Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Geography or History

I'm currently thinking about doing Geography or History at Uni but really don't know which to do.

I study Geography at A-level (got an A in AS) but I don't really enjoy it. I don't study History at A-level (blooming option blocks) but think it would be quite interesting at degree.

I can get to good Uni's with Geography and some fairly good ones with History although it would no doubt be a bit riskier.

I've thought about doing a Joint but I think I'd rather do International Relations as my joint rather than one of those two. I know it's a very big pickle but hopefully someone will be able to help me with it :smile:

Basically, could anyone tell me what they think of these degrees, which is more fun, which is harder work, which is more intersting etc.

Thanks for any help

Reply 1

Benjamoon

I just saw this, and thought it would be really lame for me not to reply considering i had that dilemma 2-3 years ago; History was my best subject at Alevel, followed by Geography.

Now, if you do geography, what would you specialise in? Human geography? - if so, in both Geography BA programmes (atleast in the 2nd and 3rd year), and History degrees you will have access to International Relations content, but through different modes of analysis - geography studies IR through 'geopolitics' which is fascinating. I'm doing my 3rd year in Geography, and am looking to apply to do IR at masters, simply because i want to focus in International Politics, as Geography tends to be more generalistic in its content.

History without an Alevel will be hard to apply for, although not impossible by any stretch - The mode of analysis is more straightfoward than geography, as geography is alot more unorthodox than you may think

Geography will offer a very varied degree - its hard to get bored, its very versatile, and you get to go abroad in many institutions. Its also more relevant to the modern day issues we face today and if youre optimistic that can lead you towards a future career path depending how you tailor your degree. You also get trained to use GIS software - ie. mapping = this is a highly relevant skill that could see you lead to you to may post graduate careers - including MI5...

If you want IR, really think of a joint degree - my housemate studies Geography,Politics and IR as a degree, and he has a massive array of options open to him. Its a rare degree to do, as not many offer it - but it is out there. I wish i had taken this degree.

You cant really go wrong, but make sure whatever you do is based on what you enjoy. I dont regret Geography, but i do sometimes wish i did History - although ironically at my Uni geography covers the Nazis more than the History Dept does! (royal holloway). Anyway, you can always specialise with a masters like i am looking to do.

Hope that helps a bit.

Reply 2

brian_lawd

no point in doin somethin you dont enjoy, even if geography is the most interesting and enlightening course. its a shame ye don't like it.

its far different at uni, anyway. a level (and higher) skims the surface. at uni, it mostly consists of biology, chemistry and mathematics - a stronger onus on science. (depends wit uni as some will place a stronger onus on the human aspect rather than physical).

Reply 3

JDI

As much as it pains me to say, being a geographer myself, if you don't enjoy geography, do not do it at university! When it comes round, for example, to doing a dissertation, the subject will take over your life, and if you don't love it, you won't do well. Add to that the fact that university now is so expensive, it will be a total waste to spend three years and thousands of pounds on something you don't like and won't ever use.

However, bear in mind you can always take modules outside your department so could technically do all three subjects you mentioned even though your degree title wil only acknowledge one or two (ie single or joint course). If you were to go with Geography, and I assume you'd take Human Geography, it would tie in very nicely with contemporary history and International Relations.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 4

Philster07

Basically as everyone else has allready said don't do something you don't enjoy and as Brian said university prefers people doing science causes purely because they are seam "more academic" than BAs etc.
Now for my input. Which bits of each subject do you like or dislike? For example if you find the physical side of geography better than human then try going into that. If of course you find your self liking the rock side of physical try doing geology :P (attempt at pugging his course).

At the end of the day when your at university level you are there because you are interested in the subject area and there is a lot more emphasis on you getting things right. Lecturers are only guides and the atmosphere is more relaxed than at school. If you don't enjoy the subject you won't attend the lecturers and then you will get kicked off the course (fining the university, reducing your chances of getting on a different course and harming your rep with the student loans company)

Reply 5

ryker101

Thanks for the replies. I wouldn't say I'm not interested in Geography, I think it could be that classes move too slowly for me (so Uni would be a good thing). Currently we spend a lesson doing something I feel I could do in about 10 minutes.

I'd definatly focus more on Human Geog but keep a bit of Physical, such as Natural Disasters, Energy etc

Most likely I'll do Geog with I.R. As good as History looks it does seem to largely avoid wars and the sections I enjoy and the thought of trekking through archives kills it a bit.