Overview
An Environmental Geography degree gives you knowledge of the current drivers of economic change, such as:
- climate change,
- net zero,
- the green economy,
- environmental management.
Employers value this expertise. The net zero economy alone supports nearly 951,000 jobs across the UK (CBI Feb 2025).
Gain geographical and environmental skills
Our Environmental Geography course combines physical and human geography. It gives you an in-depth understanding of the dynamic interactions between people, landscape and global change. You'll develop the skills needed to understand, manage and adapt to them, including:
- Fieldwork: mapping, surveying, monitoring, sampling, data collection, recording and interpreting field data.
- Statistical and data analysis: working with environmental and geographical or ecological datasets.
- Advanced geospatial techniques: remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
- Research: design and execution of research projects covering contemporary geographical and environmental issues.
- Evaluation and problem solving: impact assessment, critical and creative thinking, evaluative discussion.
Hands-on fieldwork training
Our degree in Environmental Geography has lots of opportunities to get practical experience. We use the wide range of habitats on our biodiverse campus for practical work and data collection. On some modules there’s short excursions to visit sites and study species of interest.
The course also offers the choice of two residential field trips:
- South Africa (10 days). Explore different physical and environmental processes and ecosystem functioning. You’ll also learn about the challenges of managing international landscapes.
- Scottish Highlands (7 days). A residential experience to study the geological, geomorphological and environmental processes that shape landscapes.
On either trip you’ll gain knowledge on:
- Regional biogeography
- Ecosystem processes
- Anthropogenic impacts
- Landscape evolution
- Conservation practices
Travel, accommodation, and subsistence on residential field courses are not included in the course fees.
We know that residential field courses can be difficult for some students to attend. To widen participation, we embed non-residential fieldwork in modules across the degree programme, these can be on campus or as day trips to sites close to University.
Get practical experience on a placement
On the BSc (Hons) Environmental Geography you can undertake a placement in the environmental sector, applying your skills in a professional setting. This could include environmental charities, government agencies or industry. Past students have had placements with:
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Forest Research
- Pentland Activity Camp
- Spirit of Adventure
- National Trust
- Scottish Water
Combine Environmental Geography with education studies
You can combine Environmental Geography with: Outdoor Education or Professional Education (Secondary), supporting pathways into teaching and education focused environmental careers. There’s also the option to switch to the BSc Environmental Science.
Top reasons to study with us
Prizes or awards
At the end of Year 3 the Altajir Scholarship of £500 is awarded to the two best performing students in Environmental Science and Environmental Geography. At the end of Year 4 the best performing student across the Environmental Geography degree is awarded a prize. We also have a new Research in Sustainability Prize.
Faculty Facilities
Take a tour of our Environmental Sciences labs
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
Highers
ABBB
A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
Advanced Highers
ABB
A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32 points
Essential subjects
To include one of Environmental Science, Geography or Geology AND one of Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Politics or Sociology.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the routes available.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking.
- TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
Our Environmental Geography degree provides you with training across the spectrum of the subject. We emphasise research-led and experience-based approaches to understanding the complex relationships between people and the planet. You'll gain essential skills in critical thinking and reasoning, fieldwork, laboratory work, statistics and geospatial analysis.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
Our research-led teaching is delivered by world-leaders researching the interface between the environment and society. Everything you learn will reflect the latest thinking and developments in Environmental Geography.
At all levels of the degree we also emphasise practical local field studies. There’s a range of stunning natural environments around Stirling, plus easy access to major urban centres, new towns and rural settlements.
Fieldwork
We have a wide range of habitats on campus and regularly use them for practical work. Some modules also include short excursions to visit sites and species close to the University. Our residential Scotland field course will offer you the opportunity to gain practical experience in the Scottish Highlands.
You will also have the choice of a residential overseas field trip. Our 10-day field course to South Africa will develop your field research skills. The trip provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of different physical and environmental processes and ecosystem functioning, alongside the conservation and management challenges of international landscapes.
Travel, accommodation, and subsistence on residential field courses are not included in the course fees.
We know that residential field courses can be difficult for some students to attend and incur an environmental cost. To widen participation and increase sustainability in our teaching, there is the option of a non-residential field course module based on day trips around the University.
Assessment
Assessment balances a wide range of coursework and examinations throughout the programme.
Work placement opportunities
Students can build strong links with industry through summer placements with local employers and large corporates. Our Careers Service can help you to secure placements and offer the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability or think about further study.
Study abroad
Environmental Geography has well established course links with the University of Guelph in Canada. You may spend either one or two semesters during Year 3 studying courses equivalent to those taken at Stirling, giving you the opportunity to broaden your geographical and cultural experience.
Contact
Dr Tom Bradwell, Course Director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
You’ll need to pay towards the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence for the Scottish field course in Year 2 and the optional fieldtrip in Year 4.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Environmental Geography graduates are equipped with a unique combination of subject-specific and transferable skills.
You could also go on to further study. Take a postgraduate taught courses and research degree courses in the geographical and environmental fields.
