Study Geography & Environmental Science, why & how to study

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, which is why and how people live in certain places; and physical geography, which looks at the natural features of the Earth's surface.

Environmental Science focuses more on processes and systems in the environment and investigating and understanding changes in those systems.

What Geography & Environmental Science degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Geography & Environmental Science include:

• Environmental Science BSc
• Geography (in combination with natural sciences) BSc
• Geography (in combination with social sciences) BA
• Geography, Urban Environments and Climate Change BSc
• Geography and Urban & Regional Planning BSc
• Physical Geography BA

Options may include an integrated foundation year, study abroad or placement year.

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

Entry requirements for a Geography & Environmental Science degree at a university 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 invovement 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 the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), as a route towards professional accreditation

What do Geography & Environmental Science graduates earn?

Geography & Environmental Science graduates can expect an entry-level salary of around £18,000–£24,000.

You could take your knowledge and analytical skills into transport logistics, with earnings from £20,000 as a graduate trainee to upwards of £56,000 for those in senior positions.

Or you could inspire the next generation and become a geography teacher, particularly as bursaries may be available for teacher trainees. Once qualified, your starting pay will be around £25,700 in England, rising to £41,604 if you remain a classroom teacher. A lead practitioner with considerable experience can earn up to £64,500.

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

Geography & Environmental Science courses often have strong graduate prospects, as the skills you gain can apply 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 managing environmental risk to studying economic geography. Entry may require degree-level competence in a related discipline. Graduates with a Geography & Environmental Science degree can also complete postgraduate teacher training to become a teacher.

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

• Cities MPhil/PhD
• Economic Geography MPhil/PhD
• Flood Modelling and Management MSc
• Geography (Risk) MA
• Geography and Environment PhD

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

Have any questions?

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