Geography
In recent years, the Department of Geography at Cambridge has consistently been at or near the top of the list of best places to study Geography in the UK according to different UK and global University rankings. First year students have an introduction to all aspects of the subject (human, physical, skills and methods), and thereafter you can choose whether to stay wide-ranging or specialise over the remaining two years of the degree. You will be taught by many leading geographers, in lectures, supervisions, laboratories and in the field.
Geography is a great degree if you want to know more about the world, make it a better place, and set yourself up for a challenging, interesting and valuable career.
Overview
Students admitted per year: 5- 6
Typical offer:
A Level: A*AA
IB Diploma: 41 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Subject requirements: n/a
Useful subjects: most, but not all, applicants will have studied Geography to A Level. A wide range of sciences, social sciences and humanities subjects, as well as an interest in wider contemporary issues explored through further reading provide strong preparation.
Admissions Assessment: n/a
Written work: n/a
Why choose Newnham for Geography?
Newnham has a sizeable and dynamic community of Geographers. It has an excellent reputation in Geography, and Newnham students achieve strong results. The subject is well supported in the College: there are several funds reserved for Geography fieldwork, and a large collection of Geography books in the College library. Newnham has a strong teaching community in Geography (see below), so students can always find someone with whom they can discuss their ideas and interests. There is also a student-run Geography society, the Lucy Adrian Geography Society, which organises talks and social events for the Newnham Geography community.
Newnham has a long tradition of valuing teaching as an integral part of College life. Its current Fellows continue to uphold the ideals of their forebears in taking teaching seriously and seeking the most effective teaching methods for an individual’s style of learning. Newnham was one of the pioneers of the supervision mode of teaching, still the mainstay of any humanities degree, and an important element of the Director of Studies’ job is securing the best supervisors for students.
Academic financial support
Newnham is one of the most generous Colleges when it comes to student support. As well as being able to access support for maintenance, opportunity and sports funding, all Newnham undergraduate students can apply for our book grants and research expenses funds each term for essential purchases and expenditure relating to their studies. A proportion of expenditure on books can be reimbursed against receipts (up to a limit of £200 each year), with research expenses assessed on a case-by-case basis. Funds for essential equipment purchases are also available, for example for stethoscopes for medics. We are also fortunate to have very generous funding available for summer research and/or travel. None of these grants are means-tested, so all students can benefit. Students achieving first-class results for their end of year exams will in addition receive at least £400 as a prize or scholarship.
We are fortunate to have dedicated funds to support geographical fieldwork, which can be combined with departmental funding. Applications should be made via the summer project/travel grants.
