Girton College University of Cambridge

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Geography

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Why study Geography at Girton?

Girton is a great place to study Geography. In addition to reading the subject at one of the world's leading universities, at Girton you join the fine College tradition in the subject. From Jean Grove, an expert in the Little Ice Age, to eminent human geographers including the present College Mistress, Professor Susan Smith, Girton has long been associated with those at the cutting edge.

Geographers at Girton form a strong community both socially and academically. The College has around 25 undergraduates and 6 post graduates together with College Fellows and an active alumni network. It supports a lively Geographical society which meets socially and academically, inviting guest speakers who have recently spoken on medical geography, flood risk and management and Alaskan glacier movements. Students also give talks about their dissertation travels and fieldwork. Students regularly go on to Masters and PhD-level study. Learning is supported by a College library which features a strong geography section and is managed by a knowledgeable and responsive staff. Girton geographers also have a tradition of overseas fieldwork for their third year dissertations, supported by generous grants.

College teaching staff are also active members of the University Geography Department. For Girton students, this enables them to provide a good balance between human and physical branches of the subject -something essential to effective study- as well as supervision that is closely in-tune with the course. Girton prides itself on a creative approach to study including reading groups, student-led presentations, dissertation seminars and exam preparation sessions, in addition to normal supervisions.

About the course

Many of the most important questions facing the world today are about geography. To answer them, we need to understand the interdependence of humanity and our environment. The three-year course gives you the tools to do just that - considering the relationships between different societies to our increasingly fragile physical environment.

The course consists of lectures, practical classes and fieldtrips organised by the Department of Geography with 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.

What you learn

In the first year (Part IA), all undergraduates study a balance of human and physical geography which are examined by two, three hour exams at the end of the year. In addition, students are introduced to a range of methods and skills in geographical analysis which are examined by course work. The second year course is currently being revised (to start in 2012-13), with details announced during 2011-12. However students will take four papers selected from options within both human and physical geography and teaching will continue to include practical classes in skills and methods. Partly in preparation for the third-year dissertation, second year students attend a residential departmental fieldtrip. Recent locations for these include the Algarve, Berlin, Denmark, southern Frances, Ireland, Mallorca, Morocco and Switzerland. The cost of fieldtrips is heavily subsidised by the University, but students must make a contribution towards the cost. In the third year (Part II) students take a further four papers from a choice of ten. In addition students complete their dissertations. More details of the structure of the course can be found on the Department’s website.

Students devise their own dissertation topic 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. There are College, University and Departmental awards.

Thinking about applying?

If you want to study Geography at Girton, you will probably have studied the subject at A-Level (or equivalent), however this subject is not a pre-requisite for studying Geography in Cambridge. However, Girton does encourage applicants to study Mathematics to AS Level. This is an invaluable background for some of the department's teaching in physical and human geography. Suitable supporting subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, History, Mathematics and Physics. Further advice can be found on the University website.

On the interview

The majority of applicants are called for interview, of which there are two both led by geographers. In one of these, candidates are usually asked to give a geographical interpretation of a map, graph or photograph, and in the other candidates usually discuss a geographical text which they are given to read in the half-hour preceding the interview. (The time you are asked to arrive at College will make allowances for this.)In addition, candidates called for interview are asked to submit two pieces of written work (in advance) which may form the basis for some of the interview questions. Candidates will also have the opportunity to ask questions at the interview, whether about the course, or student-life as a member of Girton and the University.

If you are interested we want to hear from you. We are always pleased to talk to prospective applicants about studying at Girton. In the first instance, enquiries should be directed to Dr Harriet Allen, Director of Studies for first year geography students (01223 338948 hda1@cam.ac.uk).

Fellows in Geography