This degree course integrates knowledge of physical processes and landforms with key environmental issues. The programme covers aspects of physical geography such as sea level change, mountain environments and soil science.  It also covers other areas of environmental geography such as environmental management and sustainability. Importantly, the York degree also provides opportunities to study the human impacts on the environment through the study of natural resource management, environmental law and policy and environmental economics.

The degree is taught by staff experienced in applying concepts of environmental geography to policy formulation and environmental management at both national and international level. This programme will develop your understanding, skills and knowledge of topics such as:

• Physical processes and landforms
• Geology and the development of landscape
• Environmental and human consequences of global warming
• Topical environmental issues such as tectonics, tsunamis and volcanoes
• Population impact on natural environmental resources
• Climate impact on biodiversity conservation 

The course will equip you with the geographical knowledge, skills and techniques to help develop practical sustainable solutions to environmental problems.  The interdisciplinary skills that the degree encourages will also prepare you for a wide range of employment.

Study Abroad

The BSc in Environmental Geography is offered on a full-time (3-year) basis. The University has exchange agreements with a number of other universities across the world.  You can apply for a place on these exchange schemes during your first year, and if successful spend your second year studying abroad. 

What you'll study

The BSc in Environmental Geography is offered on a full-time (3 year) basis. Students complete 120 credits each year

Year 1

The first year lays the foundation for the course, and allows students entering with different strengths to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to study more advanced material in Years 2 and 3. All modules are compulsory, and the year does not contribute to the final degree mark. You will study the following:

• Dynamic Earth (20 credits)
• Introduction to Environmental Geography (20 credits)
• Tools & Techniques for Studying the Environment (30 credits)   
• Environment, Development & Society (10 credits)
• Ecological Principles for the Environment (20 credits)
• Environment Field Project (20 credits)              

Year 2

The second year combines a core of compulsory modules (70 credits) with the remaining 50 credits chosen from a range of options, allowing you to specialise further. The year contributes 40% to the final degree mark.

Compulsory modules:  

• Earth Processes & Landforms (20 credits)
• Energy & Environment (20 credits)
• Field Course (20 credits)
• Geographical Information Systems (10 credits)

Optional Modules include:

• Food, Space, Culture & Society (10 credits)
• Climate Change (10 credits)
• Soil Science (10 credits)

Find a full listing of the degree structure here

Year 3

In the third year you specialise, choosing 80 credits from a range of optional modules to suit your interests and employment objectives. You also undertake a 40 credit independent research project, tailored to meet your specialist interests and aspirations. The year contributes 60% to your final degree classification.

 Optional Modules include:

• Glaciers, Ice Sheets & Climate Change (10 credits)      
• Sea Level Change (10 credits)
• Environmental Change and Ecosystem Dynamics (10 credits)
• Marine Environmental Management (10 credits)

Find a full listing of the degree structure here

Detailed information on recent optional modules studied by our students can be found here

Elective Modules

You can take up to 20 credits of elective modules in years 2 and 3. Choose from across other degree course in the University. 

How you'll be taught

We have received a satisfaction rating of over 90% for our teaching in the National Student Survey over a number of years. .

Research-led teaching 

Our approach is research-led, ensuring that your qualification is relevant, well-regarded and up-to date. All our staff are research active, and many sit on international and national committees, demonstrating the recognition of our work at the highest level. Through the Stockholm Environment Institute (based within the department), we have particularly strong links to global policy makers such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organisation. You will be actively encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects within the department, particularly through your own third year research project.

Teaching approaches

As a department, we make use of a wide range of learning environments and approaches, including lectures, small group tutorials used to consolidate and develop lecture material, and seminars which often involve collaborative group work and oral presentations. Practical work is a key feature, through laboratory and computer practicals.

Field trips and courses form a key component of your degree as follows:

• 1st year Field Project
• 2nd year Earth Processes and Landform module trips to Lake District or Yorkshire coast
• 2nd year trip to Tenerife
• Non-residential field visits form integral parts of several modules
• Year 3 independent research project can include a substantial field element.

How you'll be assessed

Assessment methods

Assessment approaches include a mix of continuous assessment together with examinations:

• practical write-ups
• lab reports
• oral presentations
• data analysis exercises
• essays
• closed examinations
• project reports

A diverse range of open and closed assessment methods is used deliberately so that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their strengths and none are disadvantaged by overreliance on a single assessment method.

