top of page

Environmental Geography BSc

Study of how the Earth’s natural systems interact with human activity, exploring the science of climate, land, and water.

YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:

Big-picture thinker

Sustainability-focused

Analytically minded

Geographically aware

POPULAR CAREER FIELDS

Environmental Consultancy

Government & Public Sector

Urban Planning & Development

Research & Academia

Is this for you?

Environmental Geography BSc

Is this for you?

WHAT IS IT?

Study of how the Earth’s natural systems interact with human activity, exploring the science of climate, land, and water.

CAREER OPTIONS

CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES

Internships
Internships
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
Works placements
Uni Open Days
High angle view of a forest for environmental geography.

FIND OUT MORE

About the Course

  • What Is an Environmental Geography Degree?

    Environmental Geography examines the links between people and the planet. It combines physical geography, environmental science, and human geography to understand issues such as climate change, resource use, and ecosystem management.


    Why Study Environmental Geography?

    This degree is ideal if you’re curious about how the environment works and how humans can live more sustainably. It suits students who enjoy both science and geography and want to make a difference through research, planning, or environmental action.

  • Most Environmental Geography degrees cover:


    • Physical geography and Earth systems

    • Climate change and sustainability

    • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing

    • Environmental management and policy

    • Water, soil, and energy systems

    • Environmental hazards and risk assessment

    • Research methods and data analysis


    Later in your course, you can usually specialise - for example, in global development, environmental modelling, or conservation planning.


  • Environmental Analysis – assessing landscapes, ecosystems, and human–environment interactions.


    Geospatial Skills – using GIS, mapping, and remote sensing to analyse spatial data.


    Fieldwork Techniques – collecting environmental samples, surveying sites, and conducting outdoor research.


    Data Interpretation – analysing environmental datasets to understand patterns and change.


    Sustainability & Policy Insight – understanding environmental management, conservation, and climate policy.

  • A-levels or equivalent including Geography or a related Science (such as Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Geology).


    • Show your interest in the environment, geography, and sustainability.

    • Mention fieldwork, volunteering, or school projects that inspired you.

    • Reflect on global challenges such as climate change or resource management.

    • Include examples like research, teamwork, or data projects.

    • This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate by Naomi Klein – A bold look at the politics of climate change.

    • The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert – A powerful exploration of biodiversity loss.

    • Earth System Science: From Biogeochemical Cycles to Global Change by Michael Jacobson – Understanding how Earth’s systems interact.

    • Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall – How geography influences politics and global development.

    • Compare courses to see which focus more on physical geography, data science, or environmental policy.

    • Attend open days or virtual sessions to explore labs and fieldwork facilities.

    • Volunteer with local environmental groups or take part in geography field trips.

    • Follow environmental news to stay informed about global and local sustainability issues.

    • Environmental Consultancy - Environmental consultant, sustainability consultant, environmental impact assessor, climate change consultant

    • GIS & Spatial Analysis - GIS specialist, GIS analyst, spatial data analyst, cartographer

    • Urban Planning - Urban planner, environmental planner, planning consultant, regeneration officer

    • Climate & Sustainability - Climate change analyst, carbon management consultant, sustainability officer, environmental policy advisor

    • Natural Resource Management - Natural resource manager, catchment officer, water resources planner, land use planner

    • Conservation Planning - Conservation planner, landscape planner, green infrastructure specialist, biodiversity planning officer

    • Research & Data Analysis - Environmental researcher, geographic data analyst, environmental modeler, climate researcher

    • Government & Policy - Environmental policy officer, local authority environmental officer, planning policy officer, environmental advisor

  • Do You Need a Masters?


    Yes, if you want senior environmental consultancy, urban planning, GIS specialist roles, or research/policy careers.


    No, if you're going into entry-level consultancy, GIS analysis, sustainability roles, teaching, or switching to other sectors.


    Popular Masters Options


    • Environmental Management/Sustainability (MSc) – 1 year Corporate sustainability, environmental compliance, CSR. £24,000-£35,000 career range.

    • GIS/Geospatial Science (MSc) – 1 year Spatial analysis, mapping, data science. High demand – £26,000-£40,000 careers.

    • Urban Planning/Spatial Planning (MSc) – 1 year Town planning, development, local government. £25,000-£35,000 starting, route to chartered planner.

    • Environmental Impact Assessment (MSc) – 1 year Development consultancy, infrastructure projects. £26,000-£38,000.

    • Climate Change/Climate Science (MSc) – 1 year Climate policy, adaptation, mitigation. Government, NGOs, consultancy.

    • Water Resources Management (MSc) – 1 year Hydrology, flood risk, water policy.

    • Coastal Management/Marine Spatial Planning (MSc) – 1 year Coastal zones, marine policy, climate adaptation.


    Conversion Masters

    • Data Science/Analytics – 1 year If you enjoyed GIS and want tech sector salaries (£30,000-£45,000).

    • Professional Qualifications

    • RTPI Accredited Planning Masters – Route to chartered town planner Required for planning officer roles.

    • Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) – Through professional development Career recognition.


