Cooke's academic career began as a lecturer in the Department of Geography at University College London in 1961: he rose to the position of Professor in 1981 and Vice-Provost (1991-3) at the same institution [REF].
He lives in York where he is active in city life, for instance in fund-raising for the restoration of York Minster, and in planning and restoration through the York Civic Trust [REF].