MEnv (Hons) Physical Geography and Environment

Program Overview

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This Physical Geography and Environment program explores the physical environment and its impact on humans, covering topics like climate change, ecology, and sustainability. It offers opportunities for field-based learning, study abroad, and industry placements, preparing graduates for careers in environmental conservation, policy analysis, and more. The program is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences and has received a Gold rating for teaching excellence.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This course covers aspects of physical geography such as glaciers, rivers and coastal environments as well as environmental hazards. It also covers other aspects of geography such as climate change, ecology and sustainability. You will have opportunities to study the human impacts on the environment through modules that incorporate natural resource management and conservation, environmental policy and environmental economics.

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Accreditation:

• Our courses are currently accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences.

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Key Objectives:

• Develop an understanding of physical processes at work in our environment and how these are responding to our changing environments.
• Provide you with the tools to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
• Learn about the impact of humans on environmental resources, climate change impact and landscape changes.
• Consider the changes needed to address complex sustainability problems.

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Unique Features:

• Study abroad opportunities in your third year at one of our partner universities.
• Optional year-long industry placement.
• Strong links to global policy makers including UNEP and the World Health Organization.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Introduces the basics of the course, providing a foundation for advanced material in the future.
• Focuses on core modules such as:
• Core Skills in Physical Geography
• Environment, Development and Society
• Ecological Principles
• Introduction to Global Challenges
• Introduction to Research Skills
• Our Dynamic Earth
• Plus, an additional online Academic Integrity module covering essential skills for independent study and high-quality academic work.

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Year 2:

• Develops your knowledge of environmental geography through a range of core modules:
• Hydrological and Coastal Processes
• Glaciers, Ice Sheets and Climate Change
• Engendering Change
• Research Skills and Project Design
• Allows you to tailor your degree to your interests with a choice of option modules (examples: Megacities and Urbanisation, Ecosystem Management and Conservation, Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation, Geographic Information Systems, Solving Environmental Problems with Code)
• Opportunity to replace one option with an elective module in a complementary subject, language, or interdisciplinary topic.

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Year 3:

• Undertakes advanced research training in preparation for your fourth year of masters study.
• Includes core modules:
• Research Project
• Natural Hazards and Mitigation
• Sustainability Clinic
• Two optional modules from a selection (examples: Energy Transitions and Low Carbon Futures, Atmosphere and Ocean Science, Biodiversity and Society, Pollution Monitoring Assessment and Control, Land Use Change and Management: A Global Perspective, Tackling Britain’s Environmental Challenges (field course)).
• Potential to replace one option with an elective module in a related field.

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Year 4:

• Focuses on further advanced training and a significant independent research project tailored to your research interests and career ambitions.
• Core modules:
• MEnv Dissertation
• Environmental Management in Practice
• Two additional option modules (examples: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health, Business and the Environment, Ecosystem Services, Conservation and Protection, Monitoring and Control of Pollution, Climate Science and Policy, Spatial Analysis and Modelling for Flood Risk Management).
• Modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of the staff.

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Assessment:

• Each module is assessed through coursework, closed or open examinations, or a combination of both.
• Coursework can include:
• Grant applications
• Policy briefings
• Practical and field work write-ups
• Reports
• Reflective exercises
• Oral presentations
• Essays

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Teaching:

• You will be taught by academics who are active researchers, experts in their field, and passionate about their subjects.
• The teaching approach provides you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
• Teaching format includes:
• Field-based learning
• Research-led teaching
• Traditional lectures, tutorials, and seminars
• Practical work in individual and group projects
• Residential and day field trips (core in years 1 and 2, based in the UK in years 1 and 3, international location in year 2)
• Weekly seminars featuring academic and industry speakers discussing key and policy-relevant areas of environmental research.

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Careers:

• Your Physical Geography and Environment degree will help you become a numerate graduate with practical, applied skills and strong communication abilities in written reports and oral presentations.
• Potential career opportunities include:
• Environmental conservationist
• Graduate policy analyst
• Flood risk officer
• Graduate environmental consultant
• Environmental engineer
• Oil and gas analyst
• Possible employers:
• Network Rail
• Environment Agency
• Anglian Water
• Atkins
• Department for International Development
• WSP│Parsons Brinckerhoff Consultancy
• Defra
• Transferable skills:
• Project management
• Feasibility studies
• Data analysis
• Research skills
• Time management

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Other:

• "The multidisciplinary approach to the degree was what I particularly enjoyed and it is advantageous to an employer."
• Lucy Collins, Magnox Graduate Scheme, Environmental Geography graduate.

• "During both my years here the staff has been super helpful."
• Celeste, Environment and Geography student.

• Environment and Geography department building includes purpose-built labs, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and features a spectacular living wall.

• The department received a Gold rating in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework) for outstanding teaching, learning, and student experience.

• Free online courses available on environmental topics.

• Year 3 study abroad opportunities at partner universities.

• Optional year-long industry placement available.

• Strong links to global policy makers including UNEP and the World Health Organization.

• Located in the Department of Environment and Geography on Campus West.

• Beautiful green campus provides a student-friendly living and study environment within easy reach of the city center.

• Fast and frequent bus service available for transportation around campus.

• 1200 hours per year dedicated to learning (40 hours per week during semesters), including both classroom and independent study.

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UK (home) fees:

£9,250 per year

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International and EU fees:

£28,800 per year