Department of Geography
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate
- Staff research interests
- Programmes
Staff/student profiles
UK
Geography BA
I chose King’s because it is a highly world-ranking university in which there is genuine balance between work and play, all located within the heart of one of the greatest capital cities.
One of the most attractive aspects of King’s is its location. The Strand Campus is the most central university building in London, and studying in an area that some people travel thousands of miles to visit feels incredibly inspiring.
As a college of the University of London, you get the opportunity to live in one of the eight intercollegiate halls of residence with students from other colleges. Most of these are located in the beautiful area of Bloomsbury, and taking a ‘Boris Bike’ from my hall to college takes me only 8 minutes.
The famous second year field trip that all geographers take in December has to be one of the highlights of my programme. Part of the fieldwork involves the comparisons of culture and shopping patterns between Paris and London.
Outside my degree course, I am also a Student Ambassador for King’s; I take prospective students on campus tours, a Student Trainer for KCLSU; teaching and training the new staff of KCLSU, a student rep for my year; raising issues or comments on behalf of my year to the department, an Ambassador for the Royal Geographical Society; visiting schools to promote the study of geography at a higher level and the Vice President of my intercollegiate hall; International Hall, where the club and I organise social events for the 800 residents.
After I complete my degree, I plan to study a PGCE to become a primary school teacher. As a human geographer, my degree will help me achieve this by focussing upon the philosophical aspects of teaching and the effects that this can have on society. My lecturer has recently been featured in the media after conducting studies into the demographics of London school children, and I hope to base my dissertation around the research topic of teaching in urban spaces.
Chinese
Geography BA
My time at King's has been a valuable experience. The Geography department definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the largest in Britain. The course offers wide variety of modules to fulfill all human, physical and development geographers' interests. The appropriate amount of lectures, coursework, presentations and field trips we have throughout the course has definitely enabled me to be able to carry out an independent research project during my final year. Furthermore, the relative skills such as writing, data collection and critical analysis which are been developed through the course will become unique selling points in the job market.
As an international student I felt fully supported by the services and facilities at Kings, especially the Student Welfare Office. The staff there are friendly and readily available and offer one to one assistance in every stages of your visa application. The free English course offered by English Language Centre allowed me to develop my academic English skill, which helped me in completing my degree.
Geography BA
As a student of the Geography Department at King's College London, I feel I have benefited greatly from an environment extremely conducive to my academic and personal progression.
What first attracted me to King's was the prestige attracting both a fantastic collection of leading academics and a collection of students from a variety of backgrounds which contribute to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment. The course gave me depth of knowledge across a broad spectrum of topics from geopolitics to environment. I believe studying at King's has given me a head start in my career, especially since I secured an internship which led to valuable experience, unique opportunities and contacts. I plan to continue on to graduate study to pursue a career in academics or international relations.
Studying in the heart of London is something to be valued with lots of free events, attractions and a variety of authentic restaurants, shops and places to discover, which is great for a curious geographer like me. There is no need to worry about funding as King's is very helpful. I have received financial help towards fieldtrips, an award to fund dissertation research, bursaries to help ease the costs of living and an academic related scholarship, all in addition to the readily available student discounts across London.
Mauritius
Geography BA
Studying Geography at King's has proved to be a ride I'll never forget. I chose to study here because of the reputation of the College and its Geography department, which is one of the best in the world.
King's has proved to be far more than just a few good rankings. The Geography degree enables me to merge both social and physical sciences together; a characteristic unique to this discipline, while the Department many modules allowing me to choose and create my own personalised degree. While there is a major focus on independent study, the lectures and other staff members are always here for support and help.
King's also offer a wide array of societies for students to get involved with. I am an active member of the KCL Creative Writing Society and the KCL Action Palestine, both of which have allowed me to expand my horizons. Studying at King's also provides the best of opportunities for making the most of being in London. Cultural London is so diverse and cheap to explore with a student card.
My next step is to study for a Masters in Natural Hazards, for which studying Geography at King's has already prepared me for.
Geography BSc
King’s College London is truly the place to be. Its teaching excellence, family atmosphere and location are what attracted me. It offered me such a wide range of opportunities, from studying abroad to getting involved with the Royal Geographical Society. Studying physical geography at King’s has been spectacular, including the awesome field trip in the second year, and society parties on the Thames.
The Geography department at King's provides you with world leading researchers and a range of modules with the ability to mix human and physical modules together. We’ve also got dedicated labs allowing us to really have a hands-on experience!
