Prize awarded for best Geography dissertation

Every year a prize is awarded for the best Geography dissertation.  The prize is awarded in memory of Dr Ken Sherwood, who was a key member of the department for many years.

Nina Garner being presented with the prize by Mrs Sue Sherwood, and Mr John Sinclair (Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology)

This year the prize was awarded to Nina Garner, for her work entitled 'Investigating the role of upper air circulation in determining weather variables for the British Isles'.

Nina Garner and Mrs Sue Sherwood

Celebrating student success

On Thursday 21st July we celebrated students' success at our Graduation ceremony.

Lots of opportunities for group photos!

Geographers posing for yet another group photo

The traditional throw-your-hat-in-the-air photo

Ram Sarpal Singh was awarded the Dr Ken Sherwood prize for best Geography dissertation.

The Dean (John Sinclair) gives the prize for best Geography dissertation to Ram Singh Sarpal

Learning about homelessness

On 9/11/15 visitors from Northampton Hope Centre met second year Human Geographers to talk about the Centre’s work with local people who are homeless or vulnerably housed.

Sarah (Day Centre Manager), Ambrose and Jane provided valuable, and often really moving, insights for students who can choose to do an assignment about homelessness as part of their second year studies. They also outlined some of the opportunities for students to engage with the organisation through volunteering, donations (socks urgently needed!), or participation in fundraising events such as the Big Sleep Out.

Former student Brian Hinton, Jane, Ambrose, Sarah (Day Centre Manager) and Dr John Horton

For more information about the Hope Centre, see: http://www.northamptonhopecentre.org.uk/

Former student Brian Hinton also returned to the University to talk about his dissertation research about youth homelessness, conducted with the organisation St. Basil’s.

Environmental Science student has Amazon adventure

Third year Environmental Science student Thomas had an Amazon adventure over the summer - read all about it here.

Guest speakers talk about poverty, deprivation and austerity in Britain

Second year Human Geographers have been learning about geographies of poverty, deprivation and austerity in the UK.

Regular guest speakers provide really valuable first-hand insights into these issues. For example, third year Geography student Olli Boyde gave a talk about his experiences of volunteering, and conducting dissertation research, at a local food bank.

Olli gave a fantastic overview of issues faced by local users of food bank users. Following Olli’s visit, second year students donated more than 60 items to a collection for local food banks.

Olli Boyde with tutor Dr John Horton - they needed help to carry the students' donations!

A number of students have also been inspired volunteer at local food banks. To find out more about the work of local food banks, see: http://spencerbridge.foodbank.org.uk/ and http://www.restorenorthampton.org.uk/