University of Stirling
BSc (Hons) in Geography - Environmental Geography
Stirling, United Kingdom
DURATION
48 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* For up to date fee information, please see website
Introduction
Overview
Our Environmental Geography course seeks to make sense of our changing world. It’s unique in bridging environmental and social sciences, and in exploring the pressing human-environment issues of the 21st century.
We’ll turn you into an Environmental Geographer with the expert knowledge and skills to research, analyse and communicate how the changing environment affects our lives. Your ability to visualise geographical issues at different spatial scales, from global to local, and to offer solutions to our most pressing environmental problems, will ensure that you’re highly sought after by a wide range of employers.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 2nd in Scotland for Geography (National Student Survey 2023)*
#2 Our teaching is delivered by world-leaders in researching the interface between the environment and society
#3 We combine physical and human geography so you'll understand the dynamic interactions between people, landscape and global change
* Rankings are based on institutions within the Guardian University Guide
Curriculum
Course details
Environmental Geography is an integrated four-year degree course that provides you with training across the spectrum of the subject. We emphasise research-led and experience-based approaches to understanding the complex relationships between people and the planet. With an international context, the course is designed to give you essential skills in critical thinking and reasoning, fieldwork, laboratory work, statistics and geo-spatial analysis.
Semesters 1-2 focuses on the building of planet Earth and the surface processes responsible for the evolution of our landscape. Alongside these core Earth-science modules you'll be introduced to how people interact with the environment and the most pressing human-environment issues of the 21st century – including global warming, water resources, pollution and biodiversity loss.
In Semesters 3-4, the emphasis is on field skills, Biogeography and environmental resilience, including the essential systems of nutrient cycling for sustaining life on Earth.
In Semesters 5-6, research-led teaching provides a wide range of advanced modules that include themes of sustainable environmental resources, palaeo-environments, Earth-surface processes and advanced geographical techniques including remote sensing and GIS. You'll learn about Sustainable Development issues and there is a choice of skills-centred field courses in Year 3.
In your final year you'll develop and apply your research skills through your Honours research project. You'll be supported by your academic supervisor and can actively participate in national and international research programmes. In doing so, you can take full advantage of the wider geographical research community at the University.
Teaching
The University of Stirling achieved five stars for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2021.
Our research-led teaching is delivered by world-leaders in researching the interface between the environment and society. Everything you learn will reflect the latest thinking and developments in Environmental Geography.
At all levels of the degree we also emphasise practical local field studies. There’s a range of natural environments around Stirling, plus easy access to major urban and industrial centres, new towns and rural settlements.
Fieldwork
We offer a number of field classes across all four years. Throughout the course we use the rich diversity of Scottish environments and international field experience to enhance your studies.
You will have the choice of two residential field trips in years 3 and 4. Currently one of these is based in the north west highlands of Scotland. We are currently developing an overseas field class to South Africa starting in 2025. These 7-day field courses introduce you to the process of designing, conducting and analysing your own small research project.
Assessment
Assessment balances coursework and examinations throughout the programme.
Study abroad
Environmental Geography has well established course links with the University of Guelph in Canada. You may spend either one or two semesters during Year 3 studying courses equivalent to those taken at Stirling, giving you the opportunity to broaden your geographical and cultural experience.