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Explore the impact of humans on our world.

Geography and Environmental Science professionals provide solutions to many of the environmental issues facing urban and rural environments and populations. These include physical planning; use of resources; environmental health; environmental management and life cycle analysis. Increasingly it also includes the emergency aspects of environmental, economic and social development brought about by climate change, new ways of living, unstable earth systems and human conflict.

Why study a Geography and Environmental Sciences Foundation Year at Northumbria?

This foundation year bridges the gap between school and undergraduate level study, providing a broad introduction to the subjects. The course provides both academic knowledge and practical skills, and makes use of high quality, current technology and on-site laboratories. It is the first step towards developing the skills you will need to engage successfully with life beyond the classroom, preparing you for working in an environmental context. 

Super Satisfaction: 100% of students studying Human Geography at Northumbria believed that their course was intellectually stimulating and they were positively challenged to achieve their best work (NSS, 2024).

Teaching: Human Geography at Northumbria is ranked 3rd in the UK for Teaching, Learning Opportunities, and Academic Support (NSS, 2024).

Research Powerhouse: Geography and Environmental Studies at Northumbria is ranked 2nd for research power in the UK (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 39 places compared to 2014.

Quality Teaching: Geography & Environmental Science at Northumbria is ranked top 20 in the UK for Teaching Quality & Student Experience (Times Good University Guide, 2024)

Following successful completion of the foundation year you will qualify to join any of the following degrees:

Course Information

UCAS Code
F920

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

News / Geography and Environmental Sciences

Find out what our Geography and Environmental Sciences students and staff are taking part in and achieving.

Department / Geography and Environmental Sciences

This department encompasses all of our work in cold and palaeo environments, social and cultural geographies, communities and resilience, environmental geochemistry and health, and ecology.

Geography and Environmental Sciences at Northumbria University encompass all of our work in physical and human geography, environmental science and management, health & safety, and disaster management. To find out more hear what our students and lectures have to say about this department.

Book an Open Day / Experience Geography and Environmental Sciences

Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Geography and Environmental Sciences. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

80 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: TBC

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.


International Fee in Year 1: £19,350


Please see the main Funding Pages for 25/26 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

You are expected to have your own outdoor winter clothing suitable for standard UK winter conditions for use on field trips - approximate cost £300-£500. Print costs can exceed the £10 allocation made to all students.

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KE3001 -

Environmental Geography (Core,20 Credits)

You will develop a broad appreciation of a range of complex environmental problems and with experience of hands-on fieldwork coupled with teaching from staff members involved in cutting-edge research in geography. Selected topics will be further developed through the application of a range of quantitative and qualitative methods as part of fieldwork activities to put theoretical learning into practice. The module provides you with a basic introduction to the scientific and social processes underpinning both local, as well as global environmental problems. On completion of the module, your ability to link theory and application, with an informed concern about sustainable development in an urban context will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.

More information

KE3003 -

Post Industrial Landscapes of the North East (Core,20 Credits)

Over the last four decades, the North East of England has experienced a series of profound changes across its economic, social, cultural and political landscapes. This module examines some of the key elements of this reinvention of the North East in the context of an increasingly global economy. Key themes include: uneven geographies of deindustrialisation and crisis; urban-rural contrasts; the North East’s new service economy; gender and class shifts in employment and unemployment; migrant labour; place-based competition; creative and cultural industries and new forms of urban regeneration. These various dimensions of North East’s contemporary reinvention will be discussed in the wider context of changing philosophies and instruments of government policy intervention. The module will be delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars and field teaching.

More information

KE3004 -

Transition Skills and Fieldwork in Geography and Environmental sciences (Core,20 Credits)

Through KE3004 Transition Skills and Fieldwork in Geography and Environmental Sciences, we aim to support you to develop a range of skills which will be critical to your progression from your foundation degree onto your subsequent undergraduate programme. As part of this shift in academic culture, you will be encouraged to take increasing responsibility for your own learning, and through the development of reflective practice and feedback, you will develop ways of monitoring your own academic performance and progress.

