Hannah Tilley MSci Geophysics, 2017

I have always enjoyed the challenge of maths and physics, but didn't want to be stuck indoors so when I found out about geophysics, it seemed to combine these subjects with practical, outdoors work.

I love the environment at NOCS; the research focus, the facilities and the opportunity to share a department with world leading researchers and lecturers, making study stimulating and relevant.

Staff show genuine passion for their subjects and are always available for extra help or to get you involved in their research and there is the opportunity to participate right from the beginning. Inspired by my lecturers’ research, I want to carry on my studies and pursue a PhD.

The field trip to Brittany provided the opportunity to create our own research projects. We used fieldwork techniques such as ground penetrating radar, magnetic, resistivity and seismic reflection and refraction to investigate our own proposals about the geology and past conditions in the area and produce a research paper on the results. The fieldwork and lab work means you meet and get to know the people on your course and develop close and deep friendships faster than in most subjects.

I am part of RAG, with whom I have travelled to Peru and am training to run a marathon. I have been team captain of the sailing team, winning ladies team racing and fleet racing nationals. I have learnt to kitesurf and wakeboard and have become vice-president of the kitesurfing society and been kitesurfing with the University team to the Western Sahara. I also sit on the Athletics Union committee and have got involved in the Christian Union and Athletics and Cross Country club. There is an incredibly wide range of opportunities available at Southampton which have enabled me to meet so many different people and learn new skills that I wouldn't have the chance to anywhere else.