oxford geography personal statement

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Successful Personal Statement For Geography At Oxford

Last Updated: 7th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a Geography applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Geography Course at Oxford provides a holistic view of the workings of physical and human environments, the ways in which humans are transforming the world and the implications for human societies.

Read on to see how this candidate managed to navigate the many disciplines and topics of Geography. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge Geography comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

Geography Personal Statement

Geography is outward-looking, dynamic and topical. It allows me to gain insight into daily news stories on immigration and Middle Eastern conflicts for example, by highlighting their complexity and the challenge to find and evaluate solutions to these problems for the future. The diversity and vital relevance of Geography makes it an immensely valuable subject to study in-depth and I would relish the opportunity to pursue further study in the field.

The area that is of particular interest to me is development geography and specifically global aid. I was introduced to the use of aid in closing the wealth divide in my A2 case studies, where bottom-up aid on a local scale was consistently depicted as a sustainable solution. I was forced to question these views, however, after reading ‘Dead Aid’ by Dambisa Moyo. Her critical comments on charity-based aid particularly caught my attention as they offered a stark contrast in perspective on my case studies. I found it interesting that the factors which contributed to the success of many of the case studies, including small-scale, intermediate technology and low cost solutions were the very aspects of aid that Moyo calls ‘band-aid’ solutions implying unsustainability. The book also touched on the controversial issue of whether aid remains a successful or even acceptable solution when the $50 billion of aid given to Africa annually is arguably not producing significant economic development or improvement. To investigate this further I read ‘The End Of Poverty’ by Jeffrey Sachs which explained how well managed aid can indeed offer an answer to closing the wealth divide. This led to my research into the Millenium Villages of Ghana. Here aid, coupled with local leadership, appears to have delivered a long-term solution to serious economic and social problems. This divergence in opinion over a controversial issue has excited me about exploring these issues in more detail.

To investigate these issues further, I have been prompted to take a gap year to experience the workings of an international NGO. I will be joining the work of education promoting ‘Empower A Child’ in Uganda for 3 months. I hope to gain a rewarding insight into the practical relevance of Geography in the field of non-profit aid and specifically to test Sach’s belief that investment into education is a viable solution to ending poverty.

My other subjects complement my understanding of economic, physical and scientific elements of development and Geography in general. Reading ‘Driven to Extinction’ by Richard Pearson highlighted how Biology and Geography are inextricably linked in our study of the physical world, particularly with regards to the role regulatory systems have in levels of biodiversity. Chemistry and Physics have been relevant in equipping me with the skills to devise data collection programmes and to analyse the results; skills which were necessary to my fieldwork visit to Dartmoor. 

My academic background is complemented by my extra-curricular activities. I was the Organ Scholar and Choir Prefect at my school. My responsibilities included conducting and directing the Chapel Choir on a weekly basis. I was also a fully committed and dedicated member of other choirs and ensembles.  I relished the challenge of arranging and conducting in the House Singing competition which required me to inspire and motivate team work within the house. I have gained 3 Grade 8’s in Organ, Piano and Flute and am currently working towards my Piano Diploma. I was involved in leading the school’s Christian Union through which I have catalysed fundraising for organisations such as Mary’s Meals. In my gap year I am working as Organist and Choir director at St Luke’s Church Grayshott before going to Uganda. These activities demonstrate leadership skills, commitment and an enthusiastic approach to challenges, all of which will equip me well for the study of Geography at university.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This is a very good personal statement and is well-written. The student is clearly interested in many aspects of geography, which is very important as geography is a multi-disciplinary subject. The student describes several areas of geography which capture their interest, demonstrating their interest and commitment to the reader. The student justifies their decision to take a gap year well, and the relevance their activities will have to the subject of geography and their interests in global aid.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The student misspells the word ‘millennium’ in the second paragraph. The second paragraph is also very long. It is hard for the reader to stay focused when reading through long paragraphs, and it would have been better if the student had separated the second paragraph into two. The final paragraph is also very long, and it is not clear where the conclusion begins. As a result, the end of the statement does not deliver the impact which the student has intended to produce. If the student separates the sentence ‘These activities demonstrate leadership skills, commitment and an enthusiastic approach to challenges, all of which will equip me well for the study of Geography at university’ into a new final paragraph, this would have made the final statement much more effective.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This is a very good statement. The student has a wealth of experiences and clearly highly motivated to study geography. Some paragraphs are very long, and this reduces the impact that the statement has on the reader. With some restructuring, this could be an excellent statement.

This Personal Statement for Geography is a solid example of demonstrating a wealth of knowledge, motivation and interest, vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Oxford, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

You can find more successful personal statements and our expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford Geography application.

With our  Oxbridge Geography Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , score highly on the TSA and teach you how to  Interview effectively .

Discover our Oxbridge Geography Premium Programme  by clicking the button below to  enrol and triple your chances of success.

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How to write a personal statement

How to approach writing your personal statement for graduate applications.

If you’re applying for a grad course that requires a personal statement (sometimes also called a ‘statement of purpose’), it can be difficult to know where to start and what to include. Read on for tips from some of our masters’ students about their process and what they found helpful.

