Marianne Luke

What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?

The BA/BSc Geography programme at Exeter provides a unique and exciting opportunity for geography students to explore both physical and human geography for the first couple of years of the degree. When I applied to university I was very unsure about which field of geography I preferred and was not ready to commit to one or the other. I was extremely grateful to have the opportunity to take modules in a diverse range of geographical fields. These experiences helped me to decide on a human geography focused dissertation.

I was also very grateful for the opportunity to study modules within different colleges. I was able to take modules in both law and history which helped to broaden my knowledge. 

Some of the students we are profiling have been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements. If this applies to you, please can you tell us about this and what it means to you?

I received the Murrells Corporate Governance Prize for the highest overall grade within the Corporate Governance module. Having never studied law before I was very surprised to have received this award.  While I found the module very challenging it was extremely interesting. It was a great opportunity to expand my knowledge and learn about a field that I had no prior experience with.

I also received an award for the highest dissertation result within my programme. I was thrilled to have received this! I found researching for and writing up my dissertation a real challenge and would often put myself down when comparing my progress to others. I am very grateful to have received this award after what was a stressful, yet incredibly rewarding, year. The support from my dissertation supervisor Professor Jane Wills was invaluable throughout.

What was the highlight of your time at Exeter?

 “My time at Exeter was brilliant. While the geography course was very challenging, it was also incredibly rewarding. The lecturers were supportive and helpful, and the modules were interesting. I found that the course gave me plenty of opportunities to develop friendships with other students. Many of the modules involved small seminar groups which helped me socialise with other students and develop friendships.

Aside from university itself, student life at the Penryn Campus was incredibly enjoyable. Living in and around Falmouth for three years was incredible. I felt very lucky to live so close to an amazing beach and will be forever grateful for my years at university. Falmouth is such a safe, welcoming, and beautiful town.”

What will you miss the most about University?

I will miss studying geography with my coursemates and living in Falmouth. 

What advice would you give to current and future students? (If you are an international student what would you like to tell future students from back home who might be thinking about applying to study in Exeter?)

 Take time to appreciate being a student. While it may feel incredibly stressful sometimes (particularly in third year) it will be over before you know it. In third year when I had a lot of coursework along with my dissertation due, the pressure felt like it was never going to end and I really struggled. It’s important to remember that there is end date and that your hard work will pay off.  

What are your plans now that you have graduated?

While I have no set plan for the future as of yet, I am looking at graduate schemes and am planning to apply to the civil service fast stream in October. I am also considering a masters in the near future and am taking time to consider potential options.