Geography and the Environment

The Bachelor of Arts in Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth interdisciplinary study of the complex relationships between human societies and the physical world. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of geographical concepts, environmental processes, and societal challenges related to sustainability, urbanization, climate change, and resource management. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, fieldwork, and research projects, students develop critical thinking skills and analytical abilities necessary to address some of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. The curriculum includes core modules in physical geography, human geography, and environmental studies, alongside optional courses allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests such as environmental policy, spatial analysis, or ecological conservation. The program also emphasizes practical skills in GIS (Geographic Information Systems), data analysis, and scientific communication. Students benefit from Oxford’s extensive academic resources, including access to world-renowned research centers, laboratories, and the Bodleian Libraries. The flexible structure of the course enables students to pursue interdisciplinary approaches, collaborating across departments and engaging with real-world problems through field trips and research placements. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in academia, environmental consultancy, planning, conservation, policy-making, and international development, or for further study at postgraduate level. Emphasizing a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, the BA in Geography and the Environment prepares students to understand and shape the future of our planet in a responsible and informed manner.

The DPhil in Geography and the Environment is offered as either a full-time three- to four-year degree, or a part-time six- to eight-year degree. Currently the expected contact time for the part-time arrangement is thirty days at Oxford per year; the majority of this will take place across the three eight-week terms and will include supervision meetings and core research training.

The DPhil is an advanced research degree which is awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination (assessment of other work is not taken into consideration). The thesis should represent a significant and substantial piece of research which is conveyed in a lucid and scholarly manner which shows that you have a good general knowledge of the field of your thesis. You are required to work independently, to take the initiative in exploring a line of research and to acquire new skills in order to carry out your research. You will be allocated a supervisor who will meet with you at specifically agreed times and will agree with you a research plan and programme of work and to establish clear academic expectations and milestones.

If you are intending to read for the DPhil you are normally admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS) initially. During the first year (or the second year for the part-time pathway), you must apply for a transfer of status from probationer research student to DPhil student. This requires successful completion of a Qualifying Test. This involves the submission of a piece of written work which is examined by two assessors (neither of whom will be supervisors). This process is to ensure that your work is of potential DPhil quality and that the methodology of the research is appropriate and practicable.

Upon successful completion of the transfer of status, you will also be required to undertake the confirmation of DPhil status by the end of your third year (or the end of the sixth year for the part-time pathway). This will also involve the submission of a piece of written work which is assessed by two assessors (neither of whom are supervisors). The confirmation assessment is different to the transfer assessment as the assessors will be focusing on how the research is progressing, the quality of the draft chapters/papers, and on the plan for completion. The assessors will be looking to ensure that you are making the appropriate amount of progress in the development of your thesis, so that your submission will be achieved within the three/four year time limit (or within the sixth/eight year time limit for the part-time pathway).

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any discipline.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

You are also required to have achieved or be expected to achieve a master's degree in geography or a related environmental field, with either a distinction grade overall or a distinction grade on the dissertation as a minimum.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Around 2,500 words
• Written work:One essay of 2,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the physical and human aspects of the Earth's surface. The course combines rigorous academic research with practical applications, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in environmental management, policy, research, and consultancy. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and fieldwork experience, allowing students to develop a nuanced understanding of geographical processes and environmental challenges.

Students studying Geography and the Environment at Oxford undertake a broad curriculum that covers physical geography, human geography, environmental science, and sustainable development. The curriculum integrates theoretical approaches with hands-on research, utilizing advanced geological, geographical, and environmental laboratory techniques, along with extensive fieldwork in various locations. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and field trips, promoting active learning and the development of independent research skills.

The program offers the opportunity for specialization in areas such as climate change, urban studies, ecological conservation, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and environmental policy. This specialization allows students to tailor their degree to their interests and career aspirations. The course also encourages students to engage with current global environmental issues, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness of sustainable development principles.

Oxford’s departmental facilities support a vibrant academic environment. These include access to state-of-the-art laboratories, extensive library resources, GIS laboratories, and environmental research sites. Students are encouraged to undertake a dissertation research project, often in collaboration with research institutes or external organizations, providing valuable practical experience and enhancing employability.

The program is characterized by close interaction with expert academics, many of whom are leading researchers in their fields. Tutorials and supervision sessions offer personalized guidance, critical feedback, and the opportunity to discuss research ideas extensively. Additionally, Oxford’s strong network with environmental organizations, government agencies, and NGOs offers pathways for internships, research placements, and future employment.

Graduates of the Geography and the Environment program at Oxford have gone on to pursue careers in academia, environmental consultancy, policy advice, conservation management, and international development. The program’s comprehensive approach, combining theoretical understanding with practical skills, equips students to address complex environmental challenges at local, national, and global levels. Overall, the degree aims to develop well-rounded, critically minded individuals who are capable of making meaningful contributions to the understanding and preservation of the Earth's environment.