Geography and Earth Sciences postgraduate degrees in Southern England

I want to study emerging economies and learn languages and it’s easily one of the best places in the world for that. There really is a global focus. The library is amazing. It really punches above its weight in terms of the staff and resources you get access to. The location is amazing. Bloomsbury is so nice. Russel Square is the loveliest park ever, It’s a small campus uni but we get access to all of london around us so it doesn’t feel small at all. People at SOAS are very nice, but not necessarily as outgoing as other unis. But you’re in london so you don’t really have to worry about that to be honest: If you don’t make many friends here, there’s many other unis nearby. However I will say that it’s definitely not very diverse in terms of politics. Most people here are extremely left wing and students and staff don’t respond very well to dissenting ideas. Even though it’s very ethnically diverse, most students have extremely similar worldviews and ways of approaching things, which isn’t ideal for intellectual exploration.

I was in the Bedford campus and the student life was limited. This was because many people travelled into uni from their homes. The student union was great at providing activities in the afternoons/ evenings. They also support students. all you have to do is email them or go to social events.

Students receive a lot of support from the lecturers and other faculty members. Additionally there are different departments specialising in offering students support and guidance. There are many events organised to help students socialise and relax or be part of the activities that boost their CV and skills. If I had the chance to start my programme again, I will definitely do it as I feel sad it’s nearly the end of my uni life and I will be missing it a lot.

The campus is absolutely gorgeous! A wonderful mix of old and new, castles and modern buildings. Reserving rooms encourages students to get out of their rooms and study anywhere on campus, from the top of the castle tower, to the communal "pods" at Commons. The Student Union building has a bar and a small shop, and activities going on almost every day. Karaoke every other Saturday is one of my favourites. Close enough to the city of Bath for easy access, while still having the feeling of a university town. Lots of student discounts and student bars/clubs in town, as the University of Bath is also nearby. Interesting classes, lovely lecturers and guest lecturers, and proper assessments. Few, if not none, tests, allowing for those who do not thrive with simple memorization to show off how they learn. The diversity of students encourages the broadening of your own world view. A wide range of courses, allowing for study into incredibly specific topics. The main issue with the university is the wait time for wellbeing appointments, as it can take up to four months to even get a foot in the door. This means that if you do need help, it is very difficult to achieve. Also, while it isn't the university's fault, it is important to know that the First Bus system is not very reliable, so if you have a job in town, it is quite nerve-wracking.

The best aspects of my university experience have been the sense of community and the opportunities for personal and academic growth. My course is taught by passionate lecturers who make the subject feel relevant and engaging, and I’ve appreciated how approachable most staff are when I need help. There are also plenty of extracurricular activities and societies, which made it easy to meet people with similar interests. The campus facilities—like the library, study spaces, and wellbeing services—have also been a big part of what makes it a great place to study. In terms of what could be improved, there are a few key areas. Communication between departments could sometimes be clearer, especially around deadlines and timetable changes. At busy times of the year, access to study spaces can become limited, and more quiet areas or longer opening hours would make a difference. It would also help if there were more practical, hands-on learning opportunities such as placements, workshops, or industry links, as these really enhance understanding and employability. Overall, the university offers a supportive and stimulating environment, but with better organisation and more resources during peak periods, the student experience could be even stronger.