1. Before you start

The academic work is the most important reason why we’re here, but that also translates into work experiences, internships, volunteering. I think a big part of the personal statement is crafting that narrative of academic self that fits alongside your professional experiences, to give that greater picture of who you are as an academic. Lauren (MSc Modern Middle Eastern Studies)

Start by thinking about the skills, knowledge and interests you’ve acquired over time and how the course at Oxford will take them forward.

Your statement is the story you want to tell about yourself and your academic work to the department you are applying to.

Most of your application and its supporting documents communicate plain facts about your academic career so far. Your personal statement is your best opportunity to put these facts into context and show assessors how you’ve progressed and excelled.

Make sure you highlight evidence of your achievements (a high grade in a relevant area, an award or scholarship, a research internship).

Presenting yourself

When I was writing my personal statement, I went onto my course website. I looked at what they emphasised and what kind of students they were looking for, and I wrote about my experiences based on that. Kayla (MSc in Clinical Embryology)

Make it easy for an assessor to see how you meet the entry requirements for the course (you can find these on each course page ).

Don’t make any assumptions about what Oxford is looking for!

Get to know your department

You want to study this particular subject and you want to study at Oxford (you’re applying here, so we know that!) but why is Oxford the right place for you to study this subject? What interests or qualities of the academic department and its staff make it attractive to you?

Use your academic department’s website for an overview of their research, academic staff and course information (you'll find a link to the department's own website on each course page ).

I said, ‘why do I actually want to be here? What is it about being at Oxford that’s going to get me to what I want to do? Sarah (Bachelor of Civil Law)

Talk it out

Talking to others about your statement can be a great way to gather your ideas and decide how you’d like to approach it. Sarah even managed to get benefit out of this approach by herself:

“I spent a lot of time talking out loud. My written process was actually very vocal, so I did a lot of talking about myself in my room.”

2. The writing process

Know your format.

Make sure you’ve read all the guidance on the How to Apply section of your course page , so you know what’s needed in terms of the word count of the final statement, what it should cover and what it will be assessed for. This should help you to visualise roughly what you want to end up with at the end of the process.

Make a start

When it comes to writing your personal statement, just getting started can be the hardest part.

One good way to get around writer’s block is to just put it all down on the page, like Mayur.

First - write down anything and everything. In the first round, I was just dumping everything - whatever I’ve done, anything close to computer science, that was on my personal statement. Mayur (MSc Computer Science)

You’ll be editing later anyway so don’t let the blank page intimidate you - try writing a little under each of the following headings to get started:

• areas of the course at Oxford that are the most interesting to you
• which areas you’ve already studied or had some experience in
• what you hope to use your Oxford course experience for afterwards.

3. Finishing up

Get some feedback.

Once you’ve got a draft of about the right length, ask for feedback on what you’ve written. It might take several drafts to get it right.

This could involve getting in touch with some of your undergraduate professors to ask them to read your draft and find any areas which needed strengthening.

You could also show it to people who know you well, like family or friends.

Because they’re the first people to say, ‘Who is that person?’ You want the people around you to recognise that it really sounds like you. It can be scary telling family and friends you’re applying for Oxford, because it makes it real, but be brave enough to share it and get feedback on it. Sarah (Bachelor of Law)

Be yourself

Finally - be genuine and be yourself. Make sure your personal statement represents you, not your idea about what Oxford might be looking for.

We have thousands of students arriving every year from a huge range of subjects, backgrounds, institutions and countries (you can hear from a few more of them in our My Oxford interviews).

Get moving on your application today

To find out more about supporting documents and everything else you need to apply, read your course page and visit our Application Guide .

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Guide to Better Oxford Geography Personal Statements

Table of Contents

Personal statements are everyday encounters for students and professionals alike. They include a wealth of information that could aid in determining your qualification for a job or particular program. Personal statements don’t need a lot of work if you know how to write them. This guide will show tips and examples for crafting an effective  Oxford Geography personal statement . Let’s start with a few basics.

What is the Oxford Geography Course?

Oxford Geography is a specialized branch of the subject that focuses on physical and human geography. It involves exploring how the physical environment shapes the different regions of the world. It also delves into how people interact with it to create distinct social, economic, and political systems.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is an essential tool that helps recruiters and admissions board representatives assess an applicant’s suitability for a particular role or program. It provides insight into the individual’s motivation, character, experience, and goals . Personal statements are often written in narrative form and should be engaging, creative, and honest. They should demonstrate the writer’s personality, passions, and ambitions and provide tangible evidence of their achievements. 

The Importance of Personal Statements

Personal statements are more than just summaries of your qualifications. Their narrative form means that applicants have greater leeway for creativity. This allows them to express their ideas creatively and to paint vivid pictures with powerful descriptors.

The true value of a personal statement lies in how it injects a human touch into an applicant’s materials. This allows readers to see the person behind the paper. It’s similar to the unfolding of a story, except the story revolves around a hopeful person.