London is never boring, there is always so much going on, from film premieres and fashion shows to art exhibitions and concerts. During my first year at King's I managed to get a part-time job, as a Student Ambassador, giving me working hours that suited me. King’s really does have a welcoming and family-like atmosphere. With over 1000 societies there is something for everyone, from Fencing to Harry Potter!
Bulgaria/USA
Geography Research MPhil/PhD, or option of joint PhD with HKU/Humboldt/NUS
After studying in Bulgaria and the United States for my bachelor and master's degrees, I chose King's for my doctoral studies. The outstanding research programme in Geography thoroughly satisfies my scientific curiosity in using geospatial sciences to alleviate the socio-economic impact of global ecosystem changes. I am committed to bridging the gap between remote sensing and environmental modelling to study desertification processes in North Africa and the faculty here at King's are highly supportive, internationally recognised experts who have been engaged in many multinational research projects. The geography programme completely stands up to its prestige and I am confident that the skills developed here will help me to undertake a role as research scientist.
During my first year, I have attended several project meetings, conferences, a summer school, and a number of training courses, with topics ranging from grant proposal writing to applied scientific consulting. Some meetings or conferences have involved travel abroad, while others were offered through King's in London, and all have tremendously enhanced my overall learning experiences. The department and graduate students organise frequent seminars as well as social events, and the excellent Modern Languages Centre is indispensable to those interested in foreign languages and travel.
As a geographer, it is particularly exciting to study at King's and live in cosmopolitan London, close to Greenwich and the numerous libraries and museums that the city offers. The unique opportunity to work among colleagues from a variety of backgrounds not only provokes and inspires ideas, but also sustains excellent prospects for collaboration with internal and external researchers.
UK
Geography Research MPhil/PhD, or option of joint PhD with HKU/Humboldt/NUS
I chose to study for my PhD at King's for a number of reasons; firstly that I have maintained a good relationship with my supervisor stretching back to my undergraduate days and secondly because King's remains one of the few places to perform research in the areas of remote sensing and computational geography which interest me most.
I find the Department of Geography a generally friendly place to work and the lecturers are very accessible and willing to lend advice and observations, as well as buy the odd pint on a Tuesday night.
I am funded fully by NERC and this has proven more than adequate for survival and the essential relaxation that must accompany a PhD! During my PhD I have been closely involved with the Mountaineering Club (serving as the webmaster for http://www.kclmc.org ). This led to an unexpected meeting with the Head of College Administration on the Snowdon Horseshoe, and my old Club the Rifle Club, where I undertook some extra coaching during my second year.
UK
Geography Research MPhil/PhD, or option of joint PhD with HKU/Humboldt/NUS
During my time at King's I've taken advantage of research training opportunities within and outside the department, along with teaching opportunities. I hope to stay in academia after completing my thesis and the skills I've gained at King's will stand me in good stead for this or other career paths. Highlights of my time at King's include experiences during field research and attending conferences both in the UK and abroad. I recently won an award for a presentation I gave at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly.
Korean (South)
Geography Research MPhil/PhD, or option of joint PhD with HKU/Humboldt/NUS
For my PhD journey, I thought of no other university but King's, not only because of its world-renowned reputation but also of my personal experience here studying for my MSc. King's is an institution not made from grey academics and brick buildings, but from well established academic knowledge, curiosity for the unknown world, and a search for a better alternative; not to mention brilliant students and inspiring academics from all over the world.
I learned from aptly prepared classes as well as from fellow students sharing experiences and enthusiasm over a cup of coffee after classes. I was particularly impressed by my dear lecturers and professors who always paid keen attention to my murmuring about other cultures and societies.
On the completion of the MSc programme in Geography, I felt assured that King's had deepened and broadened my scope of the world. With the support of King's Alumni Bursaries, I am grateful to continue my research to contribute to a better world, which King's has taught me to do so.
Chinese
Geography Research MPhil/PhD, or option of joint PhD with HKU/Humboldt/NUS
I'm Qing Huang, from People's Republic of China. I'm a full time first year PhD student in the Department of Geography. Sitting right at the heart of London, King's is a place filled with academic opportunities and exiting socializing occasions.
King's enjoys a superb reputation for excellence in advanced learning and academic research. It also attracted me for its strong academic culture that engages and challenges students and staff in their pursuit of learning.
For research students particularly, King's abundant funding resources and its clear competition system are really valuable. I'm a holder of KCL- China Scholarship Council joint scholarship. As an international student, this scholarship gives me the precious opportunity to go abroad and pursue a PhD in London, supporting me with both tuition fees and living expenses.