You will learn and develop the key intellectual skills and personal attributes required for effective study in geography or environmental sciences and future graduate employment. Specifically, the module will cover: managing the transition to university life; key skills, such as time-management, academic literature search, essay writing, referencing, communication and presentation skills, field-observation and team-work; and how geographical and environmental perspectives inform our understanding of contemporary real-world issues.

More information

KE3005 -

Understanding and Communicating Environmental Issues (Core,20 Credits)

You will develop a deep scientific understanding of various current environmental issues and learn how to communicate these to a primary/middle school audience. The module starts with introductory lectures and guided reading to engage you with a variety of environmental issues. You will then move onto small group seminars designed to give you the skillset to tackle the module assessment: to communicate one of these environmental issues to a primary/middle school audience. As you explore the scientific background to the environmental issues, a staff member will support you as you develop your leaflet or poster to communicate the environmental issue. The module culminates when your leaflet or poster is sent out to a local primary/middle school and you receive the feedback from the schoolteacher as to whether your hard work has helped the children to learn about the environmental issue. No pressure!

Environmental issues that could be covered:
Glacier retreat
Sea-level
Earthquakes
Biodiversity
Pollution
Water resources
Pollinator decline
Climate change
Natural hazards

The exact five environmental issues covered will depend on which research-active staff members are teaching on the module each year.

More information

KE3006 -

Sustainable Development (Core,20 Credits)

Sustainability and sustainable development are ideas which have become increasingly important for the disciplines of Geography and Environmental Science. National and international targets for sustainability are core to urban and rural land management. Sustainability is not just about technology, energy efficiency, minimising waste and resource use; although these are important parts of sustainability. Sustainable development also needs to protect nature (biodiversity) and benefit local communities. There is an increasing demand for professionals who understand and can apply sustainability to the work environment. This means understanding aspects of geography, risk, environmental issues, and social factors, such as population demographics, quality of life, transport and congestion.

In this module you will:
• Explore the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development and how they apply in practice
• Be introduced to a range of topics and concepts within the field of sustainable development in local and global settings
• Work as part of a team, to apply your understanding of these topics and concepts to complete a series of tasks
• Work individually to produce an online app using ArcGIS software
• Explore issues of sustainable development within the Newcastle-Gateshead conurbation

More information

KE3007 -

Introduction to the study of Earth System Sciences (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about a variety of concepts and debates that have shaped current thinking and research in the Earth System Science. Following an exploration of the subject of geology and physical geography, approaches to investigation, and relationships with other relevant subjects, you will focus on a range of more specific topics, including:
• Earth structure and origin.
• Earth history and geological deep time.
• Evolution of continents and oceans.
• Volcanism & Geohazards, Earthquakes.
• Landscape evolution..

You will develop a deeper appreciation of the interaction between physical and human aspects of the environment. Practical training in the use of datasets as well as data reporting and visualization is provided. These skills are highly sought after during later studies and are a demanded by potential employers.

Completing this module you will have improved your ability to link theory, practice and application, which enhance your employment prospects.

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KE3001 -

Environmental Geography (Core,20 Credits)

You will develop a broad appreciation of a range of complex environmental problems and with experience of hands-on fieldwork coupled with teaching from staff members involved in cutting-edge research in geography. Selected topics will be further developed through the application of a range of quantitative and qualitative methods as part of fieldwork activities to put theoretical learning into practice. The module provides you with a basic introduction to the scientific and social processes underpinning both local, as well as global environmental problems. On completion of the module, your ability to link theory and application, with an informed concern about sustainable development in an urban context will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.

More information

KE3003 -

Post Industrial Landscapes of the North East (Core,20 Credits)

Over the last four decades, the North East of England has experienced a series of profound changes across its economic, social, cultural and political landscapes. This module examines some of the key elements of this reinvention of the North East in the context of an increasingly global economy. Key themes include: uneven geographies of deindustrialisation and crisis; urban-rural contrasts; the North East’s new service economy; gender and class shifts in employment and unemployment; migrant labour; place-based competition; creative and cultural industries and new forms of urban regeneration. These various dimensions of North East’s contemporary reinvention will be discussed in the wider context of changing philosophies and instruments of government policy intervention. The module will be delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars and field teaching.