When recruiters gain a deep understanding of a candidate, they have a more reliable basis for determining their suitability for a community.

A personal statement is also a golden opportunity to stand out. You can do this by talking about your passion and finding the best words to represent your views. A powerful message will evoke emotions and help you become memorable.

Do note that you first need to write an effective personal statement to enjoy these benefits. The following section will show you how.

Tips For Writing Effective Personal Statements

Add Relevant Information to Introduce Yourself

Begin your personal statement by introducing yourself and providing a brief overview of your background. Make sure to prioritize the relevant information to the subject you are applying for. This will set up the rest of your essay engagingly and allow the reader to know more about you. 

Talk About Your Passions

Demonstrate why you chose to study geography and why this is the perfect path. Describe how your experiences shaped your passion for the subject and talk about any obstacles you have had to overcome along the way. 

Be Clear and Concise

You should strive for clarity when crafting your personal statement. Make sure that each point is relevant and well-written rather than trying to stuff too much information into one sentence or paragraph. Choose powerful adjectives and phrases to ensure that your statement leaves a lasting impression on the reader. 

Use Language Techniques

Using rhetorical devices such as alliteration or parallelism can make your writing stand out from others who may utilize plain language. Incorporate uncommon words as needed to showcase your knowledge of the field and your creativity with language. 

Proofread and Edit

Before submitting your application, read through your personal statement several times to catch any errors and typos. Ask friends or family members to review it as well since they might be able to catch mistakes that you have missed.

Oxford Geography Personal Statement Examples

 example a.

As a prospective student of Geography, I am eager to apply for the esteemed degree program at Oxford University. My passion for understanding the complexity of our earth’s geography has been reignited. Over the years, I have developed my academic knowledge through extensive research on local and global geographies, with particular attention paid to climate change. 

I believe that furthering my studies through a university course will give me invaluable skills and experience to improve my future career choices. Additionally, I hope to become more resourceful by looking into areas such as scientific resources and levels of data interpretation. This will help me address relevant issues which might arise in the future. I plan to leverage the opportunities presented by the University to enhance my existing work-related capabilities and provide me with a lifelong learning experience. Furthermore, I am keen to expand my awareness of geographical information systems (GIS) software tools. I’d also like to hone the skill of using spatial data analysis to gain deeper insights into our world. 

I firmly believe that obtaining a degree in Geography from Oxford would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. It is one big break I am wholeheartedly ready to take full advantage of. 

My goals are to challenge myself academically and develop as a person. I look forward to being part of the interview process. If successful, I will devote all my energy towards achieving excellence. 

I know in my heart that I’d make a valuable contribution to the school and the wider community.

I have had a lifelong passion for Geography. I’ve read countless books and content related to the subject throughout my school years. I could apply this knowledge to guide me through the admissions process. 

I am now looking to become part of the University’s study of geography, as it offers an opportunity to build upon my existing knowledge. My ambition is to broaden my understanding and explore new avenues in terms of research and learning. 

I believe my admission to the University will catapult me into success and open new opportunities. My thirst for science and reading will make me an excellent student. 

I firmly believe that studying Geography at the university level will equip me with the skills necessary for a successful career in the industry. Through rigorous research and coursework, I hope to gain new insights into the world around us. I hope to learn how to apply them practically to make our planet a better place for all.

An Oxford Geography personal statement is a key part of your application when applying to a special program or university course . They are important because they can include information that can give valuable insight into a person’s background. 

Considering what’s at stake, it’s important to put in the work in writing personal statements. It can mean the difference between getting accepted to a university course or a failed interview. Good luck with your application!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to write an Oxford personal statement

Make sure your personal statement conveys your interest in the subject – write down talks you’ve been to (and what they made you think), open days you’ve attended (and what you took away from them), and maybe even books you’ve read (and whether or not you agree with the author and why). Are you seeing a common thread? It’s less about what you’ve done and more about what you make of it! It’s best to only mention one book or one talk, but really go in to some critical analysis, rather than to just write a list of seven without any additional commentary.

Any extra-curricular activities should be ‘super-curricular’, i.e. related to your degree: for Maths, maybe the Maths Olympiad, for Science, maybe a Science EPQ or that time you entered a Lego competition (totally relevant to Engineering!). For Law, I talked about teaching and debating, and the self-discipline involved in teaching myself a language as an A Level. You can honestly make anything work – try to make yourself stand out a little by having something people don’t normally have! But don’t worry about not having twenty different hobbies – you don’t have space to mention more than one or two, and you won’t really be asked about your personal life at interview.

What I would reiterate, above all, is to not stress over the personal statement. If you’ve spelt everything correctly and you’ve got all your proof that you’re genuinely and voluntarily interested in your subject outside of school then you’re doing it right! And, to the year 12s going in to year 13 – for the love of all that’s holy, take a few weeks off this summer. Breathe. Let yourself detach from the intimidating university admissions process and the pressure of A Levels for a bit, because that will let you be so much more engaged when you jump back in.

