Student Opinions
Tom Bishop
Degree: Geography BSc
A Levels: Geography, English, History and Economics
From: West London
I chose geography at the University of Manchester because I knew the breadth of the course would allow me to study the areas that interested me whilst at the same time giving me a good all round knowledge of the discipline.
When I arrived in Manchester I was interested in issues surrounding poverty, natural resources and climate change, but after starting the course I quickly realised that my real interest lay in physical geography.
The flexibility in the course structure allowed me to focus my study in this area whilst retaining the breadth of study that makes Geography graduates unique.
I always had access to the books and journals I needed, and the extensive laboratory facilities ensured I was free to be creative and ambitious in my dissertation and other research projects.
The staff made sure I had the support I needed to push my study into areas I found challenging.
Not everyone enjoys wet, windy days in the field, but it was what I enjoyed most on the course. My course options meant I was on fieldwork all over the country, including the Dark Peaks, the Lakes and Wales, and abroad in Ireland.
I love the outdoors and the course allowed me to combine this with study. Geographers are friendly and sociable sorts and tend to get involved in societies and community groups - I'll still see the friends I made on the course long after we have all finished.
Having enjoyed working on a number of research projects as part of the course, and feeling ready to start contributing to the field I've set my heart on a career in geography; I am going to start working towards a PhD in September on a project improving our records of past climate change in South America.