Geography or radiography?

I am stuck between choosing these two options as I'm really interested in both, but I'm worried about the job prospects for geography and the work environment for radiography.

I'm still unsure on what type of radiography I would like to pursue but I know it's definitely something in that field as I am really interested in doing something healthcare related with technology. But I have heard about radiographers work being undervalued in the workplace which leads to people feeling burnt out while working.

And for geography I'm interested in working for the disaster management sector of it but I'm unsure if there are many work options here in the UK, or if there are any good paying jobs I could get with a geography degree.

Reply 1

Geo Lover 7

Original post by Azeula

I am stuck between choosing these two options as I'm really interested in both, but I'm worried about the job prospects for geography and the work environment for radiography.
I'm still unsure on what type of radiography I would like to pursue but I know it's definitely something in that field as I am really interested in doing something healthcare related with technology. But I have heard about radiographers work being undervalued in the workplace which leads to people feeling burnt out while working.
And for geography I'm interested in working for the disaster management sector of it but I'm unsure if there are many work options here in the UK, or if there are any good paying jobs I could get with a geography degree.

You can work for the Environment Agency if you wanted to do Disaster Management. I'm also looking to do a Geography degree but I'm in Year 12.

Reply 2

TDCTV

Hey, I know radiographers, they say it’s quite intense as a student, but once u qualify it’s very relaxed and you’ll be basically guaranteed a job with the NHS once u graduate, and progression is really good.

Reply 3

UniofReading

Official Rep

Original post by Azeula

I am stuck between choosing these two options as I'm really interested in both, but I'm worried about the job prospects for geography and the work environment for radiography.
I'm still unsure on what type of radiography I would like to pursue but I know it's definitely something in that field as I am really interested in doing something healthcare related with technology. But I have heard about radiographers work being undervalued in the workplace which leads to people feeling burnt out while working.
And for geography I'm interested in working for the disaster management sector of it but I'm unsure if there are many work options here in the UK, or if there are any good paying jobs I could get with a geography degree.

Good afternoon @Azeula,

Its great to hear you are considering these carers. There will be many options for both jobs, depending on where you live.

For geography-based degrees, you can become trained in jobs such as urban planning, cartographer, environmental manager, and surveyor. These are just a few options, but a full list can be found here.

Similarly, with a radiography degree, you could consider working within the medical or science sectors, such as Medical radiographers, Medical and dental technicians or, Biological scientists, Biochemists and biomedical scientists, Physical scientists,

When choosing what to specialise in, weigh up your options, such as your location, the salary you want to earn, and the hours you wish to work, As careers will vary between these aspects massively.

Also, if you plan on studying geography and radiography, you may want to decide at what level you wish to study. You have options, including apprenticeships and Undergraduate courses.

At the University of Reading, there is a geography course that is highly rated; more information can be found here.

Alternatively, radiography apprenticeships are available on the UCAS website; these might be a good option if you prefer to earn money while learning. You can find more information here. Simialry, there may be specific apprentiships for geography related careers, such as building development with companies such as berkely, you can find more information here..

I hope this information helps. You can use the links to find further information to help inform your decision. If you have any questions, please let us know.

All the best,
Ella 😀
BSc Ecology

Reply 4

normaw

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Azeula

Radiographers are Allied Health Professionals and there are two types - Diagnostic and Therapeutic. Diagnostic radiographers (DRs) are trained to take medical images using a range of methods such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc. and can work across many hospital departments including A&E, surgery and outpatients. DRs have to work shifts including nights and weekends. Therapeutic radiographers (or radiotherapists) work in cancer centres and are trained to deliver high-dose radiation as part of a patient's treatment plan. Shifts are usually Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm. You might be called in at the weekend for an urgent case. Both professions are in demand in the NHS so you should be able to secure a job easily when you graduate. You would start on salary band 5 (currently just under £30k per year outside of London) and, with experience, additional training and ambition, it is possible to progress to Consultant Radiographer level (band 8).

The best way to work out if either of these careers is for you is to get some shadowing experience in a hospital DR department and a cancer centre. Unis expect you to have this when you apply for these courses. Also, attend some uni open days, listen to the subject talks and chat to staff and current students.

A geography degree does not limit you to applying for jobs in a related sector. You could still apply to the majority of graduate employment schemes. A lot of employers don't require graduates with specific degree subjects - they are interested in the transferrable skills that you can bring to the job.

Reply 5

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by Azeula

I am stuck between choosing these two options as I'm really interested in both, but I'm worried about the job prospects for geography and the work environment for radiography.
I'm still unsure on what type of radiography I would like to pursue but I know it's definitely something in that field as I am really interested in doing something healthcare related with technology. But I have heard about radiographers work being undervalued in the workplace which leads to people feeling burnt out while working.
And for geography I'm interested in working for the disaster management sector of it but I'm unsure if there are many work options here in the UK, or if there are any good paying jobs I could get with a geography degree.

Hey there 🤗

I highly recommend the Prospects website for detailed descriptions of potential career paths after either course. However, I’d also like to offer one of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve learned from experience: ask yourself what truly interests you and what qualities make a job ideal for you. Reflect on these questions as you explore your options, keeping your preferences as a top priority. Above all, aim to study what you’re passionate about and seek a job you’ll enjoy. This is key to a fulfilling life. You can work out the details along the way, but starting down a path you’re unsure of can lead to dissatisfaction. Trust your instincts, and you’ll be just fine.

I hope it was helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Reply 6

Azeula

Thank you to everyone who replied all of theses information were very useful!

Reply 7

KatieMcFarlane11

Original post by Azeula

I am stuck between choosing these two options as I'm really interested in both, but I'm worried about the job prospects for geography and the work environment for radiography.
I'm still unsure on what type of radiography I would like to pursue but I know it's definitely something in that field as I am really interested in doing something healthcare related with technology. But I have heard about radiographers work being undervalued in the workplace which leads to people feeling burnt out while working.
And for geography I'm interested in working for the disaster management sector of it but I'm unsure if there are many work options here in the UK, or if there are any good paying jobs I could get with a geography degree.

hey! I was actually in the exact same position last year picking between these two options. i'm now a first year geography student at Cardiff University. Ultimately, I went with geography because I knew deep down it excited me more and I was more interested in it. I did multiple radiography work experience placements and did enjoy them and its definitely a really rewarding job, but I think I knew id be more comfortable working somewhere that's not a hospital, so work environment is definitely something to consider. Another reason I chose geography in the end was because of the scope of choice career wise after as it opens up so many doors, whereas radiography is narrower in options but you can train and specialise in certain fields.

if you have anymore questions i'm more than happy to help!