#Oxford #OxfordUniversity #PersonalStatement #UCAS #College #Oxbridgeapplication #OxfordPersonalstatement

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How to write a personal statement for geography

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject – and make sure you apply for the right course

"Geography is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic and relevant, a great adventure with a purpose," wrote Michael Palin.

From global warming, to the impact of economic change on communities, geography can be a fascinating subject to study. But first, would-be geographers have to impress admissions tutors in an application.

In a personal statement for geography, tutors look for enthusiasm for the subject, experience and things that demonstrate you are a well-rounded person. There are some important things to include, and some equally important things to avoid.

What to include

Interests: Explain why you are interested in studying the course. "We want to know why on earth you want to do geography," says Peter Mackie, professor of human geography at Cardiff University.

"We're happy for students to express a specialist interest at this stage. You could say 'I'm interested in the Arab spring movement', or 'I'm interested in sustainability and climate change'. A better student can draw on interests outside of the classroom."

Experience: Next, admissions tutors want to hear about your experience. "You've told us about your interest, now we want you to prove it," says Mackie. "Show us the evidence."

"It could be a field trip, a holiday, or something you've seen in the local paper. If you've arranged geography seminars in school, or volunteered with Oxfam, let us know."

Personal qualities: Some tutors are particularly keen to see that you have compassion and empathy. "Students must show empathy with different people, places and environments," says Phil Barker, from Lancaster University's environment centre. "Things like volunteering can be good to talk about."

Other interests: In addition to your course-related experience, admissions tutors want to hear about your other interests. "We want people to be well rounded because all of our graduates go on to do diverse things," says Lucie Bilsbrough, admissions officer at the University of Leeds.

"So if you do ballet or you work at Mcdonalds, let us know. Because that can show that you're good at time management and that you have a life outside of geography."

Personality: It's also good to have an idea of what you want to gain from the course. "Say what you want to do once you leave university, even if you don't know in any detail," says Bilsbrough. "Because it looks good if you have an idea."

This can help to show tutors your personality. "I always advise applicants to try and find their own voice," says Bilsbrough. "Because you see a lot of applications that are very generic."

Communication: Basic grammar and spelling are expected. "The ability to communicate, both written and verbally, is important," says Mackie. "So students could talk about debating societies or a presentation they've given. You have to show you're willing to read and to work hard."

What to avoid doing

Lack of research: What should you avoid in a personal statement? First of all, make sure you apply for the right course. "We sometimes get people who have clearly applied for the wrong thing," says Barker.

"There are students who apply saying 'I'm really interested in a career in geo-physics'. And they've applied for a geography degree. Sometimes things with superficially similar names confuse people, so it's very important to do your research."

Forcing things together: Don't try and connect unrelated experiences to geography. "Some students try to tie unrelated experiences, such as working in Topshop or football coaching, to geography in very strange, weird and wonderful ways," says Mackie.

Lack of depth: It's best not to simply describe what you've done, but to evaluate and explain things. "People tend to be quite descriptive," says Barker. "You should try to be more evaluative to get depth into the statement."

Complicated: Don't try and tackle too many complicated ideas in not enough detail. "Sometimes we get people who try and write a lot about academic literature," says Barker. "But it's hard to do that well with a short amount of words, so it might not be right for the personal statement."

Too brief: But at the same time, make sure you use the space you've got. "Some applicants keep it very short," says Bilsbrough. "That makes you think, do you really want to do this and are you really committed?"

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Most viewed.

Geography @ St Edmund Hall, Oxford in 2021

Interview content.

Questions based on personal statement; Source-based questions relating to geography

Best preparation

Completed mock interviews; Went over personal statement

Test preparation

Completed practice questions in a workbook(with feedback)

Final thoughts

Practice and look through the practice papers for the TSA as much as possible, know your personal statement inside out and create potential questions for it.

Remember this advice isn't official. There is no guarantee it will reflect your experience because university applications can change between years. Check the official Cambridge and Oxford websites for more accurate information on this year's application format and the required tests.

Also, someone else's experience may not reflect your own. Most interviews are more like conversations than tests and like, any conversation, they are quite interactive.

Test taken: Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) Number of interviews: 2 Time between interviews: 1 hour Length of interviews: 30 minutes Online interview: Yes

Both interviews started by going through questions about topics I had mentioned in my personal statement. then there was a series of images and I was asked about them and their geographical significance in many respects.

I had mock interviews with a tutor which were very useful. the more practice the better. I also found many resources online with practice questions that could come up in the interview.

I created lots of questions around the topics I stated in my personal statement, and was very clear about explaining everything that I had mentioned in them which was very useful as you feel as if you have a foundation of knowledge that you are certain you know about - it makes for a good beginning in the interview.

Other than that it is just simply an intellectual discussion, so just practice speaking in this manner with anyone you can about the topics you're interested in. Personally, I wasn't very used to this and didn't practice it much, but it would have definitely helped to have done more.

Past practice papers were the best. Then there is a textbook for the test which can be found on Amazon, which had many similar questions - both multiple choice and for the written section.

I found someone within my college who could mark my essays and give me better feedback and also help with some sides of the critical thinking and understand what it actually is.

