How we teach you

Teaching methods vary across the various modules and may feature: lectures, practical classes, field work, small group tutorials, and the use of on-line resources. Some of our lectures are available for download as podcasts.

Your Final year will be spent carrying out a personal research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff allocated according to the topic you choose.

Our staff work on a wide range of research projects both in the UK and around the world. Our research means that our teaching is up to date and our excellent research equipment and facilities are available to our students during teaching and for final year research.

Field classes

Fieldwork is an essential component of all our Geography and Environmental Science degrees. Locations include the UK and Europe.

The Erasmus scheme

You can study abroad for 3 months during your 3rd year, in the Autumn or Spring term, at any of the participating universities:

All have a reputation for excellence in teaching and English will be used for all academic work.

Each participating student receives an ERASMUS grant which contributes to return travel and additional living costs, as well as further language tuition, if desired.

The experience of living and working abroad can be attractive to employers, improves language skills and understanding of other cultures. You can read more about the scheme on the  UK National Agency for Erasmus and Lifelong Learning Programme web site.

Unfortunately, Geography and Economics students are not able to participate.

Work experience

Extensive work experience is available if you opt for the BSc Environmental Science - Year of Professional Experience or MEnvSci Environmental Science

Many students also gain experience working during the vacations in a company or organisation. Recently students have secured vacation employment with AWE, Reading Borough Council and the Environment Agency amongst others.

Vacation placements are sometimes available within the University through schemes such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Scheme, (UROP). This allows students to work as part of one of our research groups during the summer. In addition, volunteering can also be a great way of gaining experience and many of our students take part in activities run by CROW (Conserve Reading on a Wednesday) or BBOWT (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust) as well as the Student Associate Scheme working with local school children.