(Full time) 2019 start
Geography with Environmental Mathematics BSc

Overview
If you want to explore how our Earth system operates and its underlying mathematical principles our combined course is for you.
On this mainly physical geography course you will look into the processes that shape our world's dramatic landscapes and the dynamics of the atmosphere and biosphere, and how you can have a say in how we manage our future environment. You will also develop an appreciation of how processes at work on the Earth's surface can be described mathematically and represented in simulation models.
Our graduates are in demand for both their specialist and transferable skills. You’ll build skills in presenting your ideas in reports and orally, in data collection, in data analysis, and in the mathematical understanding and simulation of environmental processes.
Extending this degree
You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year degree by spending an additional year on an industrial placement or overseas, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study.
Course content
You will cover developments in the study of climate change, human impacts on the biosphere and the hydro-geomorphological processes that shape physical landscapes.
In Year one, you will gain a broad overview of all these topics, and then as you progress through your second and final year you have the opportunity to specialise according to your strengths and interests.
Throughout your studies you will acquire key skills in environmental mathematics that will enhance your understanding of how different processes shape our environment.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Dynamic Landscapes 20 credits
- Living Planet 20 credits
- Environmental Change: Past and Future 20 credits
- Data analysis and physical geography tutorials 20 credits
- Studying in a Digital Age (Environment) 5 credits
- Intermediate Mathematics for Environmental and Geophysical Scientists 10 credits
- Advanced Mathematics for Environmental and Geophysical Scientists 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Nature, Society and Environment 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Career Skills in Geography 10 credits
- Research project and skills in physical geography (geography dissertation route) 10 credits
- Mathematics for Geophysical and Environmental Sciences 3 10 credits
- Mathematics for Geophysical and Environmental Sciences 4 10 credits
- Data Analysis and Visualisation for Environmental Applications 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- The dynamic environment of the European Alps 10 credits
- The Dynamic Environment of Mallorca 10 credits
- The dynamic environment of the Western Algarve 10 credits
- Living within limits: natural resource management for sustainable development 20 credits
- Earth Surface Processes 20 credits
- Ecosystems: process, pattern, and change 20 credits
- Climate Systems 20 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Physical Geography Dissertation 40 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- New Zealand Field Trip 20 credits
- Water Science & Management 20 credits
- Costa Rica Field Trip 20 credits
- Creating Alternative Futures 20 credits
- Management of Wilderness and Global Ecosystems 20 credits
- Environment, Conflict and Policy 20 credits
- Workplace Co-operative Project 20 credits
- Geographers into Teaching: School Placements 20 credits
- Tropical forests and sustainable development 20 credits
- Hydrological Monitoring and Modelling 20 credits
- Research Placement 20 credits
- Global Environmental Cycles 20 credits
- Timescales of Global Change 20 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
You’ll learn through a range of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials (typically groups of six), seminars (groups of up to approximately 30), fieldwork, computer classes, lab practical classes, group-work, and online exercises, depending on the modules you study.
Studying in your own time is also an important part of this course, and, with appropriate guidance, you will develop your research and analytical skills in order to think and work independently.
You'll receive guidance and support throughout your degree, and there will be opportunities for extra support through one-to-one assistance, workshops and skills training.
Assessment
Assessment methods include examinations, individual or group reports and presentations, practical exercises, essays, posters, projects (such as the dissertation) and reflective logs.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB including an A in Mathematics
Preferably including Geography. If Geography is not included then we would expect 2 science A-levels from Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics.
GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an equivalent English language and Mathematics qualification.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.
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BTEC
DDD in Extended Diploma/3 Subsidiary Diplomas in Mathematics and Geography or two relevant subjects. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact us for further information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M1 including Geography and Mathematics or two relevant subjects.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 17 points at higher level to include 5 points in Geography and Mathematics or in two relevant subjects.
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
AAAABB/H2H2H2H2H3H3 including Mathematics (H2/A) and Geography or two relevant subjects
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AABBB overall with AB in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AAAABB. To include Geography and Mathematics or 2 relevant subjects.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Access to Leeds entry requirements for this course: BBB
International
We accept a range of International Qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Environment Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2019
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £22,750 (per year)
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250.
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, youll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Additional cost information
<p>We have optional level 3 field classes. As these field trips are optional,they are at an additional cost to the student.</p>Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Scholarships are available.
Career opportunities
In the School of Geography we take your future very seriously and know that employability is uppermost in many students’ minds. If you choose to study Geography with Environmental Mathematics at Leeds, you can be confident that you’re not only joining a university whose graduates are targeted by top employers, but that as Geography with Environmental Mathematics graduates, your employment opportunities couldn’t be more exciting and wide-ranging.
We structure this programme to ensure you develop the key transferable skills sought by graduate recruiters, skills such as: team-working, commercial awareness, report-writing, fluency in oral communication and presentation, numerical analysis, IT expertise and investigative skills.
Here is a snapshot of the types of careers our graduates pursue:
Environmental management and planning, including:
- Flood risk analysis
- Conservation
- Hydrology
Our graduates have also secured roles in sectors such as:
- Banking and Finance
- IT and business consultancy
- Marketing and recruitment
Careers Support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study Abroad
You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year study abroad degree by spending an additional year overseas, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study. You don’t apply directly to this course, instead you can register your interest with us once you’ve enrolled on the 3-year degree.
To be eligible for Study Abroad you’ll need to maintain a good average in your assessments in Years 1 and 2 and, for some destinations, you may have to show you have the necessary language skills.
Find out more about Study Abroad.
Year in industry
Leeds is one of the few geography departments in the UK to offer a Year in Industry scheme which allows you to extend your three-year programme to a four-year industrial degree. You don't have to decide to do a placement year before you start your course; you can register your interest with us once you’ve enrolled on the 3-year degree.
This is a fantastic opportunity to add value to your CV, experience the “real world” first-hand and, in many cases, be offered a permanent job with the placement company on graduating. With staff dedicated to helping you to secure a placement that is right for you, and by keeping in close contact with you throughout your placement year, we ensure you get the most out of your time with your chosen company.
Find out more about a Year in Industry.
Fieldwork
Ask any of our students and they will tell you that taking part in field trips is one of the most enjoyable and memorable aspects of the geography programmes at Leeds.
We offer field trips at each level of study and they provide a great opportunity to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University. During the field trips you will learn essential fieldwork and team working skills, transferable skills that will prove invaluable to your future career. Field trips are also a fantastic way to travel and see new places and to get to know your tutors and other students better.