Event speakers

Hollie Thompson, Student Recruitment & Outreach Officer at the University of Gloucestershire

Dr Jen Dickinson, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Winchester

Ruth Boyce, School and College Senior Development Coordinator at the University of Winchester.

Event Summary

This webinar is hosted by Jon Cheek, the Founder and Director of UniTasterDays. Guidance is provided for students to help them make good choices when considering university. The guest speakers for this event are Hollie Thompson, the Student Recruitment & Outreach Officer at the University of Gloucestershire, Dr Jen Dickson, a Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Winchester and Ruth Boyce, the School and college Senior Development Coordinator at the University of Winchester.

An introduction to studying social science courses
Hollie speaks about the difference between natural and social sciences at university. Social science is about the study of society and social relationships and includes subjects such a psychology, geography, criminology, sociology and international relations.

Hollie goes on to speak about some of these subjects in more detail and the kind of modules you will be able to study. She explains the benefits of studying a social science course and the new opportunities it will give you after graduating. It is also possible to combine subjects and study a joint honours course, explains Hollie, who touches on the variety of modules, both compulsory and optional. Before choosing a course it is important to consider vital factors which Hollie goes through. Finally, she speaks about how to make the most of virtual tours and transferable skills crucial for employability across a range of sectors.

An introduction to university courses in Geography
Jen discusses what the study of geography is, looking at people, places and the environment as well as observing and analysing global change. This can be through undertaking a scientific approach, a human social science approach or a blend of both, explains Jen. Fieldwork is what distinguishes geography from other degrees, and this can be both local and global. Jen highlights why this is integral to the degree and beneficial for employment after you graduate. This is clarified in this session by Jen who speaks about career prospects for geographers who are in demand for a variety of jobs around the world. Finally, she touches on what you should look for in a geography course and how to find out more information.

An introduction to university courses in psychology
Ruth explains what psychology is, with learning being more science-based at university. She speaks about the qualifications you need, but it is important to keep in mind that this will vary from university to university.

On your undergraduate degree you will study both compulsory and optional modules. Ruth speaks about the type of optional modules on offer as well as other factors to look for in a course. She describes what a student’s typical week at university looks like and finally talks about where psychology can take you after you graduate.

Session summary from Rubaya Zaman, a final year English Literature student at the University of Birmingham.