Environmental Geography

Environmental Geography at University College London offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions between human societies and the natural environment. This programme equips students with essential knowledge and practical skills to analyze environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource management. Through a combination of physical and human geography modules, students explore how geographical processes shape the environment and influence societal development. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and fieldwork, providing a comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and sustainable solutions. Students benefit from UCL’s state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and strong links with industry and research institutions. The programme encourages the development of analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, policy-making, conservation, and research. The diverse modules include topics such as environmental change, geographic information systems (GIS), urban environmental management, ecological processes, and global environmental issues. Practical fieldwork is an integral part of the programme, often involving trips to local and international sites to gain firsthand experience. The programme also offers opportunities for internships and collaborative projects, fostering real-world skills and professional development. Graduates will be well-equipped to contribute to tackling some of the most pressing environmental problems facing our planet today. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and interdisciplinary learning, the Environmental Geography degree at UCL is ideal for students passionate about understanding and protecting the environment through scientific research and practical application.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Students take the same core elements of training in research methods as for the Geography degrees, but with an emphasis on physical geography. First-year modules introduce the operation of environmental systems and the interaction between people and their environment.

Year two builds upon these foundations by detailed examination of the geomorphological, hydrological and ecological processes operating in the physical environment. Instruction in the field, laboratory and analytical techniques employed in the monitoring and modelling of environmental processes is also provided.

The final year includes a physical geography dissertation. Whilst at least 1.5 credits in the second year and at least 1.0 credit in the third year must concentrate on environmental geography, the remainder of the modules may be chosen from a wide range in Geography, and from related disciplines. Final-year modules are more specialised, reflecting the research interests of academic staff within the department.

A levels

Grades

AAA-AAB

Subjects

Geography grade A required.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36-38

Subjects

A total of 17-18 points in three higher level subjects including grade 6 in Geography, with no score below 5.

Funding for the Environmental Geography BSc program at University College London is available through various sources, including government loans, scholarships, bursaries, and external funding opportunities. Domestic students often apply for student finance provided by the UK government, which can cover tuition fees and living costs. These include maintenance loans and tuition fee loans, which are repayable after graduation based on income levels. International students may seek scholarships offered directly by UCL or external organizations dedicated to supporting students in environmental sciences. UCL offers a range of merit-based scholarships such as the UCL Global Excellence Scholarships and country-specific awards, which do not need to be repaid and can significantly reduce the financial burden. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external funding options like research grants, environmental organizations' sponsorships, and private scholarships from foundations supporting sustainable development and environmental research. Work placement opportunities and part-time jobs within UCL's extensive university facilities can also provide supplementary income during studies. Furthermore, some students may be eligible for specialized funding programs tailored for postgraduate continuation or research-specific projects linked to their undergraduate work. The university’s dedicated financial aid office provides guidance, advising students on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines for various funding sources. It's advised that prospective students thoroughly review the UCL student finance webpages and contact the financial aid services early to secure available funding. Access to funding is intended to make the program more accessible, supporting students from diverse backgrounds pursue studies in environmental geography, contributing to the broader goal of fostering sustainable environmental professionals.

The Environmental Geography program at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between human societies and the natural environment. This undergraduate degree is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to address contemporary environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, resource management, and sustainable development. Throughout the course, students explore a variety of topics such as physical geography, human geography, environmental policy, and geospatial analysis, allowing for an interdisciplinary approach to understanding environmental issues.

The curriculum integrates core modules in environmental science, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and data analysis, which are essential for modern environmental research and policy-making. Students have the opportunity to develop fieldwork skills through practical sessions, enabling them to collect, interpret, and present geographic data effectively. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, research, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies.

UCL's location in London provides unique access to urban environmental challenges and opportunities for engagement with leading experts in the field. The program also benefits from UCL's strong links with industry and research institutions, facilitating internships, collaborative projects, and networking opportunities that enhance employability. Additionally, students can choose to undertake a dissertation or research project, allowing them to specialize in areas of personal or professional interest within environmental geography.

The Environmental Geography degree also emphasizes sustainable practices and global perspectives, encouraging students to think critically about environmental justice and equity issues. The program's interdisciplinary nature ensures that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the development of innovative solutions to environmental problems at local, national, and global levels. Overall, this program aims to nurture environmentally responsible citizens equipped with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions towards a sustainable future.

The program typically spans three years for full-time students and may include options for part-time study. It also provides pathways for further study, such as master's or doctoral programs in environmental science, geography, or related fields. Graduates of the Environmental Geography program at UCL are recognized for their strong analytical capabilities, scientific understanding, and commitment to sustainable development, making them highly competitive in the evolving job market.