Students and Employability

Higher Education Survey

Destination of Leavers from - Geography and Development Studies

This table compares the percentage of Geography and Development Studies graduates in graduate jobs within 6 months of graduation with other universities in the North West.

Student Profiles

Ed Nicholas

(Geography, 2002) Transport Planner/GIS Analyst with Hyder Consulting

I am now working for an engineering consultancy firm as a Transport Planner. I believe that many companies, in particular environmental/engineering consultancies welcome Geography graduates due to the range of transferable skills they can offer. For example, their ability to think spatially, analyse and interpret large data sets as well as present information by using a variety of methods. These are key skills, which are invaluable and used on a day-to-day basis!

Stacey Clarke

(Geography, 2006) Environmental Consultant with RSK Group plc.

I am employed as an Environmental Consultant within the Environmental Impact Assessment team. My job involves assessing the impacts large-scale projects such as wind farms will have on the environment before they are submitted for planning permission. I am also studying for my MSc in Environmental Management on a part time basis.

Iain Crossland

(Geography & PE, 1999) Planning Technician

Following graduation I undertook a Princes Trust Volunteers scheme run by The Groundwork Trust, an environmental regeneration charity. I joined Bolton Council in 2004 as Regeneration and External Funding Officer specialising in economic development before switching focus and taking up a role in the Planning Research Team at the council.

Julia Blair

(IDS & Applied Social Science, 2007) Intern with the International Org. of Migration (IOM)

I have been teaching English in Indonesia for an NGO that helps street children by giving them all the basic necessities and now I have been offered an internship with the IOM in Lombok. I'm also working as an Indigenous Mapping Research Analyst for Native Planet, an NGO that empowers indigenous groups.

Michael Hughes

(Geography, 2002) Secondary school teacher

After finishing my degree I sat down for a chat with the Head of Department and he suggested with my background in coaching various sports why don't I look at teaching. I applied for a PGCE place and the rest is history as they say!

Tamara Hunt

(Geography, 2006) Research Assistant at University of Chester

My main interest throughout my degree was in climate change and environmental sustainability. I have a range of projects to work on from implementing the online Chester Carbon Reduction Programme (CRed) to analysing the carbon footprint of local community groups.

Karen Kershaw

(IDS with Criminology, 2008) Advisor, Citizens Advice Bureau

I signed up to the Citizens Advice Bureau volunteers course at the end of the 3rd year. I received training and found myself helping out with the CAB mental health team who work specifically in GP surgeries. When funding came through for the team to expand they suggested I apply for a post. The presentation skills I developed during Uni helped so much during the selection process and the hard work all seemed worth it when they phoned the day after to tell me I had the job. I now love my new job and I get paid to help people, which is what I always wanted.