    Without a Masters

    Strong careers available:

    • Environmental Consultant (£22,000-£28,000)

    • GIS Analyst (£24,000-£32,000)

    • Sustainability Officer (£22,000-£30,000)

    • Planning Assistant (£20,000-£26,000)

    • Climate Change Analyst (£24,000-£32,000)

    • Geography Teacher (PGCE, £30,000-£40,000)

    • Local Government Officer


    Money Talk


    Masters: £9,000-£16,000. GIS and planning Masters offer best salary returns. For environmental consultancy, many employers train graduates on the job – experience often valued over postgrad degrees.

Related Courses

Public Relations BA

An image of a magazine to depict PR.

Study of how organisations communicate with the public, combining creativity, strategy, and communication skills to prepare you for roles in PR, media, branding, and corporate communication.

Film Production BA

An image of filming on set.

Study of how films are planned, shot, edited, and produced - combining creativity, technical skills, and storytelling to prepare you for work in the film, TV, and digital media industries.

Digital Media BA

An image of a vlogger to depict digital media degree.

Explore how digital content is made, designed, and shared, developing creative, technical, and communication skills for careers in media, design, and online storytelling.

Sports Journalism BA

A football pitch with a sports journalism.

Study of how to report, write, and create stories about sport - combining journalism, media production, and communication to prepare for an exciting career in sports media and broadcasting.

Advertising BA

An image of Metro advertisements.

Study of how brands create messages, design campaigns, and communicate with audiences, combining creativity, strategy, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in advertising, media, and creative industries.

Media, Culture & Communication BA

A student with a laptop to depict a Media, Culture & Communications degree.

Study of how media shapes culture, identity, and communication, combining analysis, research, and creative thinking to prepare you for careers in media, communications, journalism, culture industries, and public engagement.

Communications BA

A meeting reviewing business communications on a tablet.

Study of how people communicate in society, organisations, and media, combining writing, analysis, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in communications, media, marketing, public relations, and cultural industries.

Audio Production BA

An image of audio production in the studio.

Study of how audio is recorded, edited, and produced, combining creativity, technical skill, and storytelling to prepare you for careers in music, podcasting, radio, film, and digital media.

Film and Television Studies BA

A film slate in front of a film crew.

Study of film, television, and screen cultures - combining analysis, research, and creative practice to understand how visual media shapes stories, society, and audiences.

​Media and Communications BA

A man and woman with a microphone to depict Media and Communications BA.

Study of how media shapes communication, culture, and society, combining analysis, creativity, and digital skills.

Marketing & Public Relations BA

An image of a marketing and PR executive at work.

Study of how organisations build their brand, communicate with audiences, and promote products or messages, combining marketing strategy with public relations skills for careers in media, business, and creative industries.

English & Journalism BA

A writer or journalist writing in notepad.

Study of writing, storytelling, language, and news reporting, combining literary analysis with practical journalism skills to prepare you for careers in media, publishing, writing, and communication.

Broadcast Journalism BA

A newsreader to depict broadcast journalism.

Study of how to produce and present stories for television, radio, and digital platforms - combining communication, creativity, and technical skills for a fast-paced career in modern media.

Social Media Management BA/BSc

An image of social media app planning

Study of how social media platforms are used to create content, build brands, and engage audiences, combining creativity, analytics, and communication skills to prepare you for careers in digital marketing, content creation, and online communication.

Media Studies BA

A young woman talking through a microphone.

Study of how media shapes culture, society, and communication, combining analysis, creativity, and research to prepare you for roles in media, content creation, journalism, marketing, and cultural industries.

Media Production BA

Filming streets for Media Production BA

Study of how media content is planned, created, and produced, combining creativity, technology, and communication to prepare you for modern roles in film, television, audio, and digital media.

Digital Media and Communications BA

A digital media specialist working on a laptop and pad.

Study of how digital platforms shape communication and creativity, combining media analysis, digital production, and communication skills to prepare you for careers in content creation, media, marketing, and online communication.

Communications and Media BA

A selection of newspapers to depict Communications & Media degree.

Study of how communication works across society and how media shapes culture, combining analysis, creativity, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in media, communications, marketing, and public relations.

Photojournalism and Documentary Photography BA

A photojournalist in a warzone.

Study of how to tell real stories through images - combining photography, journalism, and visual communication to capture moments that inform, inspire, or create change.

Digital Content Creation BA

Young influencer at work.

Study of how digital content is planned, produced, and delivered across online platforms, combining creativity, storytelling, and technical skills to prepare you for careers in content creation, social media, digital media, and creative industries.

Multimedia Journalism BA

A multimedia journalist entering news into a laptop with recording equipment.

Study of how to tell stories across multiple media platforms - combining writing, video, audio, and digital production for a career in journalism, broadcasting, or content creation.

Journalism BA

An image of a journalist's desk.

Study of how to find, tell, and share stories - combining writing, research, and digital media to prepare for a fast-moving career in news, broadcasting, and content creation.

Social Media & Digital Marketing BA

An image of social media apps.

Study of how brands use digital platforms to promote products and connect with audiences, combining creativity, communication, and data analysis to prepare you for careers in marketing, social media, and digital content.

bottom of page