Geography at an undergraduate level would only scratch the surface of Economic Geography as a sub-discipline, but this analysis of global economic landscapes, the international financial system and capitalism more generally, would captivate me both academically and ethically. This interest, combined with three fantastic years at the University of Nottingham and a Geography Department that had built itself a commendable reputation in Economic Geography, would convince me to enrol in the postgraduate MSc in Economy, Space and Society.

My undergraduate interest in Economic Geography would culminate in a final year dissertation analysing Bahrain’s role as the pre-eminent offshore financial centre of the Middle East. It was a project that I enjoyed, while the contacts established whilst conducting my research would prove invaluable to my MSc dissertation on the Industry of Islamic Finance, something I will return to in a minute.

The MSc course itself was challenging, there was a plethora of prearranged compulsory reading, and teaching was largely conducted in small seminar groups that would focus on staff-directed informal discussion of the topics at hand. Departmental facilities and resources were more than adequate and staff were not only approachable, but seemed prepared and willing to provide you with the time and support you needed. In terms of course structure, the topics covered and skills taught were broad and, in retrospect, balanced in such a way as to facilitate not only our understanding of Economic Geography, but also prepare us for the rather daunting course dissertation.

For me, the dissertation was the most rewarding aspects of the course because it would allow free-rein over the topic chosen to study. Following on from my undergraduate dissertation, I decided to focus upon the nascent industry of Islamic Finance and Bahrain’s role in its continuing development. The research conducted would provide me with an intriguing insight into an industry that has embraced the theological and permitted something of a re-evaluation of capitalism’s overriding obsession with profit-maximisation to compulsorily include issues of an ethical significance. Furthermore, it would provide me with the initial contact that eventually led to being offered employment with Ernst & Young’s Islamic Financial Services Group, in Bahrain – a post I am currently occupying.

In sum, I believe it’s a course that will challenge you to think differently about the world that we live in, provide you with an understanding of global economic landscapes, equip you with a well rounded set of skills and ultimately assist you in the future, whether that involves further postgraduate study or employment in industry.