Geography is one of the most vast and interdisciplinary subjects that any university can offer, and there’s never been a more important time to understand the geographical challenges facing the world than now.

As a geography student, you have the opportunity to study the world and how humans interact with it. There are a whole host of reasons why, when it fell upon me to choose a university at which to study geography, LSE was my main choice.

Specialist Course

I have always been a human geographer at heart and, as a BA degree, LSE offers a specialist course that focuses on human geography, either on its own or with some exposure to other social science disciplines. As someone who is not keen on physical geography, I was able to choose my modules based on my own interests. However, there are also opportunities to select physical geography modules, for those interested in both.

So far, I’ve investigated feminist geographies, Marxist geographies, post-colonial geographies and post-modernist geographies (to name a few!).

The interdisciplinary nature of this course means that you can dip your toes into all facets of the discipline (even exploring other routes). In your first year, for example, you can take the introductory module for other degrees, such as economics, sociology and anthropology, alongside your geographical studies. This course allows me to experience a wide world with an even wider perspective, instead of restricting myself.

Location

London is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan and diverse cities to study in, and it offers a one-of-a-kind university experience. “Boredom” truly does not exist. LSE is located in Holborn, a part of central London which offers plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops for you to explore in your free time. Public transport systems, from buses to the tube (most of which offer student discounts), mean you can travel with ease.

London offers unique experiences that LSE students can take full advantage of, including museums galleries, and iconic landmarks, a lot of which are free or have a fairly cheap entry fee.

The LSE student population is also incredibly diverse, with about half of all students being international. It’s eye-opening to learn from such a wide range of nationalities, backgrounds and cultures, and it’s very easy to build a sense of community (especially through close-knit societies).

Prospects

The Department of Geography and Environment at LSE is ranked 2nd in the world, in the latest QS World University subject rankings. These rankings include student satisfaction, academic reputation and career prospects. You’re taught by world-class academics, with an emphasis on teaching quality and excellent facilities (from quiet study rooms, the LSE Library and great common rooms).

Its outstanding career prospects were also very attractive to me, with the most recent data showing an average starting salary of £28,000, with over 80% of graduates employed or continuing education within 15 months of graduation. I think this course will set me up well for the future.

Ultimately, choosing LSE to study BA Geography was a no-brainer. Upon accepting my offer and beginning my studies here, it has only become clearer to me that I made the right choice.