Geography and Environmental Science

What is Geography and Environmental Science?

Studying Geography and Environmental Science in the UK, it covers a wide range of topics, including the study of landforms, climate, natural resources, population, culture, and economic activity. Geographers also study how human activity affects the environment and how the environment shapes human societies.

Landscapes, people, and habitats are what geographers investigate. Human geography examines the why and how of human settlements around the globe, while physical geography examines the earth’s physical characteristics.

Mechanisms and systems in the ecosystem are what environmental scientists study the most, along with how and why they change.

Overview

Geography and environmental science are two popular fields of study in the UK, with many universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Geography is the study of the earth’s physical and human features, including climate, landforms, population, and economic activity. Students of geography in the UK will learn about the processes that shape the earth’s surface, as well as how human societies interact with and impact the environment. They will also be able to choose to focus on physical geography, human geography, or geographic information systems (GIS).

Both geography and environmental science programmes in the UK are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the subject matter as well as practical skills through fieldwork and laboratory work. They also usually include opportunities for students to engage in research projects, internships, or study abroad programmes.

Understanding the reasons why individuals in one culture produce certain foods or why one group of people design their dwellings in a certain manner can be gleaned from learning about a country’s topography.

You experience various scenarios, teaching you about the diverse human experience. You’ll also develop transferable abilities useful in many different fields, including:

Career-related skills-

• Auditing, mapping, and surveying the environment
• Spatial analysis, data management, and geographical statistics

Transferable skill-

• Disclosing information, especially through reports in writing
• Information and data analysis
• Accuracy in mathematics and proficiency with modern technology
• Team-work

Studying geography and environmental science in the UK can lead to a variety of career paths, including roles in government, consulting, research, and education. Graduates from these programmes are well-equipped to work in fields such as land management, environmental policy, and urban planning.

Overall, studying environmental science in the UK can be a rewarding experience, providing students with a thorough understanding of the earth and its inhabitants and the ability to make a positive impact on the environment and society.

Why study Geography and Environmental Science in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s leading universities for the study of geography and environmental science. These programmes offer students the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between human societies and the natural world.

One of the major advantages of studying geography and environmental science in the UK is the opportunity to conduct research in a diverse range of environments. The country’s varied landscapes, from the rugged coastlines of Scotland to the rolling hills of the English countryside, provide a wealth of opportunities for students to study a wide range of physical and human geographical processes.

These organisations provide students with access to state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge research, as well as opportunities to work alongside leading experts in the field.

Furthermore, studying geography and environmental science in the UK also provides students with the opportunity to develop valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of industries.

Graduates with a degree in these fields are well-equipped to work in roles such as environmental consultants, urban planners, and sustainability managers.

Studying geography and environmental science in the UK is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about understanding the complex interactions between human societies and the natural world.

The UK is a great place for students who want to work in this field because it has a wide range of environments, world-class research institutions, and opportunities to learn useful skills.

Undergraduate Courses for Geography and Environmental Science in the UK

• 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

Postgraduate Courses for Geography and Environmental Science in the UK

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

Entry Requirements for Geography and Environmental Science in the UK

Universities typically require between 96 and 165 UCAS points for admission to a Geography and Environmental Science programme. The following requirements can apply.

• A level: A* AA- CCC
• BTECs: D*D*D*-MMM
• Scottish Highers: AAAA-BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB–AA)
• International Baccalaureate: 39 to 28

Having an Advanced Placement (or foreign equivalent) in geography or related science is typically required by universities.

Experience:

• Working as an intern or volunteering with a local government agency’s environmental planning division or with an environmental consulting firm.
• Participating in environmental education or volunteering to assist local wildlife charities in doing surveys.
• Exploring other resources online, such as Time for Geography, the Royal Geographical Society, the Institution of Environmental Sciences, and the British Cartographic Society, can help you fill in the gaps in your geographical education.
• Participating in Royal Geographic Society Summer School Competitions and Essay Awards (if qualified), including UNIQ and Sutton Trust.

Course Modules and how will you be assessed?

The usual course structure for this topic would consist of the following modules:

• 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

Module-specific evaluations may include any combination of the following techniques:

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

How much do graduates of Geography and Environmental Science earn?

Salary ranges from £18,000 to £24,000 for recent graduates in the fields of geography and environmental science.

You may put your analytical and planning talents to use in the transport logistics industry, where entry-level salaries start at £20,000 and go as high as £56,000 for those in managerial roles.

Or you may be a role model to the youth of tomorrow by becoming a geography teacher, especially if scholarships are offered to those who wish to enter the teaching profession.

After completing your teacher training in England, you may expect a starting salary of about £25,700, rising to £41,604 if you want to remain in the classroom. Earnings for a highly skilled and experienced lead practitioner might reach £64,500 per year.

Career opportunities for Geography and Environmental Science graduates in the UK

Career opportunities in the UKfor those with degrees in geography and environmental science tend to be quite promising. You could control the threat of flooding, assist businesses in achieving sustainability goals, or oversee the design and development of neighborhoods to suit the demands of their residents. Possible Functions:

• 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

Best Universities for Geography and Environmental Science graduates in the UK

Loughborough University– studying Geography and Environmental Science at Loughborough University provides students with a well-rounded education in this field and prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities in the environmental sector.

University of Sheffield- University of Sheffield provides an excellent environment for studying Geography and Environmental Science. With a strong reputation for research excellence and a range of programs to suit different interests, Sheffield is an ideal choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in this field.

Northumbria University- If you’re interested in learning more about the complex interplay between the world’s economic, environmental, social, political, and cultural processes and contributing to the development of workable solutions, consider enrolling at Northumbria University to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree in a field related to geography and environmental sciences.

University of Southampton- Learn the fundamentals so you can dig into pressing global problems like poverty and inequality and environmental degradation. At the University of Southampton, you can acquire the training you need for a job in environmental consulting or market research. You’ll use tools like GIS and remote sensing to investigate issues, including globalisation, climate change, and environmental management.

Ulster University– Students will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and study abroad programs, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and a global perspective on their chosen field.

Studying Geography and Environmental Science at Ulster University will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. With a focus on research and hands-on learning, students will be well-prepared for a career in a variety of fields, including government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

University of Leicester– Geography and environmental science are both available at the undergraduate and graduate levels at Leicester. These courses equip students with an all-encompassing knowledge of the Earth’s physical and human systems, as well as their interrelationships and mutual effects.

Final Words

Studying geography and environmental science in the UK provides a unique and valuable perspective on the world. Through studying physical and human geography, we gain a better understanding of the complex systems that shape our planet, from climate patterns and landforms to how human populations interact with the environment.

By studying environmental science in the UK, we learn about the impacts of human activity on the natural world and how we can work to protect and preserve it for future generations. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in the field or want to gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in, studying geography in the UK and environmental science is a rewarding choice.