Making Geography Work

"Whether you have worked, volunteered or studied in a foreign country you are sure to have developed skills such as organising, problem solving and networking"

Andrew Murtough, finance manager, Procter & Gamble"

Your dissertation is the single largest piece of work that you undertake during your degree. It can include and encompass extensive written work, the identification and application of appropriate research methods to collect and analyse data, the use of key scientific tools and complex statistical/GIS software, an engagement with academic literature and the construction of a sound argument, completing your dissertation also provides you with the ability to expand and hone a number of key transferable skills desired by employers.

Cognitive Skills

Critical Thinking

Being able to consider issues from a range of different perspectives and, using relevant concepts, to produce an analytical assessment of the subject

Data Synthesis

Being able to collate relevant information from a variety of sources and then to present this as a reasoned, coherent, argument

Numeracy

Being able to manipulate numerical data to present a reasoned, coherent argument - Literacy: being able to construct well-argued and grammatically correct texts, to locate and retrieve relevant ideas from within academic debates, and reference these accurately

Information Literacy

Being able to identify, locate and retrieve books, journal articles and alike in both paper and electronic forms and to use these sources (including websites) to gather relevant information, which is then synthesised and presented using appropriate IT facilities

Self-Management Skills

Planning and Organisation

Being able to set objectives, plan actions and manage your time and resources effectively in order to achieve your goals

Decision-making

Being aware of, and being able to choose between, opportunities that enable you to achieve your goals, having gathered and evaluated relevant information

Innovation and Creativity

Being able to generate and visualise novel ideas and concepts

Initiative

Being able to identify and make effective use of different types of materials, to initiate ideas and see them through to completion

Independence

Having the ability to work unsupervised, to plan effectively and to meet deadlines - Adaptability: being able to respond readily to changing situations and priorities

Problem-solving

Being able to critically evaluate and analyse complex problems in order to reach a solution

Budgeting

Being able to manage dissertation finances (for your fieldwork) effectively

Interaction Skills

Written Communication

Being able to use your writing, and other appropriate tools and resources effectively in order to present your opinions, ideas and information, to provide evidence of independent and original thought, and illustrate an ability to critically review relevant literature

Application

Market Awareness

Understanding the needs of individuals, business and the community

Governance Awareness

Understanding how workplaces and organisations are governed formally and informally - Financial Awareness: understanding the role of money and other assets in the functioning and development of an idea or organisation

Ethical Awareness

Having the ability to understand and articulate relevant ethical values, principles, rights, and virtues from the point of view of different stakeholders; to understand the need to take responsibility and have a duty of accountability to society

Social, Cultural and Global Awareness

Through interaction with others, developing a critical awareness of social responsibilities, of the role of the individual as a member of a multi-national community, including racial and religious tolerance and respect, and develop an awareness of issues affecting the global economy, environment, diversity, equality and human rights

Legal Awareness

Being aware of relevant legal duties, rights and processes applicable in any context where you might be required to participate