More information

KE3004 -

Transition Skills and Fieldwork in Geography and Environmental sciences (Core,20 Credits)

Through KE3004 Transition Skills and Fieldwork in Geography and Environmental Sciences, we aim to support you to develop a range of skills which will be critical to your progression from your foundation degree onto your subsequent undergraduate programme. As part of this shift in academic culture, you will be encouraged to take increasing responsibility for your own learning, and through the development of reflective practice and feedback, you will develop ways of monitoring your own academic performance and progress.

You will learn and develop the key intellectual skills and personal attributes required for effective study in geography or environmental sciences and future graduate employment. Specifically, the module will cover: managing the transition to university life; key skills, such as time-management, academic literature search, essay writing, referencing, communication and presentation skills, field-observation and team-work; and how geographical and environmental perspectives inform our understanding of contemporary real-world issues.

More information

KE3005 -

Understanding and Communicating Environmental Issues (Core,20 Credits)

You will develop a deep scientific understanding of various current environmental issues and learn how to communicate these to a primary/middle school audience. The module starts with introductory lectures and guided reading to engage you with a variety of environmental issues. You will then move onto small group seminars designed to give you the skillset to tackle the module assessment: to communicate one of these environmental issues to a primary/middle school audience. As you explore the scientific background to the environmental issues, a staff member will support you as you develop your leaflet or poster to communicate the environmental issue. The module culminates when your leaflet or poster is sent out to a local primary/middle school and you receive the feedback from the schoolteacher as to whether your hard work has helped the children to learn about the environmental issue. No pressure!

Environmental issues that could be covered:
Glacier retreat
Sea-level
Earthquakes
Biodiversity
Pollution
Water resources
Pollinator decline
Climate change
Natural hazards

The exact five environmental issues covered will depend on which research-active staff members are teaching on the module each year.

More information

KE3006 -

Sustainable Development (Core,20 Credits)

Sustainability and sustainable development are ideas which have become increasingly important for the disciplines of Geography and Environmental Science. National and international targets for sustainability are core to urban and rural land management. Sustainability is not just about technology, energy efficiency, minimising waste and resource use; although these are important parts of sustainability. Sustainable development also needs to protect nature (biodiversity) and benefit local communities. There is an increasing demand for professionals who understand and can apply sustainability to the work environment. This means understanding aspects of geography, risk, environmental issues, and social factors, such as population demographics, quality of life, transport and congestion.

In this module you will:
• Explore the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development and how they apply in practice
• Be introduced to a range of topics and concepts within the field of sustainable development in local and global settings
• Work as part of a team, to apply your understanding of these topics and concepts to complete a series of tasks
• Work individually to produce an online app using ArcGIS software
• Explore issues of sustainable development within the Newcastle-Gateshead conurbation

More information

KE3007 -

Introduction to the study of Earth System Sciences (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about a variety of concepts and debates that have shaped current thinking and research in the Earth System Science. Following an exploration of the subject of geology and physical geography, approaches to investigation, and relationships with other relevant subjects, you will focus on a range of more specific topics, including:
• Earth structure and origin.
• Earth history and geological deep time.
• Evolution of continents and oceans.
• Volcanism & Geohazards, Earthquakes.
• Landscape evolution..

You will develop a deeper appreciation of the interaction between physical and human aspects of the environment. Practical training in the use of datasets as well as data reporting and visualization is provided. These skills are highly sought after during later studies and are a demanded by potential employers.

Completing this module you will have improved your ability to link theory, practice and application, which enhance your employment prospects.

More information

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Geography and Environmental Sciences Foundation Year

Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS

International applicants please apply using the links below

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Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.

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Virtual Tour

Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.

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