Geography

Geography is a subject that defies easy categorisation, from the darkest depths of the deepest ocean, to the top of the highest mountain range on Earth. As an academic discipline, it cleaves into two main branches, Human and Physical, which analyse the both the man-made and natural processes shaping our planet and its human occupation. Geographers are thus well-placed to study the various changes taking place in our world: including dramatic – and often frightening – climate change; explosive population growth; and diminishing water and food supplies. Geographical studies range from the composition of soil at molecular level to the movements of glaciers, the eruption of volcanoes and weather patterns, and the nature of our increasingly urban landscape. It is a wide-ranging subject that requires a well-integrated, highly disciplined approach. Our Geography tutors can help you wiht your course and geography career planning.

Geography is a fascinating subject that consists of studying the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, and environments. It is, simply put, about the world in which we live. Uncommon for a non-vocational subject, it straddles the arts and the sciences, branching into both hemispheres of academia and therefore offering a broad and varied syllabus. For this reason it’s hard to pinpoint a typical Geography student or a typical career path. Questions sometimes arise as to what exactly is involved in studying Geography – one common misconception being that it is all about maps, country borders and memorising volcano names.

In actuality, it is an extremely flexible and in-demand subject, encompassing the social and natural sciences, typically divided into human and physical Geography. This is a very practical subject and as such, students from school all the way into university can expect to take regular field trips at home and abroad. Fieldwork is an important element of the subject as it develops practical skills, but needless to say, it can also provide an extremely enjoyable and enriching alternative to textbooks and exams.

The difference between studying Geography in comparison to a straight social science or physical science – such as Geology – is that it puts this knowledge into context of places and people. It helps us to recognise the impact of the natural world on everything from culture and language and health and education to politics, economics, foreign strategy and global conflict. By studying the Earth’s formation alongside the populations that inhabit it, Geography can provide a fascinating and vital insight into the underlying causes of many of our modern crises such as inequality and poverty, environmental degradation, energy security and climate change.

It is becoming increasingly pertinent for governments and big businesses to demonstrate social and environmental sensitivity, and to develop policies to responsibly tackle these issues. This makes Geographical and Environmental studies a highly valued subject in schools, in higher education and in the workplace.

“This is a great age for geography. Very big questions – climate, poverty, disease, migration, water, energy, biodiversity – all demand geographical analysis, as do specific national issues in the UK, like housing, social deprivation, flooding and regional development. As the population grows, and with pressures on the Earth’s systems increasing, geography has never been so important.” Nicholas Crane (RGS-IBG President)

Geographical research is flourishing in the UK and it has a real impact; it generates economic growth, influences government policy and delivery, and improves the overall quality of life of its inhabitants. For example, geographers have developed new technologies which make our roads and transport safer; helped create more secure and efficient approaches to flood management and shaped the Government’s ‘Regeneration Framework’ aimed to deliver financial assistance to poorer areas.

Pursuing this subject at a higher level will develop strong analytical and strategic thinking, mathematical and statistical skills, written and communication skills through reports and presentations and especially teamwork skills. As such, Geography graduates have highly valued, transferable skills, equipping them for a range of careers.

Mayfair Consultants offer specialised, one-on-one tuition in Geography across London, working with students from Key Stage 2 to degree level, including those doing GCSE, AS and A-Level Geography courses. All of our tutors hold degrees in the subject, many at postgraduate level. If you are committed to learning Geography, need support with course work or simply want to brush up on your knowledge of this fascinating subject, our tutors can help you progress quickly with enjoyment.

If you’d like arrange private lessons or have any questions about our tuition services please call us on Tel: +44 (0) 207 665 6606 or you can send us an email via our contact form.

http://www.rgs.org/HomePage.htm – Royal Geographical Society

http://www.geography.org.uk Geographical Association for teaching

http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org – UK National Ecosystem Assessment

http://www.nerc.ac.uk – UK Environmental Science organisation

http://www.cartography.org.uk/?contentID=718 – British Cartographic Society

https://www.rmets.org – Royal Meteorological Society

http://www.eurogeography.eu European Association of Geographers

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk – Complete University Guide

http://www.nationalgeographic.com- National Geographic Magazine

http://video.nationalgeographic.com – National Geographic Video website

http://www.ngkids.co.uk – National Geographic Kids is a great teaching resource for ages 6 – 12

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/standard/geography/ – BBC study resource for Primary and Secondary school students

http://www.geography.com/students.html – Interactive tools such as map building and fact checkers

https://cosmolearning.org/geography/documentaries/ – Geographical Documentary archive

http://geographical.co.uk – Geographical online magazine with an events page

http://geographical.co.uk – A list of recommended Geographical films

https://www.newscientist.com New Scientist Geographic articles

http://socenv.org.uk Society for the Environment

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/geography Geography Careers

https://www.teachitgeography.co.uk AQA Geography Teach it resources