Practice and look through the practice papers for the TSA as much as possible, know your personal statement inside out and create potential questions for it. Push your thinking when confronted with intellectual problems - e.g. when reading a news article think what I could be asked and answer it. other than that there is little to do

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Oxbridge Geography Applications in 2024: Our Guide to Reading, Personal Statement Writing, Oxbridge Interview Questions and More

In this blog, U2’s Co-Founder, Ilana, a Geography Graduate from the University of Cambridge, leads you through what Geography at University involves, as well as her key recommendations for prospective Geography applicants who are starting to approach personal statement writing, and interview preparation.

What does Geography at University involve?

Before you embark on your Geography application, including personal statement writing, admissions test, and interview preparation, it is important to first understand what Geography at university is.

Simply put, Geography is the study of the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments . The following link from the Royal Geographical Society provides a useful set of sub-definitions. Check it out via this link here: https://www.rgs.org/geography/what-is-geography/ .

Try to create your own definition for Geography – this often comes up at interview, so it is worth preparing for!

Geography at university is very different from school geography . Whilst typical school level geography themes are to be found (e.g. environmental hazards, coastal management, industry and urban planning etc.), there is much that students are surprised by when they start the Oxford or Cambridge Geography course. For example, during the Geographical Tripos at Cambridge you could encounter discussions around the role of prostitutes and sexual deviants in shaping Victorian England, or consider the relationship between postmodernity and postmodernism, the relationship between food, famine and power in Africa, and the role of physical reflection qualities of water and soil types in remote sensing.

The breadth and depth of the Oxford and Cambridge Geography courses are great selling points. Geography students generally share a passion for seeing rigorous academic study interacting with issues and problems in the real world. The course is structured to both facilitate movement into the academic sphere, but just as importantly helps prepare undergraduates wanting to work in a variety of multi-disciplinary settings, where the skills acquired in the Oxford and Cambridge course can be ultimately utilised.

Skills-wise, the philosophy of the Oxford and Cambridge Geography Departments is to provide students with a multi-disciplinary set of tools to tackle problems. These include:

Logical and critical thinking skills

The ability to interpret texts

Computing skills

Practical skills

Graphical and design skills

Fieldwork experience

The ability to work under pressure

A) Start to Google the First Year modules of the Oxford and Cambridge course to get a flavour of what the course entails! Note all of the key attributes of the course!

B) Note down the important skills that you will acquire throughout the degree. You will need to evidence that you have the commitment and potential to hone these skills both within your personal statement and at interview.

So, what should you read in preparation for Geography personal statement writing and interview?

Broadly, Geography can be divided into Physical and Human topics . If you read around both areas, it will show admissions tutors and interviewers that on top of being interested in both realms of the discipline and are well placed to tackle the interdisciplinary nature of the course .

Below are some suggestions of what to read:

(a)      Human Geography

Adams, W. M. (2008) Green Development 3rd edition. Routledge, London.

Cloke, P., Crang, P. and Goodwin, M. eds (2005) Introducing Human Geographies 2nd edition. Hodder Arnold, London.

Daniels, P., Bradshaw, M., Shaw, D. and Sidaway, J. eds (2008) An Introduction to Human Geography: Issues for the 21st Century . Prentice Hall, Harlow.

Dicken, P. (2007) Global Shift: Mapping the Changing Contours of the World Economy. Sage, London.

(b)     Physical Geography

Christopherson, R. W. (2008) Geosystems: an introduction to physical geography 7th Edition. Prentice Hall, Harlow.

Holden, J. (2005) An introduction to physical geography and the environment. Prentice Hall, Harlow.

Keith, D. (2013) A Case for Climate Engineering.

You could also explore some of Oxford University’s Very Short Introductions: https://global.oup.com/academic/content/series/v/very-short-introductions-vsi/?cc=gb&lang=en&. Each volume provides an authoritative and engaging assessment of a concept, field, or body of work, drawing out the central ideas, themes, and approaches. Some of the titles relevant to Geography include:

Dodds, K. (2019) Geopolitics: A very short introduction , 3rd Edition. Oxford, OUP.

Ellis, E.C. (2018) Anthropocene: A very short introduction . Oxford, OUP.

Goudie, A. and Viles, H. (2010) Landscapes and Geomorphology: A very short introduction . Oxford, OUP.

Koser, K. (2016) International Migration: A very short introduction . Oxford, OUP.

Maslin, M. (2014) Climate Change: A very short introduction . Oxford, OUP.

Matthews, J. and Herbert, D. (2008) Geography: A very short introduction . Oxford, OUP.

Middleton, N. (2009) Deserts: A very short introduction . Oxford, OUP.

Redfern, M. (2003) The Earth: A very short introduction . Oxford, OUP.

Choose your reading wisely!!

As years go by, geographical theories are vastly affected – major world events play a key role in either disproving or advancing them. Therefore, up-to-date and recently published books and articles might be most useful for you to understand the geographical relevance of what is happening around you. Keep this in mind when considering whether to buy a book you see on the bookshelves!

