More Information:
Geography
Fellows
- Dr Roland Randall (Director of Studies)
- Dr Mia Gray (Director of Studies)
- Dr Harriet Allen (Director of Studies)
Details and statistics
- Number of students admitted per year (average over 2006–2008): 8
- Number of first preference applicants (average over 2006–2008): 17
- Total number of applicants, including Open and Pool (average over 2006–2008): 20
- Entry requirements: no specific A levels
- Typical offer: A*AA
- Interview arrangements: usually 2 interviews with Fellows in Geography; candidates are asked to submit pieces of written work before the interviews.
- Course details: a course guide is available on the Department of Geography’s website.
Undergraduates
There are about 25 undergraduates reading geography at Girton. The Geographers at Girton are a ‘hard working’ lot and tend to form close groups. The department of geography is on the Downing Site, which is about 3 miles from main college. During the first year of geography, students usually take up residence in the main college. During the second and following years, the students will have a choice of accommodation either in the main college or at Wolfson Court (which is about 8 minutes bike ride from the geography department).
Postgraduates
In addition there are about 6 postgraduates carrying out research or teacher training in a wide variety of geographic fields. The postgraduates enrich the college atmosphere by bringing their geographic expertise and sharing it with other geographers. This usually leads to colourful and animated discussions.
Fellows in Geography
- Dr. Roland Randall (Director of Studies) Research Interests: Dr Randall is a biogeographer who works mainly on dry coastal ecosystems and high-stress environments.
- Dr. Mia Gray (Director of Studies) Dr Gray is a human geographer who researches in economic and urban geography. Her interests include the growth of ‘new unionism’, social inclusion in the new economy and understanding the dynamics of high tech regional growth.
- Dr. Harriet Allen Dr Allen’s research interests focus on the response of ecosystems to environmental changes, especially those deriving from human impact. Fieldwork is mainly in Mediterranean regions, looking at both Holocene changes (the last 10,000 years) and contemporary biogeographical patterns.
- Dr Steve Boreham (Bye-Fellow) Dr Boreham is an ecologist and geologist with a special interest in Quaternary studies, biogeography, coastal and forensic studies
Girton Geographical Society
This society is organised and run by the undergraduate members. It is both a social and academic group, which usually meets three or four times per term, and holds an annual dinner with a guest speaker from outside the college. Recent lectures have been on medical geography, flood risk and management, and Alaskan glacier movements. Students also give talks about their dissertation travels and fieldwork.
The Geographical Tripos
The course of study for the Geographical Tripos normally takes three years. During this time an undergraduate attends lectures, practical classes and fieldtrips organised by the Department of Geography and supervisions arranged by the College. These supervisions generally involve two or three undergraduates meeting with a supervisor (usually a lecturer, college teaching officer or graduate student) for discussions and essay work.
Geography is one of the most exciting subjects that can be studied at University. It is the study of the relationships between people and their environment. We live in an interdependent world, one in which we are reliant upon the relationships between different societies, and with increasingly fragile physical environments. Understanding these relationships is central to modern geography and is at the core of the Geographical Tripos.
In the first year (Part IA), all undergraduates take the same five papers which provide a balance of human and physical geography. The papers are: People, Space and Geographies of Difference; Historical Geography; Society, Environment and Development; Environmental Processes; and Environmental Change. In addition there are practical classes which introduce students to a range of methods and skills in geographical analysis. These skills are examined by means of coursework. In the second year (Part IB), undergraduates take four papers with at least one from each of physical and human geography, and with choice from a list of ten papers offered each year. Practical classes in skills and methods continue and are examined by means of coursework. Students choose two projects from a choice of five. In addition, students write an extended essay on geographical ideas and methods. This is based on a take-home ‘open book’ examination. Preparation also begins for the third year dissertation topic; part of the second year examination is a 1000-word dissertation proposal. Partly in preparation for dissertations, second year students have to attend a residential departmental fieldtrip. Recent locations for these fieldtrips include the Algarve, Berlin, Crete, Ireland, Mallorca, Morocco and Switzerland. These fieldtrips are heavily subsidised by the University, but students must make a contribution towards the cost. In the third year (Part II) students have the chance to specialise if they wish. All students take four papers and have a free choice from the fifteen that are offered each year. In addition students complete their dissertations.
The dissertation topic is devised by the student in consultation with his or her Director of Studies and advice from other members of staff. Girton students have a strong tradition of working abroad for their dissertations. Fieldwork is completed during the summer between second and third years. The cost of dissertations has to be met by the undergraduate. However there is a range of travel awards to support some dissertation costs. These are both College, University and Departmental awards.
There are no required A Level subjects for studying Geography at Girton. However, candidates wishing to read Geography are strongly advised to include the subject among their A Level choices. Suitable supporting subjects include Mathematics, History, Economics, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and modern languages. A number of students also come to Girton having studied for Scottish Advanced Highers, the International Baccaluareate, or equivalent qualifications.
Enquiries
The Directors of Studies are always pleased to hear from prospective applicants. Further enquiries should be directed to Dr Harriet Allen, Girton College, Cambridge, CB3 0JG (Tel: 01223 338948; E-mail: hda1@cam.ac.uk).