Earth, geography and environment degree courses, education and research

From climate change to developing the sustainability of Earth’s resources, join us and address the great societal challenges of the 21st century

“The general mission of Nurdle is to create a genuine difference to our oceans, coastlines and associated wildlife.”

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduate co-founded a business (Nurdle) to clean South-West beaches of marine debris, specifically 'nurdles' with funding from the University's BETA Enterprise Programme

Find out more about Nurdle's story

Degree subject areas

Beautiful first light from sunrise on Mount Kanchenjugha, Himalayan mountain range, Sikkim, India. Orange tint on the mountains at dawn. Image courtesy of Getty Images.

Earth sciences

India, Kerala, Western Ghats Mountains, tea plantations, elevated view. Image courtesy of Getty Images.

Geography

beautiful aerial view over the Andaman sea and Langkawi island, Malaysia. Image courtesy of Getty Images.

Environmental science

Professor Iain Stewart, Chair in geoscience communication

“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.”

Professor Iain Stewart MBE
Professor of Geoscience Communication, Sustainable Earth Institute

Port Isaac, Cornwall

Haytor, Dartmoor National Park

Pedn Vounder and Porthcurno Beach, South Cornwall

Getty image of trees, forest, woodland 636753858

“Studying environmental science will help you to understand how the climate works, but in order to tackle the issue of climate change you have to handle yourself in the realms of economics, sociology, culture, philosophy, even theology.”

Associate Professor in Pollution Ecology John Bull talks through the desperate need for more environmental scientists

“I would never been offered my job if I hadn’t gained the HSE Scuba qualification. It has led to a job straight out of university and to some fantastic opportunities.”

Graduate Natalie achieved a position as a Senior Environmental Specialist and gets to work in the Middle East and Africa, where she is able to make a real difference in a countries where environmental protection is not always prioritised

Natalie Andersen - BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

Our research expertise

Bringing together experts across a range of disciplines to deliver a unique blend of insights and perspectives from the forefront of new discoveries.

Research in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences