FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
This page covers many of the questions that we receive form students and parents during the application process or before students arrive. It is organised into five sections (scroll down the page to see each section):
- Studying at Sheffield
- When you apply
- Before you arrive
- When you arrive
- Your future
If we haven't covered what you want to know, feel free to get in touch with us:
email : geog-ug-applications@sheffield.ac.uk
Studying at Sheffield
Q What will my course be like?
One of the main features of studying Geography at Sheffield is the opportunity you have to choose the mixture of modules that suits you. Each degree programme will have a set of core modules which you must do. However, you can often do the 'other' core modules if you like – so, for example, a Level 1 BSc student can take the Human Geography module Region, Nation and World. Add to this the wide range of optional modules, particularly at Level 3, plus the possibility of taking credits outside Geography at Levels 1, 2, and 3, and you can see that there is considerable scope for designing a degree programme that suits your strengths and interests. See our Undergraduate brochures or browse the Degree courses pages for further details, or see what our current students think on the Student profiles page.
Q I really like Biology/French/Sociology/Chemistry, etc… can I carry on studying it?
Yes, very possibly. One of the features of all courses at Sheffield is that some credits can be taken outside Geography, even at Level 3. This allows you the possibility of carrying on studying another subject alongside Geography, as long as there are no timetable clashes. If you attend an Open Day, we can give you advice on which modules you might be able to take. Most other academic departments in the University offer at least a few modules that can be taken by Geography students.
Q Will I develop skills that employers look for?
The core modules for all the degree programmes are designed to provide a comprehensive mixture of transferable skills. The focus at Level 1 is on the acquisition of basic data analysis skills and on developing your ability to study independently, since this is a key element of University learning. At Level 2 the emphasis is on developing your ability to undertake independent research. This involves learning how to design, carry-out, and write-up your research on a chosen project. At Level 3, you undertaken an Independent Research Project that is designed to show-off your research skills, which is worth approximately 33% of your Level 3 marks. In addition to the core skills programme, there are optional modules in specialist skills, such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Environmental Modelling. See our Careers page for further details of the skills that our students acquire.
Q Can I learn a foreign language?
Since you are allowed to take credits outside Geography, it is possible to improve your language skills by taking language modules in each of the three years, subject to timetabling constraints. You could even take up a new language.
Q I only really like Geography – do I have to do other subjects?
Yes, be prepared to take at least a few, although normally this is only necessary (if at all) at Level 1. Furthermore, modules at Level 1 don't count towards your degree mark, so you can try something new without worrying about your final degree class. Taking modules in other subjects allows you to study subjects that complement Geography, that catch your interest, or improve your skills in areas such as foreign languages or IT.
Q How large will class sizes be?
If you are afraid that you will spend three years sitting in a lecture theatre with 200 other people, don't worry! Inevitably, some of the core Level 1 modules are taught in large classes, but class sizes tend to get smaller at Levels 2 and 3 as the choice of modules becomes greater. Furthermore, at Level 1 you will also have tutorials in groups of 5 or 6 with a personal tutor, who will guide you through the key essay-writing and communication skills that Geographers require. Many modules at Level 2 and 3 also have tutorials, seminars or practical classes that involve work in smaller groups.
Q How many hours a week will I be taught for?
This depends largely on which modules you choose, as some will have practicals and workshops, whilst others might have tutorials or even elements that are self-taught. With a dedicated Personal Tutor and an Office Hours system, you are sure to have access to all the support you need to get the most out of the course.
Q How are modules marked?
Different modules are assessed in different ways, ranging from 100% course work to (occasionally) 100% examination. Most modules have a mixture of both, and overall, the balance of course work and examination during your degree is likely to be 50:50. Each semester finishes with exams in which you are tested on what you have learnt in the modules taken within that semester. Coursework handed-in during the semester is marked and returned before the examinations, with feedback to help you improve your mark the next time.
Q Can I study abroad?
Yes. There are several exciting possibilities. Please see our Study Abroad page.
Q What fieldwork opportunities are there at Sheffield?
Fieldwork is an integral component of most of our degree programmes. Many individual modules, especially those concerned with research methods in human and physical geography, involve field activities in and around Sheffield or the nearby Peak District National Park. For BSc Students there is a compulsory Level 2 residential field trip, which currently takes place in the Lake District. We also offer a range of overseas field trips at Level 3, which count as full Level 3 modules. See our Field classes page for further details.
Q Who can I go to for help and advice?
Students are sometimes concerned that University will be rather impersonal in comparison with school. While it is true that you will have far more independence at University, there are lots of people on hand to help you out if necessary. First of all, there is a Student Services department in the Union building who can deal with many queries about courses and student life in general. See:
Student Services Information Desk
In addition, every Geography student is also allocated a personal tutor (students on dual degrees are usually allocated tutors in both of their departments). You will first meet your personal tutor in "Intro Week" and thereafter during regular meetings throughout your three years at Sheffield. He or she will help you with your choice of modules and give you feedback on how you have done in assessments. The personal tutor is also there to help with any queries or problems you may have.
Furthermore, we operate a very popular Student Mentoring programme, as part of which every new student is paired with a Level 2 or 3 student who they can turn to for helpful advice. There is a social gathering in Intro Week, where mentors and mentees meet face to face for first time. See:
University of Sheffield Student Mentoring Scheme
Q Is there a Geography Society and what do they do?
Yes. The Geography Society (GeogSoc) is the largest society at Sheffield. GeogSoc organises both academic and fun events to help you meet other Geographers, including Intro Week activities, such as the Welcome Event and Welcome Walk to the Peak District, and activities throughout the academic year, including a weekend away and Annual Ball.
When you apply
Q What are the entry requirements for your undergraduate courses?
We normally expect applicants to offer at least three full A Levels. Most courses have specific subject requirements for at least one or two of your grades, and whatever the subject-specific requirements of your course, at least two of your three grades must be in acceptable subjects (as defined by the University). For all courses, your third grade must be from the list of Acceptable in-combination A Level subjects as defined by the University. See our Degree Courses and Requirements for Entry page here:
Degree Courses and Requirements for Entry
Q What if I have only two A Levels or no A Levels?
We may at our discretion decide to allow one A Level grade to be substituted with either 2 AS Level grades or 6 units of the BTEC National Award. The University's Online Prospectus details the entry requirements for those who have alternative qualifications, such as Scottish Highers or the International Baccalaureate.
Online prospectus entries for Geography courses
Q Is there anything else I should know about entry requirements?
There is a core requirement for all courses of at least Grade C in GCSE Mathematics and English; applicants whose first language is not English are required to take a suitable test (eg IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): an average of 7.0 or above with at least 6.5 in each component; TOEFL Paper-Based 600 or TOEFL Computer-Based 250.
Q What if I don't make the grades detailed in my offer?
All University departments have a quota of student places. When we receive the A Level results each summer, we look at how many students have achieved the grades we asked for. In some years, this will fill our quota, and if you have missed out, there is nothing we can do. In other years, we may still have some places left, and we are able to offer these to the best of the students who haven´t quite made their offer. So, if you only miss your offer by one grade, you should contact the University to see if you have been offered a place.
Q What do you base your offers on?
We consider a range of factors when looking at individual application forms. We give most weight to the school´s reference (including predicted grades), previous performance at GCSE level, and the personal statements. Where AS grades are available, these can be used as an indication of the final A Level grade. However, it will not affect your chances of being made an offer if you don't have any AS grades to report when you apply.
Q Can I visit the University and the Department before I decide to apply?
Yes. The University runs four Open Days each summer where prospective applicants can visit the University, attend talks on University life, accommodation, financial matters, and more, and also attend at least one talk related to the subject in which the student is most interested. The Department of Geography provides two talks, one on the Geography Single Honours degrees, and one on the Environmental Science degrees. Normally, you can also visit the Department of Geography to have a look at our facilities and speak to our students and staff.
Q I have an offer. Can I visit the University and the Department before accepting the offer?
Yes. All students who are made offers are invited to visit the Department on one of our Offer-Holder Open Days. This will normally include an introductory talk, which will introduce Sheffield, the University, the Department, and your course, and provide tours of the Campus and Department and some of the University Accommodation. You will also be able to meet current staff and students, includng members of our Geography Society, and we will provide information on career prospects and opportunities at Sheffield to improve your skills and employability.
Q Am I guaranteed accommodation at Sheffield and how/when do I apply?
Once you have notified UCAS that the University of Sheffield is your firm or insurance choice, or you have accepted an offer of a place here, you can apply to live in our student accommodation. You don't have to wait until you receive your exam results. Only students who have made Sheffield their firm choice are guaranteed a place in University accommodation; however, the University tries to ensure that ALL first year students (except those that live locally) have a place in University accommodation. See http://www.shef.ac.uk/accommodation/prospective further information.
Q What types of accommodation are available and how expensive is it?
The cost varies depending on location and facilities. Most of the University's accommodation is situated in pleasant wooded suburbs a short walk from campus, but city centre and central campus accommodation is also available. All halls of residence, from brand-new apartments to refurbished mansions, offer comfortable, safe accommodation within a supportive, close-knit community. Most provide both catered and self-catered options with modern facilities, including 24-hour IT suites, en-suite rooms, and internet access. See http://www.shef.ac.uk/accommodation/prospective further information.
Q Can I defer entry for a year?
Yes. Once you have met all the entry requirements, you can simply ask us to defer your entry for a year. We welcome applications for deferred entry and treat them on an equal basis to other applications.
Q Do we interview applicants for any of our courses?
No.
Before you arrive
Q Should I buy books before I arrive?
No, for several reasons. The university has excellent library facilities, with multiple copies of the main course texts. Students tend to buy books for courses where they need to spend extra time studying or for courses that particularly interest them – until you're here you won't know which these are. Furthermore, the Geography Society organises a sale of second-hand text books at the start of the year, so you might be able to pick up a bargain!
Q Should I buy a computer?
This is down to personal choice. The department has a well-equipped computer laboratory that is connected to the University network and is open during normal office hours. In addition, there are several large open-access computer labs around the University, and most of the halls of residence have computer labs that are open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Having your own computer is not therefore a necessity, but if you do bring your own, you may be able to take advantage of internet access from your study room (you should check first which halls of residence provide internet connections in their rooms). Regardless of whether you live in University or private accommodation, the University provides dial-up and remote login facilities that enable you to access your files, email and course material from around the world.
If you do decide to purchase your own computer, follow the link below to see what CiCS (pronounced kicks), the University computer service, recommend. Note that students can purchase software from CiCS at special rates.
Q Do I get access to the Internet and email?
Yes. All students are automatically given a username that enables you to use the University computer network, including the computer lab in the Geography Department. You also get your own email account, which you can access from both inside and outside of the University network. There is excellent online documentation and CiCS run an advisory service to help you get to know the Sheffield facilities.
Q Is there anything else I should think about?
Yes! The University will email you a link to the Online Directory of Modules from which you should choose a few non-Geography modules that you would be prepared to take as part of your non-Geography credits at Level 1. Also, if you want to take part in the Student Mentoring scheme, you can sign-up before you arrive (the scheme aims to contact all those who have accepted a place). You can also sign-up when you arrive (see below).
When you arrive
Q What happens during Intro Week?
As well as activities organised by the University and your hall of residence, the department organises many activities to help you adjust to University life and to get to know your course-mates. A typical intro week goes like this:
- On day one, you will be welcomed to the Department of Geography, and introduced you to your personal tutor, who will help you with the enrollment and registration process.
- On day two, you will choose your non-Geography modules and complete your registration.
- On days three and four (Wednesday and Thursday), the more Geographical activities begin, with a Geography learning trail, which you complete in your tutorial group, and a self-guided tour of Sheffield.
- On the Friday, the learning trail results are announced (prizes are available for those with the most right answers!) before everyone participates in a short group exercise that introduces how we teach and think about Geography at University level.
- The academic activities on Friday are followed by the Geography Intro Week Welcome Party, hosted by our Geography Society. If you haven't already, You are welcome to sign-up to the society at this event.
- On the Saturday afternoon, there is our annual Intro Week Welcome Walk from Sheffield to the Peak District (to enjoy a pint at a Peak District pub!).
Photos of our Intro Week Welcome Walk to the Peak District
Q What societies and activities are there to get involved in?
University is the time to get involved and try something new, so the Students' Union offers you a wealth of options to get started. Included are around 200 student-run societies, including the Geography Society. You can search the full list of societies from the Union´s societies page. You can also find a list of activities on the University´s More… pages.
Students' Union Societies page
Q What about sports and other activities?
There are many student-run sports clubs and socities, all of which can be found on the Student Union's sports page. Sport Sheffield manages all of the University's sports facilities, including the Goodwin Sports Centre, which has three full-size floodlit synthetic turf pitches, three small-sided floodlit synthetic turf pitches, a multi-purpose sports hall, swimming pool, bouldering wall, four squash courts, a floodlit tennis court, cricket nets and the state-of-the-art S10health fitness centre.
Students' Union Sports and Activities page
The Geography Society has some of the most successful teams in the University, including three men's football teams, a woman's football team, two mixed hockey teams and a mixed netball team.
Q How do I join the Geography Society?
You can join at the annual Intro Week Activities Fair or at the Intro Week Welcome Party. For more information about the society, see:
Q Can I sign-up for the Student Mentoring scheme? When do I meet my Mentor?
There is a social gathering in Intro Week for those interested in the scheme. Those who have signed up before arriving will meet their mentors for the first time. Those who haven't yet signed up can also come along and be mentor-matched on the spot. Simple!
Q How and when do I choose which non-Geography modules to take?
If you are worried about what you might take a full range of course is available on the web and in Intro week there is a module fair where all departments have a stand and you can ask about courses you are interested in. It also allows you a possible 'escape' route out of Geography, if you find you have made the wrong subject choice. It has to be said however, that few students do this – in fact we tend to gain students who transfer from other subjects!
Q Help! I don't like my course!
Subject to approval, you can change degree course on arrival, or during or at the end of your first year. If the problem is simply that you have chosen a few modules that you don't like, you can drop these for replacement modules in the first few weeks of semester (provided that they are not identified as being modules that are core for your degree).
Q Is there anything else I should know or do?
You should sign up with the University Health Service when you arrive. Registration is usually by means of a simple online form.
Your future
Q What will Sheffield do to enhance my career prospects?
The University's Careers Service has many schemes you can take advantage of, including their Skills for Work Certificate and Career Mentoring schemes (the latter enables you to be mentored throughout your degree by someone working in a profession of interest to you). There is also a database of opportunities and activities that will help develop your skills further. All students who undertake activities outside of their degree, including voluntary work, enterprise, or work experience, are eligible for the prestigious Sheffield Graduate Award. See the following links for more information:
More... (how to enhance your Sheffield Experience)
Q Does the Department provide any internships that might enhance my skills?
Yes. As well as a range of work-experience opportunities provided by the Careers Service, the Department of Geography offers an annual internship at the Geographical Association – the national association for Geography teachers – based at the Geographical Association´s headquarters in Sheffield. Second-year students on all Geography-related degrees are able to apply for the internship, which provides valuable experience of working in a Geography-related professional organisation. See:
University Careers Service advice on Work Experience
Q What sort of career can I expect?
Geography as a subject is highly regarded by many employers, both because of the breadth of material it covers, and because of the wide range of transferable skills that our Geography graduates possess. It is not a vocational subject, although it is particularly valued in some areas, such as Planning, GIS, Environment and Teaching. Career prospects of Sheffield Geography graduates are very good, with all but a small percentage going on into employment and further training. A significant number go on to further study, with many staying at Sheffield to undertake Masters Courses or PhD research. Further details on the destinations of our graduates can be found on our Careers page.
Q Can I get careers advice after I graduate?
Yes, Sheffield's Careers Service will provide advice to graduates for up to two years.