Geography

'I chose to apply for Geography at Oxford because of the uniqueness of the course and the challenge I knew it would provide. Throughout the three years you study both human and physical core topics, with the ability to select special topics on top of this in your second and third years. I am both a physical and human geographer, choosing Biogeography and Finance as my two special subjects. The highlight of the academic week is the tutorial – one of the main reasons I applied to Oxford. There are so few places where you have the opportunity to discuss your week’s work with a leading academic in their field.

Each Geography year group is relatively small, so you get to know everyone very quickly and there is a great sense of community. The field trips during Easter are also a great opportunity to get to know everyone better.

Since coming to Oxford I have joined my college boat club, as well as taking part in other activities, such as being a member of my college ball committee. The University Freshers’ Fair during Freshers’ Week has a club or society for almost every interest imaginable; for instance I am a member of the Law Society, which has some great socials!

Each day at Oxford brings new challenges and the opportunities, and there is never a dull moment.'

Helen graduated in 2006 and is now a chartered accountant in the Corporate Tax Department at Deloitte LLP. She says:  

‘My degree gave me a really broad basis of knowledge and understanding of global issue on which to build more technical skills. The focus on self-study and development as well as more formal lectures has really helped with the transition to a career where I need to be self-motivated and manage my workload.’