Looking for ideas for personal statement content/ impressive talking points at interview?

We have built out an entire co-curricular platform, Minds Underground , for university applicants to use as evidence for their wider subject exploration. A few ideas:

Our Geography  Summer School : With MU’s Geography experts, all educated at either Oxford or Cambridge, the Geography summer school provides a taster of University level concepts. Each session is designed to provide cutting-edge content which can be discussed in Geography personal statements and interviews. Engage with fellow thinkers, in a stimulating and challenging environment, to pave the way for a successful application

Research Projects: E.g. “A Project on the UK’s Carbon Emissions Footprint in the Global South with a Data Science Consultant & Cambridge PhD in Forest Ecology and Conservation”, or “Work with a Strategy Consultant Advising Industry Actors on The Circular Plastics Economy” (Typically 1 month project duration, with 5 project tutorial sessions)

Key current Geography topics/ debates to be aware of:

Climate change – think about personalities like Greta Thunberg

Environmental politics

Emerging world powers – consider the growth of India and China

The Future of Developing Regions

Cultural Differences

Geography terms that might be worth looking up

Anthropocene

Biogeography

Geographical Risk

Geopolitics

Globalisation

Quaternary Environments

Sustainable Development

If you have had enough of reading, why not try listening to an educational podcast? Try The Conversation  , "an independent source of news and views, sourced from the academic and research community". It covers a diverse range of topics, many of which are of interest to geographers e.g. there are articles on the Water Crisis, Carbon Capture Methods etc. Check out our podcast page for more examples.

What is an Oxbridge Geography interview like?

The format of the interview at Oxford and Cambridge is not fixed . Every college has its own way of doing things. However, in most cases, successful candidates will have at least two interviews . One may be Human Geography focused, and the other Physical Geography focused . There may also be a more general interview in which you will meet a tutor that may not be from the Geography Department. U2 Tuition’s past successful Geography candidates have all been asked a mixture of:

1) General questions on their background, past academic performance, and achievements

2) In-depth analytical questions (sometimes based on an article or unseen additional material)

3) Statistical and data interpretation questions

4) Questions on their motivations, future plans, and aspirations

Example Oxford Geography interview question:

Background information

You are provided with an article called “Lighting & Power” that contains the following important background information:

In the UK, around 18% of the electricity generated by power stations is used to provide artificial lighting in buildings. In terms of “units” (KwH) of electricity, this is about 60 billion units a year. Electricity prices vary, but assuming a cost of 10p a unit, we can see that the UK spends around £6bn a year just on powering electric lighting - the bulbs, lamps and tubes cost extra

The carbon dioxide emissions associated with keeps the lights on amount to over 25 million tonnes a year

Electric lamps are far more efficient than their predecessors e.g. coal gas and paraffins, however any efficiency gains have been minor compared with the growth in demand for light. And, especially in the incandescent lamp, the ratio of visible light emission to heat emission remains low (on average, 7% of the electrical energy becomes light, 93% becomes heat). LED lights result in a ten-fold reduction in the energy used for household lighting. However, as the number of houses rise over the next few decades, the increased demand for lighting could offset some of the technological efficiency improvements.

Questions for discussion

The interviewer proceeds to ask you a number of different discussion questions in which you need to critically evaluate the information provided, and combine this with your existing knowledge to provide effective viewpoints :

1) To what extent does artificial lighting contribute to human development?

2) Are the levels of lighting we are used to in the UK necessary to sustain our development?

3) What levels of lighting do you think other people in the world should demand - especially in “developing” countries where there is not the same access to utilities?

4) How could a balance be achieved between making the best use of lighting and minimising greenhouse gas emissions?

From what angle would you approach the above discussion questions?

What do you already know about the above topic, and how can you use the background information to strengthen and direct your answers?

Do you have any other examples e.g. from your reading, to back up your arguments?

How would you present your answers, in clear, logical stages?

How can you show you are aware of the wider implications of this topic?

Check out our Geography Interview Preparation guide to boost your chances of success. Gain insights into the Oxbridge Geography interview process from previously successful candidates, discover the different formats of interview, including personal statement / general interviews, in-depth analytical questions, and statistical and data interpretation questions, and practice responses to 60+ past interview questions. We include top tips on how to approach and structure your responses from U2’s Oxbridge Geography tutors.

For mock interview practice, enquire about our Oxbridge Geography interview days!

Looking for a Personal Statement Writing Tutor or Support For Your Wider Oxbridge Geography Application, including interviews?

Personal Statement

U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in a Geography personal statement, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, in order to stand out from other applicants. The statement should be the candidates own work, but our mentors will provide direction and guide you through the process of content building and writing. We offer offline drafting as well as tuition sessions.

