Tackling global issues such as climate change and deforestation is at the heart of interdisciplinary science programmes offered by the School of Geography and Environmental Science at Ulster University. The School has an excellent and established reputation for its research and degree courses taught in an open and friendly atmosphere with excellent links to industry.
In particular, its links to industry and research were recognised in August when researchers from the Environmental Research Institute were awarded UK Space Agency funding to determine the optimal route for the ExoMars rover, set to land on Mars in 2021. The mission will also search for signs of past and present life on Mars and investigate how the water and geochemical environment varies.
The School’s success is reflected in its overall UK ranking coming in 12th out of 66 universities (The Guardian 2019). Over 81% of students from the School graduate with a 1st or 2:1 honours degree which also records a 100% student satisfaction rate in the National Student Survey (2014-19). Moreover, 100% of students from the School are offered a one year study abroad or industrial placement option providing the opportunity to develop key employability skills whilst gaining valuable work experience in the sector. The overall success of the School is proudly reflected in the fact that 92% of its graduates are employed or in further study within 6 months of graduating (DLHE, 2018).
The School offers innovative undergraduate programmes in Geography / Geography with Education or Psychology, and Environmental Science / Environmental Science with Education / Psychology – each carefully designed to enhance student employability and their future career prospects.
Entry Requirements: A level entry conditions for both programmes are BCC (or equivalent - see entry conditions on each course). Geography and STEM subjects are preferable, but not essential.
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
Environmental science is a multidisciplinary academic field that integrates many of the sciences taught at secondary school (including Geography) and applies these to the study of the environment, and to the solution of environmental problems. The course offers an integrated, quantitative and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems. A marine science route also offers students an opportunity to the study the ocean and covers a wide range of topics, including marine organisms and ecosystems, marine geology, and the physical properties of the ocean and atmosphere.
The course puts a strong emphasis on skills-based practice and overseas field-work, with opportunities for industrial placements and studying abroad and utilises the spectacular Causeway Coast, minutes away from urban centres such as Coleraine and natural laboratories (rivers, coast, ocean, mountains, forests).
Careers
An Environmental Science degree offers a broad scientific training and, with transferable and subject specific skills, offers a wide range of career choices. Our graduates have found employment as environmental consultants, environmental engineers, landscape planners, tourist officers, landscape architects, countryside wardens, environmental officers, research scientists, teachers (both primary and secondary), and many others in both the private and public sectors.
Among many of the organisations our graduates have secured employment are the AgriFood & Biosciences Institute (AFBI), DARD - Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, White, Young & Green, Spill Assist, Terra Quest Limited, Loughs Agency, and Fugro.
BSc (Hons) Geography
Geography is the study of the Earth as the home of people and concerns the disposition and interaction of people, resources and natural events, and places emphasis on cultural and social perspectives. It also explores the nature, scale and processes affecting physical features on the surface of the Earth, and the human element in global events. A Geography degree provides a multi-disciplinary foundation offering students access to a range of human and physical geography modules, so they can tailor the degree according to their preference.
Like Environmental Science, Geography boasts excellent links to industry, opportunities for overseas field-work and industrial placements at home and abroad – and makes the capitalises on the access to nearby urban centres and natural laboratories including the open sea, estuaries, beaches, rivers, lakes, woodlands and uplands.
Careers
Careers for Geography graduates are quite diverse. The flexible skills acquired during a Geography degree means there are many career opportunities in both the public and private sectors of the economy. Our Geography programme is recognised as an essential precursor for students seeking admission to PGCE (teacher training) courses in both the UK and RoI and the traditional fields of teaching have attracted many of our graduates throughout the years. Other career opportunities include working for Aid Agencies, Government and Diplomatic Services, Voluntary Organisations, Consultancies, Ordnance Survey, Town Planning, Travel Industries and Marketing, Estate Management, Rural Development Agencies, National Trust, Town and Transport Planning, Site Management, Population Census and Social Planning.
After qualifying, approximately half of our graduates embark on postgraduate training in areas such as Town Planning, Tourism, Computing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Business Management and Export Marketing.
Find out more
If you or your students have any questions, would like a tour of our facilities or would like to discuss a UCAS application, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Attached are a number of quick fact sheets and infographics for Geography and Environmental Sciences.