Josh Anderson, studying in the School of Geography , BA Geography (Industrial) course.

Josh Anderson

Studying human geography at Leeds will undoubtedly set you up for the future. I am speaking from first-hand experience, having successfully completed a Year in Industry with Procter and Gamble and received a full-time job offer for when I graduate. Graduate employees really do value the skills and experience that geographers at Leeds obtain throughout their time here, especially the analytical capabilities developed through modules in data analysis, GIS and retail. The likelihood is that you will be choosing from a number of employers, not the other way around!

In addition to what you will leave Leeds with, you will have an amazing time here. At the University level, there is a great Union offering a range of services, bars and clubs. Sport at University is also at a very high standard – having played football for the University, I have been provided with all the training facilities, coaching staff and support that I needed to continue playing at a competitive level. In addition to mainstream sports, there are hundreds of societies offering the chance to get involved with a wide range of activities – just as an example, I have gained two qualifications in Scuba Diving through the University since September at a fraction of the price it would have cost elsewhere!

In the Geography department specifically, getting involved with GeogSoc was one of the best decisions I have made to date – there are sports teams, regular socials, international trips and end of year balls. Running for a position on the GeogSoc committee is also great fun and looks brilliant on your CV! On the more academic side, the relationship between staff and students is second to none - I soon developed relationships with a number of the lecturers and now I don’t think twice about knocking on their office door to bounce ideas of them, or even just to have a quick chat. Another opportunity to develop relationships with the lecturers and other students is through the numerous field trips on offer, currently to locations including Montpellier, Athens, Mumbai and Miami.

In short, if you are looking to study in a City with a thriving student population, at a University that provides an abundance of opportunities and in a department which will gear you up for your future career, then I would definitely recommend studying geography at Leeds.