Kingston University London

Name: Leah Michaelides
Age: 21
Course: BSc(Hons) Geographical Information Systems (GIS) – 4 year sandwich course
Level: In final year
Route to University: A-levels
Accommodation: Halls of residence

“I enjoyed studying geography and excelled in the subject when I did my GCSE and A-level exams.  So I felt I should do a geographical-related degree that would involve computer work, which I am also good at.

"I had a choice of universities so I did some research and found out that Kingston University is a world leader in GIS.  I have since discovered that the town has a fantastic choice of restaurants, nightlife and cafés.

"The course lecturers are very good.  They will go to any lengths to help out – suggesting books to read or giving advice about coursework.  They are also really enthusiastic and that makes me feel motivated to work harder.  

"I decided to do a placement because I felt that I needed to gain as much experience as possible while I was at university.  So far it has been the highlight of the course.  I was lucky enough to work for Ordnance Survey, which interacts with Kingston University regularly.  I worked in one of the main operating system departments, doing research and developing ideas that would benefit the department.  I learnt so much about how maps are made and how GIS is used in the mapping system. Now I am applying that knowledge to my fourth year modules.

"Since I have been at Kingston, I have realised that I’d love to do some kind of marine-related work.  I am hoping to do a masters degree that will enable me to specialise in this field.   At university you are your own person, and this helps you to recognise what you want from life.”

Comments from other GIS students at Kingston:

“The support of the staff was great – they really helped me and they were always so enthusiastic.”

“Feedback on my progress was detailed and rapid, which meant I could take comments on board and progress much more effectively.”

“The fieldwork was really enjoyable. I found it helpful to work with other students and to actually use GIS in the real world. The trip to Malta was one of the highlights of the course and gave us an opportunity to develop skills and experience in using all sorts of mobile mapping technology.”

"The trip to the USA was fantastic!  We saw many exciting landscapes and how geography is used in the real world.  We visited the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Monument Valley and ended in Las Vegas.  I’d recommend the course for this field trip alone."

“This course gave me a great platform for a career in GIS.  I got a terrific job with a major company who had contacted the staff looking for suitable candidates. There was a lot of competition but my Kingston qualification gave me the edge.”

“Kingston is a brilliant place to study. It has everything – shops, nightlife, proximity to London and, to top it all, a first class course in GIS!”

"I really enjoyed my GIS course at Kingston – it opened my eyes to how important GIS is in every-day life.”