Geography
- Number of students per year: four to six
- Typical offer: A*AA or equivalent; we accept a wide range of
- Essential subjects: none
- Useful subjects: Geography
Students and fellows are proud to be part of the friendly and talented community of geographers at Jesus.
Undergraduates come to us from a wide variety of backgrounds, with diverse interests across the spectrum of human and physical geography: this variety makes for a lively student experience.
The College has two Fellows in Geography, both of whom are leading figures in their field. Professor Julian Dowdeswell is a specialist in glaciology and polar sciences, and is Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute. Professor David Nally is a University Associate Professor in human geography, specialising in issues around food security, politics, and power.
The College also has a teaching bye-fellow in Geography, Dr Olga Petri, who a cultural and historical geographer interested in the politics and governance of the living and material world of urban environments. Her work contributes to inter-related discussions in historical and cultural animal geography, historical queer studies, and the history of late imperial Russia.
You'll find a supportive and welcoming group of people at Jesus, and a lot of resources to help you in your studies, from the excellent Quincentenary Library to access to travel grants to assist you in fieldwork overseas.
The undergraduates, postgraduates, and Fellows together also run an active Geography Society, which meets at least termly for seminars, presentations on student research, and more informal dinners and drinks. The Geography department also runs many different activities, which allow Jesus students to make friends in other Colleges and enjoy different perspectives on the Geography course.
Our students go on to careers in a range of areas, building upon the strong skills in analysis and communication they develop during their degree. There's no typical career path, just as there's no typical student. But those who study with us do so with confidence that they are well equipped for success.
Requirements
Our typical conditional offers are normally for an A* and two A grades at A-Level or equivalent. You don't need to take a Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP).
Geography is a desirable but not essential A-Level, and we take students with a wide mix of different A-Level subjects, including Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Economics, Modern Languages and History. Given the breadth of the subject, it isn't surprising that excellent students have come to us from a wide range of subject backgrounds; some have specialised in the arts and others in the sciences. We’re trying to attract the most intelligent and enthusiastic candidates with a genuine commitment to developing their intellectual capabilities in the field of Geography.
We welcome applications from students with other qualifications comparable to A-Level, such as the Scottish Advanced Highers, the International Baccalaureate, and other school leaving examinations.
Written assessment
You are not currently required to sit a written admissions assessment.
Interviews
In 2024-25, we’ll be interviewing shortlisted applicants virtually, with interviews taking place in December.
The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject. Candidates are typically interviewed by at least three subject specialists, including the Director of Studies, and total contact time will be between 35-50 minutes in total. This could be in a single interview, or in two separate interviews. Further details will be made available to candidates closer to the time.
We're keen that our geographers be among the best in the University. You'll need to have a genuine enthusiasm for Geography, be able to think for yourself, and show the diligence necessary to benefit from everything on offer in the Geography degree. Expect the interview to move beyond the subject matter of your A-Level course.
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Written work
You do not need to submit any written work.
International applicants
We mostly refer to A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate for our entry requirements, but we accept a wide variety of qualifications from all over the world. The University website lists the . We expect students to be on track to achieve the highest grades in whichever qualification system they are studying. See our dedicated page for international students for more information.
Deferred and post A-Level entry
We're happy to consider post A-Level and deferred applications in Geography. You would normally have already achieved A*AA at A-Level or equivalent. Each year one or two students choose this option and many spend their gap year acquiring valuable experience.
We also welcome applications from mature students. You'll need to go through the normal competitive process with the other applicants. We'll also consider second time applicants without prejudice.
Find out how to apply to study at Jesus.