For any prospective students who are interested in applying for a postgraduate research place in King's, my advice is please prepare well and apply early, as the competition is strong - you will never regret choosing King's!
South Africa
Disasters, Adaptation & Development MA/MSc
I decided to do my master’s in Disaster Management at King’s College for several reasons. The modules offered help me to tailor the course to meet my specific interests in the field, and the department’s lecturers and researchers are experts in the field. King’s has a very good worldwide reputation, attracting students from all over the world. I have enjoyed the many opportunities offered to attend seminars, workshops and conferences in and around London. I have been able to meet people from various academic backgrounds and been able to network with interesting people in my field of study.
My studies are supported by the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme. Without this scholarship I would not have had the opportunity to study at King’s, and enjoy living in one of the most exciting cities in the world. London is a great city to study in and there is always something exciting happening. Once I graduate with my master’s, I will be able to return to South Africa and use the skills, knowledge and experience gained from my year at King’s to hopefully become a leader in the field of Disaster Management.
Ghanaian
Environment & Development MA/MSc
I chose King's because of its impeccable pedigree in academia. Studying at King's and its location in the heart of London, described as 'the knowledge capital of the world' is indeed worthwhile and an unforgettable experience. The serene environment, excellent free IT services and the well-tailored courses to meet current developmental challenges are unmatched, not forgetting the countless theatres and galleries at one's disposal.
The cordial lecturer-student relationship and the willingness of everyone to help in times of need are indeed very awesome. I have improved upon my academic writing and analytical skills through the free skills training courses offered by the English Language Centre and the thought-provoking weekly seminars organised by the Geography Department.
Asides studies, the regular recruitment programmes offered by Career Services Centre, provide numerous job opportunities for students. Employers are very cooperative that it makes combining work with studies an easy task.
My studies are supported mainly by the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme. Without this scholarship, I would not have had the benefit of 'tasting' and tapping into King's distinctive worth of knowledge.
I intend to return to Ghana upon completion to live my dream as environment and development consultant, drawing on the expert knowledge I expect to gain from the programme. I recommend King's to everyone who wants to live their dream and not just to have a dream, because of its image as centre of excellence.
Uganda
Environment & Development MA/MSc
I chose King’s because of its international reputation and its ideal location in London.
I find many attractive things about King’s, particularly the huge community of talented global students from whom I have gained invaluable insights into their rich cultures and built life-long relationships. King’s facilities such as the academic libraries, IT services and extensive dedicated student support services are world-class!
I have had a great experience with the weekly seminar series organised by the Geography Department. By attending these seminars, I have met and developed ideas with the very best academics and professionals in the field of environment and development. I am also a member of the Conservation Society and through their organised activities I have met new people and made friends.
During the autumn term, I attended a number of free short courses offered by the English Language Centre. Following this training, my study and academic writing skills have greatly improved.
I am a Commonwealth Scholar and my studies are supported by both King’s and the Department for International Development (DFID). Obtaining this sponsorship has provided me with worthwhile experience both personally and academically that I would not exchange for anything in the world! Upon completion of my master’s, I intend to return to Uganda to consolidate my teaching and consulting career.
Mexico
Environment & Development MA/MSc
As soon as I started my studies I found myself immersed in a group of international talented and enthusiastic people. This was the very heart of my experience. Encouraged by academic staff, the opportunity to work sharing thoughts and debating with fellow students brought strands of thought that helped me bring better results from my research.
Environment & Development MA/MSc
I chose to study this MA programme because it combines environment and development in a way that is unique, but also very sensible considering the interdependence of the two. I like the fact that you can chat with any professor and address them by their first name. Most of them are very down-to-earth.
King’s Careers Service offers a broad spectrum of help to get you a job as soon as possible after graduation. I am funding my studies through savings, part-time work and my parents’ financial support. When I travelled to Nigeria for research, King’s granted me a travel award.
As I am planning to work in economic development, the MA was a perfect way to prepare for the challenges ahead. My advice to prospective students is to work hard but don’t forget you are living in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Even in a whole year I couldn’t do half the things I wanted to!
UK
Environmental Monitoring, Modelling & Management MSc
I moved to London to take a place on the BSc Geography at King's in 1999. The academic environment, research focus and location of the department suited me perfectly, so I decided to remain at King's to read for the MSc Environmental Modelling, Monitoring and Management offered by the department. During my master's I fostered good relationships with members of the environmental monitoring and modelling group with whom I collaborated successfully to secure an ESRC/NERC Interdisciplinary Studentship to fund my PhD. The reputation, facilities and friendly atmosphere at King's has allowed me to get the most out of my graduate research, and the recent redevelopment of the Strand Campus has enhanced the already excellent facilities for learning and research.
