Geography BA/BSc(Hons): What our students say

"Geography is a subject I have always been interested in. It offers a wide range of skills and there are always new issues to discuss. I think it's really important to enjoy your degree subject if you want you to do well in your studies.

"Originally I went to another university, but I was disappointed with the course. Within the first two weeks I decided to transfer to Kingston.

"Since transferring, I haven't looked back – it's one of the best decisions of my life. Coming here has been such a good, fulfilling experience. Not just on the academic side of things, but also University life at Kingston in general.

"The town is a really great place to live. There's a good choice of shops and places to go out. Plus central London is only 25 minutes away. I've met lots of people from all over the world and made some really good friends. 

"There are also loads of University-organised activities – unfortunately there's not enough time to do everything! But I have joined the scuba diving club, which was something I had never done before. My only regret is that I didn't join the football team.

"The course itself has been both enjoyable and interesting. I have re-visited subjects I studied at A-level in a lot more depth. I have also studied new areas, such as geographical information systems and census geography. Plus I have developed a range of skills, including written abilities and oral presentations. 

"The field trips have been brilliant. It's good to study at sites, rather than just through textbooks, and the trips are a great opportunity to get better acquainted with people on the course.

"I have also found some of the lectures really stimulating and thought provoking. The teaching is very good, but the lessons took a bit of getting used to at first. At college information is, in a sense, spoon fed to you, whereas at Kingston you have to think for yourself. I've particularly liked the method of teaching via power point and compiling notes on each lecture in my own format.

"The course has been hard at times. I haven't always understood new subjects straight away. The only solution to this is to work. As long as I research anything I don't understand, I'm fine. I've found the library is a very good source of information. And, of course, the lecturers are always available to answer any questions.

"Next year I have been accepted to participate in an exchange programme in the US. This is another great opportunity offered by Kingston University and I can't wait to experience life and study over there."

"I wanted to study Geography because I found it interesting. It covers topics that are relevant to what's happening in the world right now. Subjects such as climatology, oceanography and environmental hazards help us understand the physical geography of the planet.

"I chose to study at Kingston because it is a nice area with many facilities and natural features like the River Thames. It's also a very convenient location – it's easy to get to London and it's easy to get away for a weekend.

"I have found the atmosphere and lecturers at the University very friendly and supportive. I have enjoyed features such as the tests with electronic remote controls that give results automatically. I've especially liked the lectures on dynamic earth movements, tropical climates, deserts, and Arctic and Antarctic regions.   

"I have also enjoyed gaining knowledge about nature and the environment, particularly animal species adopting to live in residential areas. Learning about climate change has been another highlight.

"But the most exciting part of the degree so far has been the field trips – taking part in activities such as hill walking, investigating plant species and looking at weather impact on various regions. 

"First we went to Box Hill, which is not far from Kingston. Then to the Isle of Wight where we did some interesting programmes about fauna and flora as well as human geography. The final trip was to the Peak District. Here we covered many different issues affecting the region such as footpath erosion.

"There are various options I am considering once I graduate. I'd like to work for an environmental agency or an organisation such as UNESCO or UNICEF and help people in the third world. Ideally I would like to do more research and a PhD in this field. I feel studying geography has opened up a world of opportunity for me."