Geography and Environmental Sciences – Bath Spa University

Geography and Environmental Sciences courses

Learn to shape the connections between humans, wildlife and the natural world. Our teaching is research-informed and driven by a commitment to sustainability. These courses are practical and experiential – you’ll get the chance to interact with nature, take part in fieldwork on campus, and travel.

#10 in UK

for Student-Staff Ratio in Geography and Environmental Science (Complete University Guide 2024)

University of the Year for Social Inclusion

Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024

Our courses

Plastic waste floats in the ocean

Dive into a hands-on degree exploring the planet’s most pressing environmental issues.

Related careers:

  • Ecology 
  • Conservation 
  • Environmental education 
  • Sustainability consultancy 
  • Waste management
Course details

Geography

BSc (Hons)

Students looking out over Barcelona

Tailor your studies to focus on the topics you're most passionate about in both human and physical Geography. 

Related careers:

  • Research
  • Consultancy
  • Urban planning
  • Surveying
  • Geographical information systems
  • Government
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Course details
Aerial photo of Bosco Verticale, Vertical Forest, in Milan, showing residential buildings with many trees and other plants in balconies

Learn to understand complex global challenges including sustainability, climate change, hazards, disasters, development and urbanisation.

Related careers:

  • Environmental management and policy
  • Planning and development
  • Humanitarian response and charities
  • Government
  • Non-government organisations (NGOs)
Course details
A red deer emerges from the woodland

Tackle one of today’s greatest challenges by developing ways to protect our precious natural world.

Related careers:

  • Ecology 
  • Conservation biology 
  • Habitat management 
  • Animal behaviour 
  • Environmental campaigns
  • Education
Course details
Plastic waste floats in the ocean

Dive into a hands-on degree exploring the planet’s most pressing environmental issues.

Related careers:

  • Ecology 
  • Conservation 
  • Environmental education 
  • Sustainability consultancy 
  • Waste management
Course details

Geography

BSc (Hons)

Students looking out over Barcelona

Tailor your studies to focus on the topics you're most passionate about in both human and physical Geography. 

Related careers:

  • Research
  • Consultancy
  • Urban planning
  • Surveying
  • Geographical information systems
  • Government
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Course details
Aerial photo of Bosco Verticale, Vertical Forest, in Milan, showing residential buildings with many trees and other plants in balconies

Learn to understand complex global challenges including sustainability, climate change, hazards, disasters, development and urbanisation.

Related careers:

  • Environmental management and policy
  • Planning and development
  • Humanitarian response and charities
  • Government
  • Non-government organisations (NGOs)
Course details
A red deer emerges from the woodland

Tackle one of today’s greatest challenges by developing ways to protect our precious natural world.

Related careers:

  • Ecology 
  • Conservation biology 
  • Habitat management 
  • Animal behaviour 
  • Environmental campaigns
  • Education
Course details

What motivates our students?

“I want to have a scientific and academic understanding of the intricacies and interconnectedness of the world”

“...and study a degree that I know will nourish my need for meaning and purpose in a time of impending and current environmental crisis.”

Heidi Mbemap, BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation

Woman in the manicured Italian Gardens at Newton Park smiles and looks down

“I wanted a course that would not limit me whilst still tackling issues that were of interest to me”

"I’ll be working for a charity fighting against gender-based violence in a rural area of France, developing their range of preventative actions and raising awareness of the issue."

Sophie Gonzalez, BSc (Hons) Global Development and Sustainability

A smiling student stands at the gates of the Italian Gardens at Newton Park and holds her dissertation

Similar courses

Biology

BSc (Hons)

Several petri dishes showing growing bacterial cultures

Choose whether you’d like to specialise or gain broader perspectives with this highly practical degree.

Related careers:

  • Microbiology 
  • Human pathophysiology 
  • Nature conservation 
  • Marine biology 
  • Secondary education 
  • Science journalism
Course details

Build your knowledge of Biology in preparation for a career in teaching through one of our postgraduate teacher education courses.

Related careers:

  • Teaching (following an initial teacher education course)
  • Science technician or researcher
  • Education policy
  • Further study
Course details
World globe

Build your knowledge of Geography in preparation for a career in teaching through one of our postgraduate teacher education courses. 