Oxbridge Geography Mentoring

U2 offers TSA admissions test preparation (if applying to Geography at Oxford), as well as wider Oxbridge Mentoring programmes ( book a free consultation to discuss options). We have a large team of Oxbridge-educated Geography mentors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxbridge Geography graduate as a tutor and send their full CV for review. Our tutors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Geography at the University of Oxford and Cambridge, and are well-placed to guide you through personal statement curation, the entrance exam and the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour informal assessment/ taster session , where the tutor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application, including test and interview. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Geography application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview - this may sometimes stretch from A-Level standard to First Year Undergraduate. Tutors ensure each student refines their interests within Geography, and is exposed to a range of approaches and new concepts, guiding students in their reading and wider subject exploration. Together, we build a case for the student, solidifying the stance and direction they will take during interview and honing skills for the admissions test if applicable.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and tutor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects , Geography summer school and Oxbridge mock interview days. Honing the skills necessary to succeed for Oxbridge ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced. We also provide GCSE, A-Level or IB Geography support if needed.

Sessions from £75/h.

Why Apply to Study Earth Sciences in 2024? How To Prepare For Personal Statement and Interviews

Preparing for the classics admissions test (cat) in 2024: an oxford classics graduate’s tips.

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10 Top Tips for an Oxford Human Sciences Personal Statement 

Your Oxford Human Sciences personal statement is a crucial component in your Oxford application. It gives you a chance to articulate why you’re particularly interested in Human Sciences and to distinguish yourself from other applicants. While Oxford admissions tutors are most interested in your academic performance and ability, a great personal statement could make all the difference between you and a candidate with the same grade. Additionally, it offers the Oxford interviewer a focal point to base discussions around your personality and interests. Ultimately, they can deduce your commitment to the subject you’re applying for. 

To help guide you through the process, our Oxford application experts have compiled a list of top 10 tips. It includes everything you should and should not do for your Human Science Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle. 

Human Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree course which enables students to study humans from multiple interconnecting perspectives across the biological and social sciences. Underlying the degree concept is the recognition that it is important to understand connections among biological, social, and cultural phenomena in order to address the major issues and problems humans face in a rapidly changing world. When planning out your Oxford Human Sciences personal statement, make sure you research Oxford’s achievements and use it as a guide to illustrate your interest in Human Sciences. 

Top 5 Tips for an Oxford Human Sciences Personal Statement

Tell your story.

Your story of how you considered a degree in Human Sciences’ and why you applied to Oxford should be what distinguishes you from other applicants. Outline why you want to pursue a degree in Human Sciences. Consider your future career plans, extra-curricular work. Also address why you chose to study at Oxford over all other universities.

What makes you suitable

Your application should demonstrate what makes you an ideal candidate to study Human Sciences at Oxford. What skills or experience do you have? Since it’s such a varied degree, are there any experiences you can draw on that not only make you suitable for studying Human Sciences but also to be an Oxford University student. 

Read around the subject you’re applying for

The competition at Oxford will be great. Extracurricular reading is a good way to stand out from other students and this can range from reading books or journals. A typical book is ‘The Selfish Gene’ by Richard Dawkins, or a podcast such as ‘ Hidden Brain .’ Be sure to have some things to talk about as you may be questioned at an interview.

Proofread & read your work out loud

Once you’re happy with the content of your draft, check it and then check it again! Useful people to ask to proofread your work include a teacher in the field, a current Oxford student, and a student who is studying Human Sciences. Oxbridge Mind also offer a personal statement check . By allowing people to take a look at your Human Sciences Oxford personal statement, they would be able to pick up mistakes or name improvements that you may have missed.

Why Human Sciences

What was it that first got you interested in Human Sciences? Consider why you would be an ideal Oxford candidate too. What skills or experience do you have? Examples include analytical and critical thinking skills. What careers will this degree open for you and how does this align with your own plans for the future.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Oxford Human Sciences Personal Statement

Writing a list of achievements.

Reflect and expand on some key points to demonstrate your understanding and what you have learnt from them rather than listing achievements which will appear tedious. Talk about the skills you have gained from the work you have undertaken. How have these skills furthered your desire to study Human Sciences, and to study at Oxford University.

Don’t write anything that isn’t true

Don’t exaggerate. You may be asked to provide evidence of your stated achievements, or if you are interviewed you may be asked detailed questions about things you’ve mentioned. It will reflect poorly on you if you are unable to answer questions about your Human Sciences Oxford personal statement. 

Copying someone else’s personal statements

Don’t plagiarise. Do not copy someone else’s UCAS personal statement or use something you have found on the internet. UCAS uses software to check every personal statement for plagiarism.

Not reflecting on or justifying your point

Write succinctly and explain points without repeating yourself. Examples include analytical skills, and other transferable skills. Remember, quality is always better than quantity- it’s better to expand on a few points than to list every point you can without going into detail.

Don’t sound unprofessional

Steer clear of slang, clichés and quotes. It will sound repetitive to Oxford admissions tutors to hear about how students are “passionate” about their subject or that they have a “thirst for knowledge”. Write about your personal experience with your Human Sciences’ journey, and allow the Oxford admissions tutors to do the rest.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve covered everything in your Human Sciences Oxford personal statement, why not book a personal statement check where our experts will give you feedback within 24 hours and you can even have a 1-1 online session on how to improve your statement.

→What is Oxford Human Sciences?

