be a factor. Do you want to spend six hours in a rattling minibus every time you go on a trip, or would you prefer to be on the doorstep of the Pennines? The corollary of that is, of course, that your university may be near the hills, but is there a decent club to be found?

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