Undergraduate degrees in environment and geography
The environment sustains all life, supporting biodiversity, regulating the climate, and providing resources essential for human health, agriculture and the global economy.
Climate data shows we're in the middle of a worsening crisis. This is intensifying other global challenges, including environmental damage, food shortages, and inequality.
Studying environment and geography will enable you to analyse the complex relationships between physical landscapes, ecosystems and the social, economic and political forces that shape them. We will equip you with the confidence, skills and knowledge to devise interdisciplinary solutions. We'll help you build your personal and professional networks to succeed in a fulfilling career.
Our courses
Our teaching covers the natural, physical and social sciences. The majority of our courses are accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences (the-ies.org).
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Course options
Most of our undergraduate courses are available as three year Bachelors degrees or four-year integrated masters (MEnv). There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course. You'll also have the chance to take a placement year.
If you're studying at a university outside the UK, you may be able to spend up to a year in York as a visiting student.
Scholarships and funding
Find out about scholarships and studentships that are available to students in the Department of Environment and Geography.
2nd for 'Academic Support'
among Russell Group universities included in the National Student Survey 2024 for Physical Geographical Sciences.
5th for 'Assessment and Feedback'
among Russell Group universities included in the National Student Survey 2024 for Environmental Sciences.
Our facilities
Our research labs are designed for analytical chemistry, environmental sample handling and preparation. We also have experimental areas dedicated to microbiology, physical geography, environmental fate, and microscopy. There is also a suite of specialised, constant-temperature rooms that replicate environmental conditions.
Depending on your course, you might also access facilities in the Departments of Politics and Biology. The teaching labs focus on the environmental chemistry of water, soil and air, as well as ecology and environmental biology. They are also used for practical work in geography and geology.
You'll have access to all of our research labs when working on your final-year project. Our experienced technical staff are on hand to supervise and support you, with expertise across our teaching areas. We also have social spaces with kitchen facilities for you to use while you study.
Sustainable and inclusive fieldtrips
Field trips are an integral part of studying an environment and geography programme. They allow you to take the theoretical knowledge gained from lectures and apply it in the field.
They provide valuable hands-on experience to practice different analysis techniques, develop leadership skills, and improve teamwork in diverse environmental and social settings.
We recognise the importance of making our teaching activities, especially field trips, more eco-friendly. We are committed to lowering the carbon footprint of these trips while also ensuring they are fair and inclusive.
Careers
Our Careers and Employability team will support you throughout your degree with workshops, application help, one-to-one appointments, guest speakers and networking events. We integrate employability into the curriculum, working with academic staff, the University careers service and industry partners to help you to develop relevant skills.
Our strong connections with local, national and international businesses ensure you gain real-world experience and understand how to apply their knowledge. We maintain relationships with alumni who return to share their success in roles such as:
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Project Manager
- Graduate Ecologist
Student and graduate stories
Hear what our students and graduates have to say about studying with us.
Free online courses
Get a taste of studying environment and geography with our online course. You'll discover how our research at the University of York is helping to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
Explore what higher education is all about and learn tips for making the most of your university life and study in our next steps to university course.