Geography

Course overview

The Geography programme at Cambridge covers the full breadth of the discipline, ranging from glaciers, volcanoes, and natural hazards to critical global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, economic restructuring, geopolitical shifts, and urbanization. Our modules are taught by world-leading academics in their fields, bringing students into contact with cutting-edge research developments.

For more information about the course and its modules, visit the University website.

What is it like to study Geography at King’s?

The Geography cohort at King’s consists of about six students at any one time (we usually take two students a year). King’s offers a very rich intellectual environment with lectures, workshops, and cultural events on a huge variety of topics. Geography students take lectures in the Department along with supervisions organized either by the College or course convenors (especially in the second and third year). We also organize some events just for the King’s geographers such as dissertation presentations, writing workshops, and other activities.

What do we look for in an applicant to Geography?

We expect our Geography applicants to read widely, including books, articles, and high-quality journalism.  We also welcome creative approaches to the subject such as using novels or films as an entry point into specific topics. If students have completed a long essay (such as an EPQ) as part of their studies, we are keen to know more about their choice of conceptual and methodological approaches. An interest in the potential role of Geography in policy making can also be a good topic for admissions interviews.

Requirements

A Level:  A*AA

IB:  41-42 points overall with 7, 7, 6 at Higher Level

Subject requirements: None required

Admissions assessment: To be confirmed

Written work: To be confirmed

Careers and graduate opportunities

Geography is a pathway to many different career choices including environmental consultancy, education, planning, and law. Additionally, many of our students choose to undertake further study for a specialized Masters programme, either in Cambridge or at another university. Some of our students also decide to complete a PhD in order to pursue an academic career.

What is the best thing about studying geography at King’s?

Geography has a long tradition at King’s, especially in the field of Human Geography: the leading historical geographer Clifford Darby, for example, was a professor at King’s for many years. The current mix of Fellows and students has a particular orientation towards cultural, urban, and environmental geography.

A top tip for applicants to Geography at King’s  

Read widely around any topic that interests you. Consider taking a notebook with you so that you can write down any interesting observations or ideas that might form the basis of an essay or even a research project. Always be open to new possibilities.