Oxford Human Sciences is an interdisciplinary field of study that combines aspects of biology, psychology, anthropology, and sociology to better understand human behavior and health. Students studying Human Sciences at Oxford University will explore the social, cultural, biological, and evolutionary aspects of human beings, as well as how they interact with their environment.

→What should I include in my Oxford Human Sciences personal statement?

Your personal statement should highlight your academic background and relevant experiences, as well as your motivation for studying Human Sciences at Oxford. You should also demonstrate your critical thinking skills, ability to analyze complex issues, and passion for understanding human behavior.

→How long should my Oxford Human Sciences personal statement be?

Oxford University recommends that your personal statement should be no longer than 4,000 characters, or about 500 words. It is important to be concise and focus on the most relevant and compelling aspects of your experience and qualifications.

→What qualities are Oxford Human Sciences admissions looking for in applicants?

Oxford Human Sciences admissions are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong academic record, critical thinking skills, creativity, and a genuine interest in understanding human behavior. They also value experiences that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

→How important is the personal statement in the Oxford Human Sciences admissions process?

The personal statement is an important part of the Oxford Human Sciences admissions process, as it provides admissions officers with insights into your academic background, experiences, and motivation for studying Human Sciences. It is an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective and strengths as an applicant.

→Can I get help with my Oxford Human Sciences personal statement?

Yes, there are a range of resources available to help you with your personal statement, including online guides, writing workshops, and tutoring services. However, it is important to ensure that the content of your personal statement is entirely your own and reflects your own thoughts and experiences.

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Geography personal statement example 2.

In a dynamic world, the study of geography is increasingly important. The diversity of the subject and the interaction between the physical environment and human population is becoming even more evident with climate change and globalisation influencing our everyday lives.

Visiting Iceland allowed me to appreciate this relationship between physical and human geography. I enjoyed exploring the Hellisheidi geothermal power station, which harnesses anatural energy source via a flash-steam power plant. Geothermal energy not only saves Iceland £63 million annually in oil imports but lessens contributions to global warming. Likewise, the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull fissure eruption fascinated me, reflecting the ability of a physical phenomenon to affect the wider human population, with 107,000 flights cancelled causing major disruption to the global economy. Most concerning was the disturbance to developing economies like Zambia, whose flower and vegetable industry experienced huge daily losses reflecting the vulnerability of an increasingly globalised world.

My interest in the rapidly developing issue of globalisation led me to read Stiglitz's 'Globalisation and its Discontents'. Having studied the role of the IMF and World Bank in Economics, I found Stiglitz's intense criticism persuasive. The many examples of failed economic policy, from Russia's transition to a market economy to the Argentine financial collapse, make me question the value of these organisations. I find it remarkable to see that China-the world's fastest growing economy and most favoured destination for foreign direct investment-declined any IMF funds and has thrived despite economic downturns.

Having achieved full UMS points in my geography AS level, I took a particular interest in the vulnerability and effects of natural hazards in different regions. A recently published article by the BBC revealed that Shanghai has been identified by The Coastal City Flood Vulnerability Index as the 'most vulnerable to flood risk' of nine cities. Initially it surprised me that geographically challenged Dhaka scores as less vulnerable to flood risk than wealthy Shanghai. However, this new index takes into account 19 physical, social and economic factors demonstrating the complexities of vulnerability.

In Geographical Magazine, an article regarding the matriarchal society of the Mosuo people of China's Yunnan Province led me to develop an enthusiasm for the geographies of feminism. This ethnic group has no word for 'father' or 'husband' and land, property and possessions are all owned by each household's Grandmother. The social premise that siblings live together more harmoniously than sexual partners interested me, as it is the opposite of most societies including the majority Han, who dominate 92% of China.

During work experience at the London Aquarium, I enjoyed my time within the conservation area advising visitors about the 'Good Fish Guide'-a consumer guide to sustainable seafood from the Marine Conservation Society. This led me to further my knowledge about conservation by reading Martha Honey's 'Ecotourism and Sustainable Development'. The negative impacts of ecotourism and the failure of many schemes to provide a sustainable conservation solution in theGalapagos Islands particularly interested me, having chosen 'Biodiversity under Threat' as one of my A level modules. Music is an artistically and intellectually stimulating outlet and I play the cello and piano.When I was 14, I was awarded the Marguerite Swan Prize for achieving the highest marknationally in grade 8 cello, reflecting my determination and commitment. I have also volunteered as a learning mentor for a child with dyslexia at the Skinners Kent Academy, assisting with reading and writing. This helped me appreciate educational differences and their ramifications.

My desire to study geography is absolute and I relish the opportunity to further my knowledge of both physical features and human activities.

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This personal statement was written by hello1994 for application in 2013.

hello1994's university choices The University of Durham University of Bristol The University of Edinburgh University College London Oxford University

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

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Awesome personal statement.

Tue, 05/11/2013 - 20:41

As the comment title suggests, I am a big fan of this PS. It is awesome. One of the best I have read!

Congrats on the offer to Oxford, UCL, Durham and Bristol!

Hopefully you got into your first choice!

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