Environmental Science and Geography

Keele University

Understanding environmental science and geography is key to appreciating the characteristics of today’s global society and the major environmental challenges we face. Discover the Earth’s physical processes and the complexities around how humans interact with the environment on our Environmental Science and Geography BSc.

Studying these two fascinating subjects will develop your scientific understanding of the chemical and ecological sciences that underpin environmental science, and provide you with comprehensive knowledge of physical geography exploring climate change, landforms and ecosystems. You will also explore social, economic and ethical issues so you can fully comprehend the complexities of environmental management and challenges such as climate change, water pollution, water resource scarcity and environmental pollution. The programme also has a strong focus on sustainable development principles, cultivating a commitment to sustainable practices and policies. You’ll also strengthen your spatial thinking skills and develop technical skills so you can effectively analyse and interpret spatial data.

Employability and opportunities to enhance your practical experience are integrated into our curriculum. We offer study abroad and industry work placement options and you’ll gain professional skills using digital, statistical and laboratory-based methods for collecting and analysing data in our state-of-the-art Central Science labs. Through different field courses in the local area, across the UK and optional international activities, you’ll gain hands-on experience in applying these techniques and develop key technical skills using specialist software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Keele is a leader in sustainability education, and our 600-acre campus serves as a ‘living laboratory’, offering opportunities to study geographical features, ecosystems, and sustainability initiatives right on our doorstep, further preparing you to succeed in your future career.

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

Graduating with a degree in Environmental Science and Geography provides you with the skillset to engage in finding viable solutions to fixing some of the big challenges society currently faces. You will have developed sought-after transferable skills in key areas including field and laboratory skills, data collection and analysis, Geographic Information Systems, critical thinking, problem solving, team working and project management.

A work placement year between years two and three of your degree is a fantastic way to gain industry experience, helping you to stand out in the competitive job market. Employers seek to recruit individuals with high-level knowledge and skills in geography and business management who also understand the workplace. Placements provide an insight into what it is like to work in a specific area of the industry and allow you to familiarise yourself with the professional working environment and enable you to apply the skills and theory you’ve been learning.

Our foundation year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.