Geography and Development Studies Personal Statement
Geography is the only subject where I can be compassionate without feeling unprofessional. I am naturally sympathetic to the world's problems, but studying geography also makes me feel empowered to respond to them effectively.
My keen interest in development studies has encouraged me to look into further reading, such as Paul Collyer's 'Bottom Billion' and the Geography Review. (mention more books etc or is this sufficient?) Not only has this wider reading introduced me to indicators of development I have not covered in class, such as the HPI, GEM, GILL, and others, it has also expanded my knowledge on factors which inhibit development, such as war, natural hazards, and disease. I have also been looking into the schools of thought on development, such as dependency theory, sustainable development and participatory development. The progression of these ideas historically has led me to conclude that a Eurocentric view is not always the most enlightened.
I was surprised to learn that things which I would have thought of as outcomes of development, such as access to clean water, are also considered to be basic human rights. This led me to join the college's Amnesty International group, which has given me insight into the role of charities in international development. I am excited to be helping in campaigns which are linked to my interests, through, increasing awareness of human rights with film showings, fundraising and a poetry contest, which I have been especially enjoying since I love literature and reading.
Following this interest, this year I have decided to conduct an extended project on forced migration. I intend to look at theories, patterns, international aims and organisations relating to refugees. The title will be driven by a contemporary refugee issue to do with conflicts, which I can use as a case study. It should help prepare me for higher education since it is independent study, although I have enjoyed this before when I taught myself two GCSEs.
I have always enjoyed politics because it is lively and gives the opportunity for debate. I was somewhat disappointed with the A level politics course because it is not global and is mainly focused on government structure. Geography, on the other hand, is much more flexible as it gives a holistic view of world issues and government policies. It also draws topical examples together through theories. For example, it was interesting to know that shanty towns manifest themselves as both bustees in Calcutta and favelas in Sao Paulo, and even though these places are in totally different areas, they still share similarities; they often develop on the periphery, or in unwanted areas of prosperous cities.
The fieldwork I completed as part of the AS geography syllabus was on sand dunes in Mablethorpe. I enjoyed working outdoors and it enabled me to hone my practical data collection skills. I also developed my analytical skills in my investigation through the interpretation and presentation of graphical data.
I am committed to completing a degree in Geography and I believe it will set me up for a future career in international relations and development, as well as providing me with practical skills and experience in a variety of topics.
Universities Applied to:
- Oxford - Geography
- SOAS - Geography and Development Studies - Offer