My time as a PhD student has been very enriching intellectually. Alongside the advances I have made in my research training, I've made the most of opportunities to tutor and teach undergraduates. On completion of my thesis I hope to continue in academia, but the skills and experience I have gained whilst at King's stand me in good stead to pursue many different career paths.
Prospective students should be aware that accommodation in London, whilst often good and widely available, is fairly expensive, as is the general cost of living.
In London, you are in the heart of one of the world's global cities, everything you could want and more is on the doorstep of your campus. I worked for two years in the students' union bar - great fun! Whatever previous experience you have, there are plenty of opportunities for part-time work in London.
For travelling, get your student Oyster card and don't travel at rush hour if you can help it. I cycle to King's - saving myself even more! Weekends can be expensive to go out. Remember there's something happening in London every night of the week, why wait until Saturday?
Mauritius
Environmental Monitoring, Modelling & Management MSc
I wanted to study in London because of its vibrant atmosphere, numerous attractions and multitude of work opportunities. What made King’s stand out was that everyone - from the staff in my department and the International Student Support team, to the Admissions team and Accommodation Services - made me feel special from the outset.
My course is very stimulating and presents incredible opportunities. Within a year, I have been able to pursue my interests in conservation and climate change, and completed internships at institutions such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the BBC World Service Trust. I am currently working on a dissertation project offered by my department in partnership with the University of Cambridge, the United Nations Environmental Programme and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre.
Alongside my studies, I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as a Student Ambassador and editor of the monthly newsletter. I have also written for the Students’ Union publication ROAR, and participated in events organised by the French Society and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
I am based at the Strand Campus. The facilities available here coupled with the fact that it is very close to the Maughan library, all contribute towards making this campus a dynamic learning hub. Its central location ensures that there is no dearth of things one can do around campus: having a pint in the Waterfront bar, taking in the wonderful view of London from Waterloo Bridge, talking a stroll around Trafalgar Square or even shopping in Covent Garden!
King’s offers a very well-structured accommodation system. Living in a graduate residence with a very international feel allowed me to make friends from all over the world. I also saved a lot on commuting expenses as my residence was minutes away from my campus. Plus, being able to see the London Eye and the Big Ben from my room was simply out of this world!
Living in London can be very expensive, but a number of schemes exist to help students. The student Oyster photocard can save you money on tube or bus travel within London; a 16-25 railcard provides discount on train fares; and an NUS Extra card gives you discounts at a number of stores. Student deals are rife in London, and making the most of discounts means that you will not have to part with more money than is necessary.
Mexican
Global Environmental Change MSc
I chose to study the MSc Global Environmental Change because of its multidisciplinary approach, its student-faculty interaction and highly experienced faculty members, many of whom also engage in consulting and research work.
The optional modules are very interesting and I actually had a bit of difficulty deciding in only two and consequently I decided to audit one more. I chose 'Environmental Actors and Politics' and 'Environmental Internship' as the two optional courses for the year. I have now secured an internship at a consultancy in which I will acquire important knowledge for my professional future.
The Department of Geography, is located at the Strand campus which is a beautiful place to study in. As master's students we have exclusive access to facilities created especially for us, such as the common room, the computer laboratory and computer rooms in the Maughan Library (within a 5 minutes walk reach from the Strand).
Seminars at the Department are organised on a weekly basis and are always followed by a reception which helps to get to know more of the students in the Department. There is also a weekly pub trip to which all are invited, professors and students.
Thanks to Conacyt (Mexican Government scholarship organisation), a great part of my living expenses and tuition fees are covered. This has undoubtedly helped to focus my attention on studying and not to worry about taking a part-time job.
When I finish writing my dissertation I will search for a job in consultancy as I want to develop experience in this field. Later on I would like to open my own consultancy in Mexico.
King's is undoubtedly the best choice I could have selected. As the days go by the only thing that worries me is that I'm running out of time!
Ghana
Tourism, Environment & Development MA/MSc
I chose King’s because of its long standing reputation as a centre of excellence in teaching and research. The central location of King’s offering easy access to numerous libraries and other cultural and social facilities was one of my major reasons for coming here. So far, my biggest experience has been interaction with the teaching staff during lectures and the ease of meeting them outside of the classroom. The encouragement they offer and the stimulating environment they provide for intellectual debate has been very rewarding for me. Teaching and non-teaching staff alike are very supportive.
My graduate studies have been possible mainly due to the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship award. After my graduate studies, I hope to continue with a PhD here. I look forward to securing funding for that with the help of my degree and the research reputation of King’s.
