Choosing a degree is about more than selecting a subject, it’s about finding a place that will challenge you, support you and prepare you for the future you want to build. At Coventry University, geography is designed to do exactly that.
When people think of geography, they often picture maps, mountains and climates. But geography is so much more than that. It’s about understanding the real world and gaining the skills to shape it.
We spoke to one of our alumni, Ben Chimes, a graduate of Geography and Natural Hazards BSc (Hons) - now Geography BSc (Hons), to find out how studying this course at Coventry University helped launch a successful and rewarding career. His story highlights how a degree in this subject can take you far beyond the classroom and into work that makes a real-world impact.
Why Coventry University?
For Ben, Coventry University stood out early on for its focus on employability and applied learning. “The campus had a great energy and I was really drawn to how the University connects academic theory with real-world practice.” From the start, it wasn’t just about learning concepts, it was about learning how to use them.
“It felt like a place that genuinely prepares students for life beyond graduation — not just exams.”
That philosophy continues to define the course today. Teaching is rooted in contemporary global challenges, with a strong emphasis on skills that employers value, ensuring students graduate confident and career-ready.
Why Geography?
Geography is one of the most versatile and relevant degrees you can study, something Ben understood instinctively. “I chose geography because it sits at the perfect intersection of people, places and the environment.” From climate change and natural hazards to urban development and social change, geography explores the big questions shaping our world.
“I’ve always been curious about how the world works — from cities and landscapes to climate and social change. Geography encourages critical thinking, global awareness, and adaptability, which makes it both fascinating and incredibly relevant in today’s world.”
At Coventry University, geography students are encouraged to think critically, challenge assumptions, and explore how physical and human processes interact, skills that translate directly into a wide range of careers.
Learning by Doing - Skills That Matter
One of the defining features of the Geography BSc (Hons) course at Coventry University is its hands-on approach. For Ben, that practical focus made all the difference. “My geography course gave me a solid mix of technical knowledge, transferable skills and hands-on experience.” Throughout the degree, students develop skills in research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as learning how to communicate complex ideas clearly and confidently.
Fieldwork, independent research, and project-based learning are central to the course, allowing students to apply theory to real-world scenarios. “The practical elements of the course, including projects, fieldwork and independent research, were particularly valuable, as they mirrored real workplace projects.” This kind of learning helps bridge the gap between university and employment, giving graduates the confidence to step into professional roles.
From Geography Graduate to Transport Planning Consultant
Today, Ben works as a Transport Planning Consultant, a role that draws heavily on the skills and perspectives gained during their geography degree. Geography graduates are uniquely positioned to work in areas such as transport, urban planning, sustainability, environmental management, and policy, sectors that require an understanding of people, place, data and long-term impacts.
The analytical mindset, problem-solving ability, and systems thinking developed through geography are highly valued by employers, particularly in industries tackling complex, real-world challenges.
Life Beyond Lectures: The Coventry Experience
University life is about more than coursework, and Coventry offers a vibrant student experience alongside academic study. Ben highlighted some of his favourite memories from his time at the university, “50p Fridays at the SU followed by Kasbah of course!” Beyond the social highlights, what stood out most was the sense of belonging.
“Coventry really felt like a community, and those moments of collaboration and friendship made the experience unforgettable.”
Studying at Coventry University means becoming part of a supportive, inclusive environment where students build friendships, networks and memories that last well beyond graduation.
Achievements After Graduation
Since leaving Coventry University, Ben has continued to build an impactful and respected career. “Since graduating, my key achievements have included progressing into roles where I can apply my knowledge and skills in a meaningful and impactful way, while continuing to develop both professionally and personally.”
Among his most notable accomplishments are being elected as a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (FCIHT) in 2021, the highest grade of membership, and achieving Chartered Transport Planning Professional (CTPP) status in 2022.
These milestones reflect not only professional expertise, but also a long-term commitment to making a positive contribution to society, something that lies at the heart of Geography as a discipline.
Where Could Geography Take You?
A geography degree from Coventry University opens doors to a wide range of careers. Graduates go on to work in areas such as:
- transport and urban planning
- environmental consultancy
- sustainability and climate policy
- GIS and spatial analysis
- disaster risk reduction and resilience
- research, education, and public policy.
What unites these paths is the ability to understand complex systems, analyse data, and make informed decisions, all core strengths of Coventry University geography graduates.
If you’re curious about the world, passionate about people and the environment, and ready to turn that curiosity into a career, Geography BSc (Hons) at Coventry University could be the perfect place to begin.
Discover how studying Geography at Coventry University, from hands-on fieldwork to applied projects, gave Coventry University alumnus, Ben Chimes, the skills and confidence to build a successful career in transport planning.
