What our students say
Thoughts about Geography degrees at Lancaster by some of our past students:
Mike Stainsby (BSc Geography, 2012)
Intern at the World Glacier Monitoring Service, Switzerland
Studying at Lancaster has not only developed my geographical skills and breadth of knowledge, but has also provided me with numerous experiences that have helped me grow as an individual and so make me more employable. My undergraduate degree took me from the stunning glacial landscapes of southern Iceland and the Swiss Alps to the bustling metropolis that is New York City.
BSc Geography is an intellectually challenging and rewarding course which undoubtedly paved the way for me to gain an internship with the World Glacier Monitoring Service, Switzerland. Lancaster Geography offers great facilities, opportunity for travel and an excellent standard of teaching. If offered, I would most certainly do it all over again!
Daniel Sayle (BSc Geography/N.America, 2012)
now working towards a Ph.D.
Completing my Geography degree at Lancaster has been a great experience! The first year provided me with comprehensive knowledge in human and physical geography that really prepared me for the highlight of my degree that was studying abroad in Colorado. While there I worked for NASA and other world leading institutes and I got to ski in the Rocky Mountains almost every weekend. My final year has allowed me to study topics I enjoy in real depth and provided opportunities to do field work in northern Spain. Post-graduation, my degree has equipped me with the skills to gain a real edge in the job market which is as important as ever.
Helen Hollingworth (BSc Physical Geography/Australasia, 2011)
working at Northern PowerGrid
What attracted me to geography at Lancaster was the wide range of opportunities on offer. I was lucky enough to take part in a year abroad in Australia, which looked fantastic on my CV to potential employers. The wide range of modules on offer allowed me to tailor the course to what I enjoyed most and develop skills valued by employers including time management, independent working and some more specialist skills such as geographical information systems and working in labs.
I am now employed by Northern PowerGrid an electricity distribution company. My role includes liaising with landowners, the environment agency and local authorities to ensure that the lights are kept on. The skills I’ve learnt throughout my degree have played pivotal role in me obtaining employment with me using them on a daily basis.
Jemma Fells (BA Geography, 2010)
Organic Tea industry, India
My degree from Lancaster has equipped me with many skills, but mostly I feel it brought out my talents and passion for the subject. My passion for social and environmental issues was built upon with relevant knowledge and skills to give me confidence to use it. Since completing my degree I have been working at an organic and fair-trade tea estate in India, where a sustainable model for the future is being built. I feel privileged to be involved in projects like this, seeing what I studied happening in real life is really inspiring.
The staff in the environment centre really helped me develop a keen sense of what I wanted to achieve with my degree. My dissertation especially has enabled me to talk to people in the areas that I am interested in working in.
Irma Rekic (BA Geography, 2009)
National Health Service
Studying Geography at Lancaster was a truly enriching experience and has given me a wide range of skills and a great amount of confidence. The department gave me support to overcome any difficulties I encountered and enabled me to fulfill my potential. The course gives you a lot of freedom and guidance is always available, particularly with your dissertation, so you can choose a subject you are really interested in.
Stewart Jordan (BSc Geography, 2009)
Graduate Flood Risk Scientist, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
The last three years I have spent studying Geography at Lancaster University have undoubtedly helped me to attain the position of a Graduate Flood Risk Scientist within the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. The flexible module structure of the course allowed me to gain not only an excellent broad understanding of Geography as a whole, but also an advanced specialist understanding of the areas in which I was most interested via the choice of modules I undertook. Skills learnt and developed both in the classroom and field have proved to be invaluable both in the job role and the Masters course I was enlisted upon as part of my position. The unique mix of activities and opportunities offered by the University allowed me to make the most of the time I spent at Lancaster, both academically and socially.
Emily Pile (BA Economics and Geography, 2009)
Graduate trainee accountant, Deloitte
The variety of course choices and the focus placed on innovative ways of learning attracted me to Lancaster University and my instincts proved correct as I’ve had a fantastic time! I was selected for the Deloitte summer scheme in my second year and as a result I have been offered a permanent position as a graduate trainee accountant.
The range of skills gained from studying Geography was pivotal in securing my job. Of particular value were the research skills I gained combined with an ability to distil key ideas and present these to clients and colleagues in seminars and briefings.
Our current students
Doing Geography (environmental change) at Lancaster has been thoroughly enjoyable. Both the human and physical elements of the course cover different aspects of environmental change which are approached very differently to that learnt at A Level. The lecturers and your tutors are extremely approachable and are always there if you need some help or advice.
Helen Wike, BSc Geography (Environmental Change)
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year studying Geography here at Lancaster. Throughout this year I have covered a wide range of topics, from globalisation and wealth to volcanic eruptions and avalanches! You have the opportunity to acquire both new geographical skills and develop inter-personal skills through things like presentations, group work and working with GIS software. I would strongly recommend a Geography degree at Lancaster to anyone who has an interest in the world around them and current issues such as climate change and sustainability.
Bethany Shaw, BSc Geography