Applying to Read Geography
Meet the Students
You can also watch video testimonies and read testimonies from Geography undergraduates on the University of Oxford website.
Cat O'Grady
Cat O'Grady
How old are you and where are you from?
I am 20 from a village near Canterbury in Kent.
Where did you do your A-Levels and what subjects did you take?
I did my A-Levels at a state comprehensive school in Kent. I took Geography, History, Biology and an AS in Maths.
Why did you choose to study Geography at Oxford?
Geography was always my favourite subject at school so it seemed a logical choice to go on to do it at university. I was particularly attracted by the fact that geography allows students to draw upon so many different areas of study, from physics to philosophy to economics. All these areas are interesting in their own right but when they are integrated within geography you can really appreciate how complex society and the natural environment are. Geography has the ability to answer some of the greatest questions currently being posed to humankind and I was excited to be taking such a relevant and important degree course.
The tutorial system at Oxford was a massive attraction for me. Being taught by a world leading geographer on a 3:1 or even 2:1 basis is truly an opportunity to relish. Having to write an essay each week which is then discussed at length in the tutorial is a very challenging task but is hugely rewarding as you are able to get a much more in depth understanding of the topic and discuss any problems you have had with it. The tutorials are designed to push you but are normally enjoyable!
Where have you been on fieldwork and what did you do?
I went to Paris in the Easter vacation of my first year. We studied a variety of topics including some, such as psychogeographies, that I had never encountered before. It was a really good opportunity to meet geographers from other colleges and we also got the chance to do some sightseeing!
What are you writing on for your dissertation?
The dissertation is undoubtedly one of the more stressful aspects of a geography degree but at Oxford you get plenty of support right from the initial idea stage so you never feel like you're on your own with it. I am looking at mobile banking innovations but you can do pretty much whatever you like as long as it's related to geography in some way. Your tutors will be available to discuss the feasibility of your ideas and help you to develop them into coherent research questions.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
I was always a bit scared of applying to Oxford; I worried that everyone would be far cleverer than me and that I would be way out of my comfort zone. Instead I've found that both the course and the tutors have pushed me academically whilst never expecting the impossible. You'll not only be taught by some of the best geographers in the world but also have the opportunity participate in a wide variety of social activities. Applying here may appear daunting, but the rewards you get are second to none.
Rhys Edwards
Rhys Edwards
How old are you and where are you from?
20 years old, from Oxford.
Where did you do your A-Levels and what subjects did you take?
Magdalen College School, Oxford. I took A Levels in Geography, Biology, Chemistry.
Why did you choose to study Geography at Oxford?
I chose to study geography at Oxford for three reasons: i) the collegiate system; ii) tutorial teaching; and iii) the course.
Oxford provides both a physical and human geography core throughout the three years as well as special subjects on top for your own particular interests. Many universities are lacking this holistic approach in geography, instead focusing on purely human or physical geography. Each week you have a tutorial with a leading academic - it is a challenging and rewarding experience that can't be found in many universities. The workload is high, but manageable.
What year are you now and what is your favourite subject?
I am currently in 2nd year. My favourite subject is torn between Biogeography and Economic geography (focusing on Neoliberalism). The great thing about Oxford is the diversity of the course and the breadth of material that you cover.
Where have you been on fieldwork and what did you do?
In my first year I went to Paris and looked at Montmartre as a centre of creativity and the Musee du Quai Branly, as well as studying social spaces in the city.
What are you writing on for your dissertation?
I am comparing different rock hardness devices on sandstone and limestone and assessing their practical applications for geomorphology and heritage science.
What are you thinking of doing in the future when you finish your degree?
I have decided that I want to do a law conversion following my geography degree. The great thing about geography is that it prepares you for many different futures in terms of the content covered, but also by giving you a new perspective on the world and relationships within it.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
Choose a subject to study that really interests you, as your genuine interest will come out at interview and tutors will see your passion for the subject. Also, look for the course that is right for you: make sure you look at course structures in the prospectus to see if you actually want to study the content. If you love your subject and like the look of the course, apply! Interviews can seem like a daunting experience but they are more of a discussion and they aren't there to catch you out. It is a chance for tutors to see how you think, and how you use and dissect information that may seem unfamiliar to you at first.