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CONTENTS

1. What’s Geography & Environmental Science?

2. What Geography & Environmental Science degrees can you study?

3. What do you need to get onto a Geography & Environmental Science degree?

4. What topics does a Geography & Environmental Science degree cover?

5. How will you be assessed?

6. Why study Geography & Environmental Science?

7. What do Geography & Environmental Science graduates earn?

8. What jobs can you get as a Geography & Environmental Science graduate?

9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

10. Similar subjects to Geography & Environmental Science

11. Have any questions?

What’s Geography & Environmental Science?

Geography is the study of the Earth's landscapes, people, places and environments. There are two primary disciplines in geographical study:

• Human geography – the why and how people live in certain places
• Physical geography – the natural features of the Earth's surface

Environmental Science focuses on environmental processes and investigates the changes in those systems.

Both areas draw from different fields, aiming to address environmental challenges from various perspectives. You could find yourself studying all sorts of topics, from climate change to international development.

Take a look at the university league table for Geography & Environmental Science.

What Geography & Environmental Science degrees can you study?

Undergraduate BA (Bachelor of Arts) degrees tend to look to the social sciences. A BSc (Bachelor of Science) degree will have a more technical and scientific focus.

Examples of degree courses include:

Environmental Science

This course looks at the biological, chemical and physical elements of the environment. You’ll apply scientific principles to areas like conservation, pollution and resource management.

Find Environmental Science courses.

Human Geography

If you’re interested in how people interact with the environment, this course could be for you. You’ll study topics like migration, economics and globalisation.

Search for Human Geography courses.

Physical Geography

This course focuses on natural processes, such as ecosystems, landform evolution and climatology.

Find Physical Geography courses.

Joint-honours degrees

The subject is often available to study alongside another area. For instance:

• Geography and Economics
• Environmental Science and Management
• Geography and French Studies 
• Geography with Art History

Other options

Universities often offer:

• Integrated foundation year
• Integrated master’s degree
• Study abroad opportunities
• Professional placements or years in industry

What do you need to get onto a Geography & Environmental Science degree?

Entry requirements for a Geography & Environmental Science degree range from 96–165 UCAS points. This could include the qualifications below.

• A Levels: A*AA–CCC
• BTECs: D*D*D*–MMM
• Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB–AA)
• International Baccalaureate: 39–28
• Universities will usually ask that you have studied an A Level (or equivalent) in geography, or a related science subject

Other good subjects to have studied include:

• Biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics or physics at A Level (or equivalent)
• General studies A Level may not be accepted

Experience that would look good on your application:

• Work experience or shadowing in the planning or environmental department of your local council, or with an environmental consultancy
• Volunteering to help local wildlife charities carry out surveys, or involvement with environmental education
• Furthering your knowledge via the Time for Geography website, or websites of the Royal Geographical Society, Institution of Environmental Sciences, or professional bodies like the British Cartographic Society
• Taking part in competitions and essay awards run by the Royal Geographical Society
• Summer schools, if eligible, such as UNIQ or Sutton Trust

Other requirements for this subject include:

• Pass in the practical element of science taken at A Level
• Interview and entry assessments may be required by some universities

What topics does a Geography & Environmental Science degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

• An introduction to earth materials
• Earth systems processes
• Fieldwork skills
• Fundamentals of geochemistry
• Geographical information systems
• Human geography
• Introduction to physical geography and geology
• Overseas field trip
• People, hazards and resources

How will you be assessed?

Assessments may be carried out by a mixture of the following, varying from module to module:

• Coursework
• Data analysis exercises
• Dissertation
• Essays
• Exams
• Oral or poster presentations
• Podcasting
• Practical write-ups

Why study Geography & Environmental Science?

By studying the geography of a country, you can start to understand why certain cultures farm certain foods. Or why a particular set of people design their houses in a particular way. You're exposed to a world of drastically different situations, so you get to learn about the rich tapestry of human life. You’ll also gain skills that can apply across a whole range of careers:

Career-specific skills:

• Surveying, mapping and environmental auditing or assessment
• Geographical statistics, spatial analysis and data handling

Transferable skills:

• Communication, including written reports
• Data analysis
• Mathematical and IT skills
• Research
• Team working

Professional accreditation:

Degrees may be accredited by the Royal Geographical Society together with the Institute of British Geographers (IBG) and/or by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).

Some degrees may be approved by professional bodies including:

• Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA)
• Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

When degrees  offer a route towards professional accreditation.

What do Geography & Environmental Science graduates earn?

Geography & Environmental Science graduates can expect an entry-level salary of around £18,500–£25,000.

You could take your knowledge and analytical skills into transport logistics. Earnings for graduates start at around £20,000, and those in senior positions could earn around £56,000.

You could inspire the next generation and become a geography teacher. Bursaries may be available for teacher trainees. Once qualified, your starting pay will be around £30,000 in England. It can rise to over £40,000 if you remain a classroom teacher. A lead practitioner with considerable experience can earn around £70,000.

What jobs can you get as a Geography & Environmental Science graduate?

Geography & Environmental Science courses often have strong graduate prospects. The skills you gain can be applied to many career areas. You could conduct flood risk management, help businesses meet sustainability targets, or manage local needs in town planning.

Roles could include:

• Cartographer
• Conservation professional
• Conservation and environmental associate professional
• Environmental conservationist
• Environmental engineer
• Environmental health professional
• Flood risk officer
• Heritage manager
• International aid worker
• Landscape architect
• Logistics manager
• Management consultant
• Market researcher
• Oil and gas analyst
• Policy analyst
• Quality assurance and regulatory professional
• Solicitor
• Surveyor
• Teacher
• Town planner
• Waste disposal and environmental services manager

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Postgraduate opportunities cover a wide range of areas, from environmental risk to economic geography. You may need a relevant undergraduate degree in a related discipline to be eligible.

Examples of taught master’s and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

• Environmental Change and Management MPhil
• Flood Modelling and Management MSc
• Geography and Earth Sciences PhD
• Geographical Information Systems MSc
• Refugee and Forced Migration Studies MSc

If you have a Geography & Environmental Science degree, you can complete postgraduate training to become a teacher.

Similar subjects to Geography & Environmental Science

Geography & Environmental Science encompasses the study of landscapes and peoples. So, there’s a range of similar subject areas you could consider:

• African & Middle Eastern Studies
• Anthropology
• Asian Studies
• Ecology
• Geology
• Sociology
• Town & Country Planning and Landscape Design

Search undergraduate Geography & Environmental Science courses now!

Have any questions?

Do you have questions about studying Geography & Environmental Science? Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!