Study Earth, geography and environment
Join us in shaping a sustainable future for people and planet
Come to an open day
Explore our range of undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.
6 Global fieldwork experience
Benefit from a rich history of UK and international field trips – including destinations like Dartmoor, Death Valley, Spain and Italy – gaining hands-on skills in diverse natural environments.
6 Real-world ready
Study Geological Society and Institution of Environmental Sciences accredited degrees, with access to a wide network of placement providers and global exchange programmes.
6 Expert-led learning
Learn from approachable, research-active staff who bring real-world insight, field expertise and a passion for student success.
Climate crisis: Why we are here and how do we fix it?
A webinar for school and college students
You might already know a lot about climate change and why it’s happening, but in this webinar, the University of Plymouth will focus on the ‘crisis’ at its core. You’ll learn the real meaning of a climate ‘crisis’, where the idea has come from, and who will be impacted.
Chart a course for a sustainable future
Explore our degrees in Earth sciences, geography and environmental science – where hands-on fieldwork, cutting-edge research and the stunning natural landscapes of the South West come together to prepare you for careers tackling climate change, sustainability and the forces that shape our planet.
Environmental science, management and planning degrees
Foundation courses
If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level, these courses are for you.
“There were many highlights. Travelling away in the first year was the first time I felt challenged to be a geographer. The legendary trip to Iceland. And the camaraderie that developed with the academic staff and technical team.”
Simon Quincey, BSc (Hons) Geography graduate
“I'm studying environmental science because I want to ensure what we've got is still here for future generations. I'm passionate about educating others on how they can play their part in preserving the environment.”
Ben, BSc (Hons) Environmental Science student
“I got to go on loads of field trips, which is one of the reasons I applied for the programme. We got to go to Sicily and see volcanoes erupting, we went to Pembrokeshire in the rain, but it was a great bonding trip, and I made such amazing friends.”
Sophie, BSc (Hons) Geology graduate
Ultimately, I aspire to make a positive impact on the world around me, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions that address pressing environmental and climate-related issues.
The combination of excellent facilities, a supportive learning environment and a practical, industry-focused curriculum makes the University an exceptional choice for students seeking a transformative educational experience. Read more about
Sheba's experience .
Postgraduate degrees
Take your skills to the next level with postgraduate study that builds on your undergraduate knowledge and enhances your career prospects.
Postgraduate taught programmes
- MSc Data Science and Environmental Intelligence (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MSc Environmental and Engineering Geology (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MSc Environmental and Engineering Geology (Nuclear Science) (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MSc Environmental Consultancy (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MSc Environmental Consultancy (Nuclear Science) (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MSc Environmental Geochemistry (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MSc Environmental Geochemistry (Nuclear Science) (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MSc Global Sustainability (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MSc Planning (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MSc Social Research (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MRes Sustainable Environmental Management (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- MSc Sustainable Environmental Management (Full-time, Part-time route available)
Research opportunities
- PhD Chemistry (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- ResM Chemistry (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- PhD Environmental Sciences (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- ResM Environmental Sciences (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- PhD Geological Sciences (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- ResM Geological Sciences (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- PhD Human Geography (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- ResM Human Geography (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- PhD on the Basis of Prior Published Works in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Part-time)
- PhD Physical Geography (Full-time, Part-time route available)
- ResM Physical Geography (Full-time, Part-time route available)
Facilities to support your learning
Access cutting-edge labs, specialist software and immersive field environments – from interactive microscope suites to high-performance computing and coastal research stations – all designed to support your learning in Earth sciences, geography and environmental sciences.
The overlapping diversity of disciplines here at Plymouth makes it a great place to study geology, and our fantastic geological backyard is ideal for an outstanding range of fieldwork experiences.
Visit us to get a taste of life here at Plymouth
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying at the University of Plymouth.
.jpg)