Geography

Geography is a wide, challenging and stimulating degree course which addresses many central questions about the environment, human society and the relationship between the two. The College admits about 4 undergraduates each year to read geography; although most will have studied geography at A-level (or equivalent) this is by no means compulsory.

The geography course has recently been completely revised. In the first year it covers a wide range of both human and physical geography topics, and provides a foundation in geographical techniques (such as the use of remote sensing and GIS - geographical information systems) and introduces some key controversies within geography. In the second and third year students all sit one core module (Geographical Thought), then select 2 out of 3 foundation courses and choose 3 optional subjects, including subjects such as climatic change and variability, desert landscapes and dynamics, European integration, and spaces of finance. Field trips for second year students form part of the Geographical Thought paper and go to destinations such as Tenerife and Berlin. Submitted work, including a dissertation based on original research, counts for about 40% of the final degree marks. In recent years geography students from Worcester have done their dissertations on evidence for tsunamis on the coast of Australia, voting patterns in Cyprus, shallow landslides in the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa, and senses of identity within Eastern European workers in Cambridgeshire amongst other topics.

Geographers at Worcester receive 1 or 2 tutorials a week, given either by the geography tutors or by experts in other fields. The College has an active geography society, called the Frontier Society, which holds a range of meetings and events.

Lorraine Wild is a human geographer with special interests in planning and the political geography of the European Union. She also coordinates the undergraduate course in the School of Geography and the Environment in her role as Programmes Officer. Martin Coombes is a physical and environmental geographer with research expertise in links between ecology and geomorphology and their contribution to ecosystem services. Further information can be found on his webpage.