Peter Geographic Information Science BSc Honours
Choosing Newcastle
I came across Newcastle University when searching for a degree programme strongly related to mapping. Having done my work experience at The British Antarctic Survey when I was 16, I found that I had a strong interest in digital mapping practices. Newcastle University, at the time I was looking for a degree, showed to be one of the leaders in Geomatics, not only in terms of teaching but in the business itself. Lecturers are constantly referring to very relevant industry-related projects that they are involved in.
Course so far
From the get-go you are taught many new things that are essential for the degree and the first year allows you to gain a bigger understanding of the avenues Geomatics can lead you to. Geomatics is much more than maps!
Field trips and projects
The first year lectures and practicals all built up towards the First Year Fieldcourse at Easter. The fieldtrip is an intensive week in the Lake District where you are set the task of mapping out Seathwaite Valley. The university owns a lot of the up to date surveying equipment which you learn to use on the fieldtrip and all the methods needed. A lot is learnt throughout this week and sets you in good stead for the second year.
The city
Before I came to Newcastle I was not a big fan of cities. In fact I chose Newcastle because it did not have the sense of a city. Even the centre of Newcastle has wide open green spaces such as the Town Moor where we do a lot of our outdoor practicals. In your first few days at Newcastle you can find yourself at the beach, in massive night clubs or in little bars where there is a true sense of culture.
Spare time
There are plenty of facilities and societies to join. In my first year I played in a 5-aside football team and was part of the Newcastle University Cycling club. For the first time I have found myself riding with people that not only had the same passions in the sport of biking but were also at a better level than me. This has led to a new excitement in the sport and for me to try and match the levels of the other riders who are always willing to share their skills. The university also has links with council run centres. For example under the University swimming scheme if you are a member you can then go swim in any Newcastle city council pool for £1.