Geography is a diverse subject, which uniquely spans the social and physical sciences. Students studying Geography explore a wide range of spatial processes, from environmental change to international development to economic globalisation. Students also benefit from fields trips, training in transferable research skills and an in-depth research project (dissertation) in their Third year.

Geography at Robinson is thriving. We thus set high standards and gain commendable performances in a successful College Geography group of around 20 students. The group is traditionally hard working, very sociable and mutually supportive. For example, we organise meetings for Second and Third year undergraduates to present their dissertation ideas, which all Geography students attend. We also have Geography Formal Halls together three times a year and other social gatherings at the start and end of terms. Second and Third year students provide ongoing support to those in their First year.

Students who study Geography at Robinson go on to successfully pursue a wide range of careers in diverse areas such as law, conservation, development, public service, teaching, finance and academia.

Subject Requirements

Applicants will be expected to gain the equivalent of an A grade in A level Geography and may combine this with correspondingly high grades in almost any other subject. For the A* grade we follow University policy but may be able to give some consideration to individual cases where some flexibility could be appropriate. Applicants with International or other Baccalaureate are very welcome. Offers are regularly made on the International Baccalaureate at a level of 7,7,6 or 7,7,7 in the Higher Level subjects, with overall scores between 41 and 42 points out of 45. Robinson normally admits approximately three to five geographers each year.

Many students study both Human and Physical Geography over the full three years of the course.  Applicants should be aware that students  tend to flourish best in Physical Geography if they have supporting science A levels, especially Physics, Maths and/or Chemistry. Those with interests in dimensions of Human Geography will flourish best if they have supporting A level subjects such as English Literature, Art, History, Economics and Sociology. However, any combination of these and other subjects can be considered.

In addition to outstanding academic ability in Geography, the college looks for applicants who can go beyond the memorisation and rehearsal of material to show evidence of critical thinking and an open, questioning approach.

Written work

No written work required.

Admission Assessments

No assessment required

Interviews

Applicants invited to interview will be asked to read and think about a set passage, and to answer questions about a visual image. Candidates are given time before the interview to read the set texts.

Director of Studies - Dr Olga Petri

Geography - Further Information

Department of Geography

Geography (Information from Cambridge Admissions website)

http://www.geog.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate/weekinthelife/

http://www.geog.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate/dos/

For incoming 1st year students, the following reading list will be helpful: Geography Reading List

Last updated April 2024