Geography

Why choose Girton?

Girton is a great place to study Geography; here you will find a substantial community of undergraduates, graduates, postdoctoral researchers and Fellows working together to create a lively, supportive learning environment.

There is a distinctive flavour to Geography at Girton, where the subject has always been buoyant. The Geographical Society has an energising programme of events, including a biennial dinner with alumni and friends.  Both socially and academically, Girton Geographers have a tremendous sense of identity and belonging.

There are experts in human, physical and environmental geography at Girton to help inspire your thinking. From Jean Grove, who changed the way physical scientists understand climate change, to prominent human geographers, including the present College Mistress, Professor Susan J. Smith, Geography at Girton has long been associated with those at the cutting edge.

Undergraduate information

Cambridge is the country's top-ranked university for Geography; there is nowhere better to study this subject.

Success as a Geographer is not just about passing exams; it is about understanding the world. It also involves developing mathematical and communication skills (both written and spoken) to a high level. 

Girton's vibrant teaching team works hard to bring Geography life. There is a creative approach to study, including reading groups, student-led presentations, dissertation seminars and exam preparation sessions. All this combined with a lively programme of study located in the Geography department makes for an exciting undergraduate degree.

Overseas fieldwork is on the agenda in your second year. While costs are heavily subsidised by the University, Girton can also provide grants for those who have difficulties paying their contribution. Destinations have included the Algarve, Denmark, southern France, Morocco and Switzerland.

Girton students also have a strong tradition of working abroad for their dissertations, with fieldwork completed during the summer between second and third years. A range of travel awards are available to support this.

In addition to having access to Cambridge University's impressive learning resources, the splendid College Library has an excellent geography section together with knowledgeable, responsive staff.

Graduate information

Girton has a thriving community of graduate students, including geographers. Most years we have students who are studying either for a PhD or for one of the Geography Department's MPhil programmes. Supervisors for PhD students are appointed by the Department and there is no need for the supervisor of a Girton PhD student to be associated with the College.

Girton's geography PhD students pursue a wide range of research topics. MPhil courses offered by the Department include Conservation Leadership;  Environment, Society and Development; Environmental Science; Multi-Disciplinary Gender Studies; Geographical Research; and, Polar Studies. The Girton graduate geographers are members of the college's Geographical Society and join in with many of their social and academic activities.

Research and postgraduate students are admitted to the University by the Board of Graduate Studies. You must therefore apply centrally and not to the College, however you must be admitted to a College to be able to study at the University. To ensure that this is Girton you need to indicate this on your application form.

Career destinations

An impressive number of undergraduates go on to Masters and PhD-level study; and many graduates find secure employment in a very wide range of fields, for example finance, teaching, publishing, the civil service, and working in NGOs.