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Course review
Review by: Katie S
University: University of Bristol
Course: Geography
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
15 hours - but I'm doing Geography with a Study in Continental Europe so it's a few more than doing just straight Geography.
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
I did Maths, Geography and French (and Economics to AS Level) and feel that these A Levels are good for the parts of the course that I am interested in. I do the human strand as of the second year, and think that English may have been useful.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
The idea of studying in France for a year really appealed to me, and the interests of the lecturers here are quite up to date and relevant so I thought that looked interesting as well.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
Most students on my course wish that they had known more about the spatial modelling and statistics part of the course, as it does make up a big part of it. Also, I wish I had known about the lack of flexibility in choice of modules.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
In the second year, we have one tutorial every fortnight (whereas once a week in the first year). The human course on average has one or two lectures a day, and we also have 4 hours of spatial modelling (computer work) and 2 hours of qualitative research methods a week. I also have 3 hours of French lessons per week.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
The reading lists seem to be never ending, but it is up to the individual to pick and choose what they wish to read due to their interests and the piece of work that they are completing. The human course requires a lot of self motivation to complete the work individually.
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
Before the term starts, the department organises a mini field trip which is great for getting to know everyone on your course, and I would definitely recommend it. The first year field trip is to Exeter, and then the second year human field trip is to Barcelona for five days at the start of the summer term. Whilst it is not compulsory if you are doing the year abroad programme, it is strongly recommended.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
I like the sections on Economic and Cultural Geography that we study, and also the ability of being able to continue learning French without doing a joint honours degree.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
I do not like the vast amounts of spatial modelling (computer work) that we have to do. It was OK for me, but people who did not take maths (statistics) at A Level have really struggled, as they have felt unprepared for the amount of this work that they have had to do. It is often seen as assumed knowledge.
I also don't like the fact that with Geography at Bristol, the only choice you get to make in the second year is whether you do human, physical or environmental, since at most other universities you get the chance to choose specific modules based on your interests. As a result, despite being able to specialise in the second year, I will still be attending lectures that aren't of any particular interest to me
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
The libraries are good, although often there are not enough copies of the book so you are unable to complete the required reading. However, there are lots of computers available, lots of areas to work and the teaching staff are helpful when you ask them questions.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
The lectures are 50 minutes long, and this simply consists of the lecturer talking at you and you being expected to take notes. The weekly computer practicals are based around using computer programmes to do statistics (not particularly relevant to Geography), spatial modelling and remote sensing.
ERASMUS scheme, study abroad and work placements
Have you studied on an ERASMUS or study abroad programme? Where did you go and what experience have you gained from your placement?
After this year, I have the chance of going to either Paris or Grenoble as part of the ERASMUS scheme. Students studying Italian would go to Venice.
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Other reviews for Geography
Joseph N, 3rd Year doing Physical Geography at University of Leeds
Alastair S, 1st Year doing Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London Edward N, 2nd Year doing Geography and Geology at The University of Birmingham
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University review
Review by: Katie S
University: University of Bristol
Course: Geography
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
What is the academic life like at your university?
Bristol has a very good academic reputation, and this is reflected by the standard of teaching, and the students that attend the university.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
I think the key thing with Freshers is not to get your hopes up too much. Whilst there is endless amounts of things going on, and lots of great night events organised, you are going out with people who you barely know, so it is a surreal situation.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The best thing is the lovely city and all of the societies that are organised, so there really are activities to cater for anyone and everyone. Most of the halls of residences in the first year are located about a 35 minute walk from the university, and whilst many people complained about this, it was good exercise and it is nice to talk to people on the walk there and back.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
The sport is good at Bristol, and many teams travel to other universities up to a few hours away in order to compete in other matches. There are lots of exercise classes arranged through the university gym and other sports places in the city, and there are also many dance classes available. One bad thing is that to buy the university gym pass, you have to pay in one lump sum for the whole three years, and many people were put off by this, meaning that they can't use the gym and the swimming pool and exercise classes which are quite expensive if you were to go on a regular basis without a pass.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
It totally depends on who you are friends with. No one is under any obligation to go out and drink, and there are lots of activities to do if this is not what interests you.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Bristol is a great city: it is not overcrowded and there are lots of green spaces. Lots of good concerts are arranged, as well as public speeches, live jazz bands, evening courses and exercise classes.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
In your first year, definitely live in halls, and I would recommend doing so on the Stoke Bishop campus (the one 35 minutes away), as this is where the majority of students are. In the second year, I would recommend moving into a house, and I am living in a house with seven others in Redland, one of the main student housing areas.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Last year, my hall was catered and I would definitely recommend this as it is one less thing to worry about, it probably works out cheaper in the end and the food is nice. Going to meals is a really sociable activity, and you meet lots of people that you wouldn't have ordinarily met. Being catered, you are not confined to the people on your corridor or in your flat.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £4000 for the year.
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