Testimonials

“I am in the final year of my PhD in the School of Geography at QMUL. Having studied the MA in Geography here, I knew that the School provided a dynamic, friendly and supportive atmosphere for postgraduates. I was then fortunate enough to gain an ESRC +3 studentship for my PhD. My thesis examines ideas of home, identity and belonging for Muslim women within the context of the domestic ‘War on Terror’. The School provides a dynamic research environment with two human geography research centres (The City Centre and Centre for Global Security and Development).  Each term several high profile speakers from other academic institutions take part in the School seminar series, and the school also hosts a Research Frameworks Series which attracts leading academics as visiting scholars. Both these things present invaluable opportunities for productive academic dialogue. Postgraduate students are actively encouraged to contribute to both sets of seminars and the programmes for visiting scholars; for example, suggesting visiting speakers, organising reading groups, workshops and dedicated postgraduate sessions with speakers. I strongly believe that the efforts made to involve students in seminars and the overall intellectual life of the School is something very unique to Queen Mary. This sense of inclusion, coupled with the provision of dedicated shared offices for PhD students (with the moral and intellectual support that this affords) has helped foster a strong postgraduate community which is really important in terms of peer support and sociability!  Overall I have really benefitted, both personally and professionally, from my time at QMUL and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the School to anyone thinking of studying for a PhD in Geography”.

(Imogen Wallace, 3rd Year)

 

“I am in my third year of a Physical Geography PhD in the School of Geography at Queen  Mary. My research focuses on micro-scale sediment deformation formed beneath glaciers and ice sheets. I initially chose Queen Mary because the School has a large specialised lab devoted to looking at this aspect of glacial geology, and because it is continually investing in the latest techniques to study these environments. Since then I have come to appreciate the relaxed atmosphere the School radiates which is in part due to the regular social events which pull together both Human and Physical geographers. I have found that an important part of enjoying the PhD experience has been being supported by other PhD students both intellectually and socially, which helps remove the isolation which can be associated with doing a PhD”.

(Amanda Ferguson, 3rd Year)

 

“When I decided to do a PhD and looked around for potential departments Queen Mary and the School of Geography appeared to be the best place to do it. My decision to come to Queen Mary was based on a number of reasons. First, the School has an excellent reputation and standing within human geography. Second, the staff were extremely approachable and very helpful in the application process. Third, given its large and diverse post-grad community, it offered an extremely stimulating environment. After three years at Queen Mary I can say that all my expectations have been met in full. Choosing Queen Mary for my PhD was definitely the right decision. Working in such a collegial and stimulating School was not only a pleasure, but a real honour. I learned and gained so much from being part of the environment there, and not only with regards to the PhD. My whole life has benefited from the experience. On the basis of my experience I thoroughly recommend the School to any one who wants to gain more than just a PhD. I know I am already missing the School as I start my new lectureship in Hamburg”. 

(Tim Heinemann, University of Hamburg)

 

“I am now in the final year of my PhD at Queen Mary.  The School of Geography has been a warm, supportive and stimulating place to study. The range of research interests here is really broad and I have become engaged and interested in topics I never would have thought about before coming here.  There are always opportunities to meet and listen to established academics. This term we have had post graduate workshops organised with both Ash Amin and David Harvey. I have been encouraged and supported to attend international conferences and join a variety of academic societies and study groups.  The School also has an excellent social life and I would recommend it to anyone”.

(Claire Thompson 3rd Year)