BSc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Science | Open University

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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Geography and Environmental Science

This degree will help you understand and consider responses to urgent environmental challenges, including climate change, globalisation, development, biodiversity loss, migration and urbanisation. It takes a holistic approach, combining geography and environmental science. You’ll discover the complexities of our relationship with the natural environment by exploring topics like deforestation, sustainable water-resource management, pollution control, conservation and governance. Throughout this journey, you’ll examine the consequences and implications of environmental change for sustainability and learn about the social and natural processes and interactions operating in different environments.

R16

Honours Degree

Undergraduate

360

Part-time – 6 years

Full-time – 3 years

October 2026

February 2027

Distance learning

This course is accredited by:

Accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)

Develop your understanding of the interrelationships between human activity and environmental change

Use geography and science concepts and theories to make sense of environmental challenges

Enhance your employability by working between the social and natural sciences

Build analytical and reasoning skills needed for assessing environmental evidence

R16

Honours Degree

Undergraduate

360

Part-time – 6 years

Full-time – 3 years

October 2026

February 2027

Distance learning

This geography and environmental science degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You can dive straight into Stage 1, or if it’s been a while since you last studied and you'd like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module.

Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.

You’ll begin with two 60-credit modules that introduce global environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainability, while developing your understanding of key scientific concepts, methods and investigative skills across the natural sciences.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60	Oct \| Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct

You’ll study two 60-credit modules that deepen your knowledge of environmental systems, exploring processes that shape the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and ecosystems, and examining the complex relationships between the environment and society from a geographical and social science perspective.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
Environment and society (DD213)	60	Oct

You’ll complete your studies with two 60-credit modules focused on environmental policy and environmental change, analysing major global challenges and exploring how political, economic and scientific perspectives inform responses to issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)	60	Oct
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.

Don’t worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60	Oct \| Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study both of the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
Environment and society (DD213)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study both of the following:
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)	60	Oct
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s 60 credits of study each year.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Environment and society (DD213)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll complete your degree with the following:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct

By studying this degree, you’ll:

Understand environmental change – Explore the relationships between human activity, natural systems, and challenges like climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

Apply interdisciplinary thinking – Use geography and environmental science theories to examine change and societal responses.

Evaluate evidence – Critically assess data, interpret uncertainty, and use practical, digital, and analytical tools to investigate environmental issues.

Build professional and reflective skills – Communicate clearly, reflect on personal views and learning, conduct ethical investigations, and use digital resources confidently.

You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, structured distance-learning materials, interactive activities, online tutorials and detailed feedback.

You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Geography and Environmental Science upon successful completion.

Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.

You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

BSc (Honours) Geography and Environmental Science

We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our

Academic Regulations

contact us

You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.

You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.

You'll study 120 credits a year

You'll need 32–36 hours per week

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.

You'll study 60 credits a year

You'll need 16–18 hours per week

At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.

As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.

Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:

a weekly study planner, along with course materials like reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities

module discussion forums and collaborative activities to connect with other learners

a clear overview of assignments and due dates

tools to book tutorials, access online tutorial rooms, and contact your tutor.

Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.

Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.

For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.

See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.

Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:

Computer-Marked Assignments – often multiple-choice questions completed online.

Tutor-Marked Assignments – tasks like essays, questions, experiments, or other activities. You’ll submit them by a set deadline and receive detailed feedback from your tutor.

End-of-Module Assessments – These are the final marked assignments for most modules. Modules with an end-of-module assessment usually don’t have an exam.

Exams – Some modules have exams you will sit remotely. However, we regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination methods used in this qualification to include in-person exams or remotely invigilated (proctored) exams.

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services to help you succeed. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities

Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills

Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations

Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance

Using and producing diagrams and screenshots

Finding external/third-party material online

Accessing online catalogues and databases

Specialist material

Specialist software

Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques

Online tutorials

Group-work

Practical work

Field school (onsite in the UK or online)

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these in individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn more about our services.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:

access to the OU’s extensive online library, filled with study resources

the ability to use other university libraries across the UK and Ireland

the online Help Centre, offering study tips and support

free access to Microsoft Office 365 software

IT support through our Computing Helpdesk

the chance to connect with the OU community.

Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

If it’s been a while since you last studied and you’d like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module.

If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.

It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

6 years

£4,088*

A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying one 60-credit module per year for 6 years.

£24,528*

Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.

Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Honours Degree Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£29,370 £29,370
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£24,528 £24,528
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£4,842 £4,842

Diploma of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£19,580 £19,580
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£16,352 £16,352
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£3,228 £3,228

Certificate of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£9,790 £9,790
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£8,176 £8,176
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£1,614 £1,614

Qualification Qualification	Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree Honours Degree	£29,370 £29,370	£24,528 £24,528	£4,842 £4,842
Diploma of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education	£19,580 £19,580	£16,352 £16,352	£3,228 £3,228
Certificate of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education	£9,790 £9,790	£8,176 £8,176	£1,614 £1,614

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's

Fee Rules

Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, these are:

a computer and the internet to access our learning resources and to participate in online tutorials.

a charge to attend an optional residential field school embedded in S226. You must pay an additional charge for the residential school and your travel. See the module description for more information.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's

Fee Rules

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.

Repay in monthly instalments while you study.

Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.

More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.

Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.

If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.

You may be eligible for:

help with study-related costs like set books and internet access

a free introductory Access module to build your confidence and skills

funding to study an OU qualification for free from our Carers’ Scholarships Fund if you are, or have recently been, an unpaid carer

a Care Experienced Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you're care experienced and aged 25 and under

a Sanctuary Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you’ve been displaced from your homeland for political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights pressures

funding from our Scholarship for Black Students to study an OU qualification for free if you identify as being from a Black background

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government grant to cover study support costs if you have a disability. It’s not means-tested, and there’s no age limit. Visit our Supporting students with disabilities page to find out more.

If your disability is a result of being injured in, or due to, military service, you could be eligible for our Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund.

This degree will help you develop a broad set of skills that are of high value to employers, including the ability to:

put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions

draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information

communicate effectively, clearly and accurately with others

use ICT to research, identify and present information

apply scientific knowledge and understanding to problem solving

manage time and take responsibility for your own personal development.

The skills and knowledge you'll develop by studying this degree will equip you to follow a number of career paths, and are recognised by employers as having great value for work in:

environmental consultancy

energy efficiency industries

transport and logistics

teaching

local and central government.

Accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).

This programme is accredited by the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). CHES is the collective voice of the environmental sciences academic community and serves to enhance the quality of environmental education worldwide. A programme accredited by CHES is assured to meet high standards, contain a strong component of practical, field and theoretical activities, and has excellent opportunities for training, work experience and links to the professional environmental sector. Students enrolled on CHES accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the IES and for a fast-track route to membership once they graduate, starting them on a route towards becoming a Chartered Environmentalist or Chartered Scientist.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

environmental consultant

recycling officer

logistics manager

teacher

civil servant

business manager.

Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026

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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.

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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026