Timings of assessments

Assessments are staggered throughout the academic year. Feedback about the assessment load received from students is used to develop an assessment schedule each year. This aims to ensure that there are no bottlenecks of assessment during the year and to help students manage their study time.

Feedback

The Environment Department understands the importance of assessment feedback in underpinning student academic development in all of its degree programmes.

Marking adheres to a set of criteria laid out in a booklet on departmental assessment which all students receive.

All marks towards the degree awards are checked by a moderator or, in the case of large pieces of work such as the 3rd year project, are marked by two members of staff.

Written feedback is returned with all coursework, but other more general feedback opportunities are often provided in timetabled sessions within modules. Students are also encouraged to discuss the feedback they have received with their personal supervisors.

External examiners

All of the department’s assessment and feedback procedures are reviewed by an external examiner from another university who is appointed for a three year term.

Careers and employability

Our interdisciplinary approach across the degree course ensures that our graduates are equipped with practical, applied skills for both environment-related employment and more general career opportunities. The department has a track record of providing a springboard to a wide range of careers and postgraduate research.

With the BSc you will be a numerate graduate who has had do engage in quantitative data analysis, while also having to communicate clearly in written reports and during oral presentations.

Graduates from the department have gone on to work in a wide range of careers and with employers including:

• Private utilities such as water and energy companies
• Environmental management
• Policy formulation
• Environmental consultancies
• Public sector bodies such as the Environment Agency, DEFRA
• Local government e.g. pollution abatement, planning
• Conservation bodies
• Teaching
• Typically, around 20% of our undergraduates go on to study for a higher degree.

Preparing you for employment

As well as the knowledge and skill you will acquire while studying the degree, we encourage you to think about your future employability by:

• First year flood risk management exercise. With input from local and national employers you role play performing project management, feasibility studies and rapid data analysis., encouraging you to think about what employability skills are.
• Personal employability plan development. This reflects on what employability skills you are acquiring at University (both academically and through student life generally). Discussed with your personal supervisor throughout your time at York.

What some former students have said about the employability skills gained in Environment

“The projects and presentations that we had to do at York meant that when I was ‘thrown in at the deep end’ at Yorkshire Water, I had already developed some of the skills needed for working in such an organisation, and thus was able to make an impact straight away.”

“My current job has very little direct link to my studies at York but I have been able to use the research skills and methods I learnt while studying for my degree. I currently spend a lot of time researching into the background of companies around the world often having to source information from obscure sources or through complex links. For example, confirming the details of a Luxembourg registered company through the US Patent and Trademarks databases.”

“My degree has provided me with the necessary transferable and hard skills needed in my work today: quantitative analysis, research skills, the ability to form and express opinions on complex topics as well as the resilience and confidence to succeed in challenging working environments. Furthermore, my degree has allowed me to further my passion for my subject and to back this up by rigorous scientific knowledge.”

“My degree has provided me with a good mix of both hard and transferable skills. The numerical skills I gained at University -- such as applied statistics and mathematics as well as the fact checking and research skills --are all part of my role today. Writing reports, analysing complex issues as well as talking to people and giving presentations have also been incredibly useful in my role as they have allowed me to appreciate different perspectives and to adapt quickly and effectively to communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.”

Find out more about how we can help make you more employable

How to apply

All applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service(UCAS)

A typical offer is ABB at A level or equivalent.  Those applying for BSc Environmental Geography should normally have either Geography or Geology at A level (or equivalent) plus one subject from among Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. 

GCSE Mathematics or equivalent is required.  GSCE Science or equivalent is required if science subjects are not taken at A-Level.

Applicants are offered conditional or unconditional offers on the basis of their predicted or actual qualifications, respectively.

There are no formal interviews.  We meet students at University Open Days and applicants to whom we have offered places are encouraged to attend one of the Departmental open days held during the Spring term.

Mature students are particularly encouraged to apply and we welcome enquiries and prearranged visits from such applicants.

We are happy to answer any queries that you may have about any of the degree courses on offer so please feel free to email or phone us and we will get back to you.

Funding

We want to ensure that noone who has the potential to study here is put off from applying because of costs. See more information about fees and financial support.

Entry requirements

Mature students

Mature students are welcomed and considered individually.