I recommend King’s to all who seek a truly enriching academic experience both at undergraduate and graduate level. The social and cultural benefits of living in a big cosmopolitan city like London are on the doorsteps of students at King’s.
Geography Research MPhil/PhD, or option of joint PhD with HKU/Humboldt/NUS
Academics do more than teach and undertake research and I am no exception. Within the Geography Department my main role is to act as one of the master's programme admissions tutors, and the aim is simple - to attract the best and brightest students from across the world to come and study one of the many geography master's programmes at King's. Each year we regularly have over a hundred students from a wide variety of countries as far apart as Colombia and Korea, not to mention from across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the UK. Having this diversity, in addition to the high quality of our graduate students, makes for an interesting and challenging learning environment in which we can all learn from each other. This is what makes that aspect of my job so exciting! Recent master's students now work for national and local governments, NGOs, consultancies as well as in private industries. Our internship programmes help bridge the gap between study and work, and many of our students have found their way into employment through these programmes. We feel that we can make a difference for our students and that once they graduate they make a difference to their own communities.
Discussion and seminars form the backbone of our master's teaching programmes and staff ensure that they incorporate their own research into their teaching. Each of the master's degrees therefore links to a research specific group. This means that our master's degrees are research led, which opens up great opportunities for those who wish to explore their subject in more depth.
My own research focus is on various approaches to understanding welfare in a historical context. I am interested both in the kinds of provision made for the poor, as well as by those with greater amounts of wealth. People often ask me how this kind of work fits into a geography department but the answer is really quite simple: geography plays an important part because where people live makes a real difference to the way that wealth is accumulated and welfare is distributed. I have published research not just on the English poor law and other aspects of poverty but also on the kinds of investments made by the middle class and the way those were used to distribute wealth to members of the family. Although this work is historical it also has a very contemporary feel, as all societies seek to find ways of ensuring that welfare is provided for all members of their community.
Geography Research MPhil/PhD, or option of joint PhD with HKU/Humboldt/NUS
The Department of Geography hosts one of the largest master's programmes in the UK, with around 100 students joining us each year. We have high academic standards but also aim to create a supportive and exciting learning environment though our selection process, which acknowledges professional and voluntary experience. For degrees related to international development, overseas experience is also an asset. We believe that students should be able to learn as much from each other as from our staff.
Teaching and learning is research led. Courses are taught by leading international academics with experience of consultancy as well as research, teaching includes small group work, presentations and seminars. Opportunities for career development and specialisation will include your thesis and also internships with London based organisations. For example, my own research on policy to reduce risk and loss from natural disasters has led to collaboration between MA students and the British Red Cross.
Disasters, Adaptation & Development MA/MSc
Within the Department of Geography, our staff members like our students maintain an active and rigorous research agenda which is readily translated into cutting edge research driven teaching in the classroom, as well as supervision for our students.
Every year in the Department we have the privilege of welcoming some of the most diverse, talented and international student body for our programmes. My activities like those of my colleagues are not limited to research and teaching alone. I am frequently invited to consult with and to deliver lectures at various high profile think tanks in Europe, North America and South Asia. My professional linkages with the policy world, like those of my colleagues, benefit our students for research, training and job hunting.
Environmental Monitoring, Modelling & Management MSc
I teach on the MSc in Environmental Monitoring, Modelling & Management, one of the oldest, yet forward looking and exciting environmental taught programmes in the UK. The programme provides advanced level training in computing, laboratory and fieldwork to effectively investigate causes, consequences and solutions to environmental changes. It covers a wide range of subjects, and is particularly relevant in today's world.
This programme has both research and consultancy streams, an internship course, internship dissertations, NERC funded studentships, and a team of research active scientists who teach on the programme. One reason I believe this programme is particularly good is that these scientists, my colleagues, are friendly and approachable, yet take teaching seriously. They are all well-respected in many aspects of the environment including hydrological, geomorphological, biophysical, atmospheric and ecological. You become integrated into this group!
My particular research is in natural and environmental hazards, including wildfires, floods, earthquakes, landslides and heavy-metal contamination. This research includes time-series analyses, the comparison of models with data and fieldwork. I am particularly interested in the application of this research for developing countries. I enjoy my research but, like many of my colleagues, also very much enjoy teaching and use my research to motivate and illustrate this.
The students who take the programme tend to be a sociable crowd (and we meet many of them in the regular Tuesday pub outings!) Most go on to careers in consultancy, environmental research, industry, public organisations including government, industry and universities (including PhD paths).