Related careers:

  • Teaching (following an initial teacher education course)
  • Education policy
  • Further study
Course details

Biology

BSc (Hons)

Several petri dishes showing growing bacterial cultures

Choose whether you’d like to specialise or gain broader perspectives with this highly practical degree.

Related careers:

  • Microbiology 
  • Human pathophysiology 
  • Nature conservation 
  • Marine biology 
  • Secondary education 
  • Science journalism
Course details

Build your knowledge of Biology in preparation for a career in teaching through one of our postgraduate teacher education courses.

Related careers:

  • Teaching (following an initial teacher education course)
  • Science technician or researcher
  • Education policy
  • Further study
Course details
World globe

Build your knowledge of Geography in preparation for a career in teaching through one of our postgraduate teacher education courses. 

Related careers:

  • Teaching (following an initial teacher education course)
  • Education policy
  • Further study
Course details
Two students kneeling in a hay field under a blue sky carrying out survey work

Fieldwork opportunities

Let our campus be your classroom

Fieldwork is central to your studies on each of these courses. You'll get the chance to use the beautiful Newton Park campus as a natural laboratory, where you can learn a range of scientific techniques including field identification, environmental sampling and water analysis.

Deepen your knowledge through UK and international trips

Field trip opportunities give you the chance to apply the skills you learn in the real world. You could visit Namibia, Italy, Spain and Wales, depending on your chosen degree. Please check the relevant course page for the most up-to-date information on fieldwork and trips.

Hear from our students

“I chose Bath Spa because of the unique and beautiful location”

For a Geography student, being surrounded by lakes and rolling hills was perfect – the estate at Newton Park was like an outdoor lab and we made the most of it!

Harry Watts, BSc (Hons) Geography

A student wearing Bath Spa University graduation robes stands outside the Royal Crescent

Why choose Bath Spa University?

Eighteenth century building nestled in a field of spring flowers

Immerse yourself within our natural laboratory of parkland, woodland, streams and lakes at Newton Park campus. 

a student in a lab coat, goggles and gloves looks at a petri dish and writes observations

Make the most of our lab facilities and specialist equipment, including total stations, terrestrial laser scanner, GPS, air quality monitors, and specialist software such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS). 

Students talking in a shared student kitchen

Whether you prefer accommodation in Bath's vibrant city centre or the tranquility of Newton Park halls, your new home awaits. 

From grants and short-term loans to low-cost hot meals, free period products and on-campus food larders, we’ve got a range of services and support to help you manage your money.

A happy student graduating from university

Need someone to critique your CV? Looking for a part-time job while you study? Want a mentor? Our Careers team have you covered.

Four students walking on campus with mature trees in background

Whatever you need, our Student Wellbeing Services team is here to signpost you in the right direction. Access a range of 24/7 services, as well as long-term support.

A Student Ambassador helps a visitor at an Open Day

Not sure if BSU is right for you? Visiting us at an Open Day is the best way to find out!

  • Meet our students and staff 
  • Tour our facilities and accommodation 
  • Learn more about your chosen course
Book now
Eighteenth century building nestled in a field of spring flowers

Immerse yourself within our natural laboratory of parkland, woodland, streams and lakes at Newton Park campus. 

a student in a lab coat, goggles and gloves looks at a petri dish and writes observations

Make the most of our lab facilities and specialist equipment, including total stations, terrestrial laser scanner, GPS, air quality monitors, and specialist software such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS). 

Students talking in a shared student kitchen

Whether you prefer accommodation in Bath's vibrant city centre or the tranquility of Newton Park halls, your new home awaits. 

From grants and short-term loans to low-cost hot meals, free period products and on-campus food larders, we’ve got a range of services and support to help you manage your money.

A happy student graduating from university

Need someone to critique your CV? Looking for a part-time job while you study? Want a mentor? Our Careers team have you covered.

Four students walking on campus with mature trees in background

Whatever you need, our Student Wellbeing Services team is here to signpost you in the right direction. Access a range of 24/7 services, as well as long-term support.

A Student Ambassador helps a visitor at an Open Day

Not sure if BSU is right for you? Visiting us at an Open Day is the best way to find out!

  • Meet our students and staff 
  • Tour our facilities and accommodation 
  • Learn more about your chosen course
Book now