Geography and Environmental Science

Key features of the course

• Accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) – see Careers.
• Develop your understanding of interrelationships between human activity and environmental change.
• Use both geography and science concepts and theories to make sense of environmental challenges.
• Enhance your employability by working between the social and natural sciences.
• Build analytical and reasoning skills needed for assessing environmental evidence.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success

Skills for career development

This degree will help you develop a broad set of skills that are of high value to employers, including the ability to:

• put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions 
• draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information 
• communicate effectively, clearly and accurately with others 
• use ICT to research, identify and present information 
• apply scientific knowledge and understanding to problem solving 
• manage time and take responsibility for your own personal development. 

Career relevance

The skills and knowledge you’ll develop by studying this degree will equip you to follow a number of career paths, and are recognised by employers as having great value for work in:

• environmental consultancy
• energy efficiency industries
• transport and logistics
• teaching
• local and central government 

Accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).

This programme is accredited by the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). CHES is the collective voice of the environmental sciences academic community and serves to enhance the quality of environmental education worldwide. A programme accredited by CHES is assured to meet high standards, contain a strong component of practical, field and theoretical activities, and has excellent opportunities for training, work experience and links to the professional environmental sector. Students enrolled on CHES accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the IES and for a fast-track route to membership once they graduate, starting them on a route towards becoming a Chartered Environmentalist or Chartered Scientist.

Other careers

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

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