BSc (Hons) Environmental Geography and Outdoor Education

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Stirling

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Environmental Geography and Outdoor Education at the University of Stirling is designed for students who want to combine a deep understanding of environmental systems with practical skills in outdoor education. This program equips students to analyze environmental challenges, lead outdoor activities safely, and educate others about sustainability and nature conservation.


Curriculum Structure:
In Year 1, students build a foundation in environmental science, geography, and outdoor education. Modules such as Introduction to Environmental Geography, Foundations of Outdoor Education, and Earth Systems and Processes introduce core concepts, fieldwork techniques, and basic leadership skills for outdoor activities.

In Year 2, students explore human-environment interactions and develop practical outdoor teaching skills. Through modules like Global Environmental Change, Fieldwork and GIS Applications, and Outdoor Learning and Leadership, students gain experience in environmental analysis, spatial data handling, and leading small group outdoor sessions.

In Year 3, students focus on applied environmental management and educational practice, including modules such as Sustainability and Environmental Policy, Adventure Education and Experiential Learning, and Community-based Environmental Projects. Fieldwork, group assignments, and practical teaching exercises allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

In Year 4, students undertake an independent dissertation alongside advanced modules such as Environmental Education and Outdoor Leadership and Research in Geography and Conservation. This final year emphasizes research, critical thinking, and professional preparation for careers in environmental management, outdoor education, or sustainability leadership.


Focus Areas: Environmental geography, outdoor education, sustainability, conservation, experiential learning, leadership, GIS and spatial analysis.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will gain strong skills in environmental assessment, practical outdoor leadership, and community engagement, alongside the ability to analyze and manage environmental challenges effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program aligns with standards for outdoor education and environmental science, and it is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), providing professional recognition for graduates.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Stirling is highly regarded in the UK for environmental studies and outdoor education, offering strong graduate employability and research impact in sustainability, conservation, and experiential learning.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the BSc (Hons) Environmental Geography and Outdoor Education program at the University of Stirling gain hands-on experience through a combination of fieldwork, practical teaching, and applied research projects. The program emphasizes learning by doing, allowing students to develop leadership, environmental assessment, and outdoor education skills in real-world settings.

Opportunities for practical learning include:

  • Fieldwork across diverse Scottish landscapes, studying ecosystems, human-environment interactions, and applying outdoor teaching techniques.

  • Specialist laboratories for environmental analysis, GIS mapping, and spatial data modeling, enabling students to gain technical and research skills.

  • GIS and Remote Sensing software, training students to analyze, visualize, and interpret environmental data.

  • Group projects and collaborative assignments, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and applied learning in both classroom and outdoor environments.

  • Internships and placements with environmental agencies, conservation charities, and outdoor education centres to gain professional experience.

  • Access to the University’s Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Resilience, supporting interdisciplinary research and applied projects.

  • Workshops and training in outdoor leadership, including navigation, risk management, and experiential education methods.

  • Library and digital resources, including scientific journals, environmental databases, and teaching resources to support research and assignments.

This mix of fieldwork, laboratory research, and outdoor leadership training ensures students graduate with the practical skills, professional experience, and confidence to pursue careers in environmental management, outdoor education, and sustainability leadership.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Environmental Geography and Outdoor Education at the University of Stirling are well-prepared for careers that combine environmental expertise with outdoor leadership and education. Many alumni move into roles such as Outdoor Instructor, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Educator, or Sustainability Advisor, applying both scientific knowledge and practical leadership skills to make a positive impact on communities and the environment.

The university provides strong support to help students transition into their careers:

  • The Careers and Employability Service offers personalized career guidance, internship placements, and networking opportunities with environmental organizations and outdoor education providers.

  • Graduate employment statistics show that a high proportion of students secure professional roles or further study within 6–12 months, with typical starting salaries ranging from £25,000–£28,000 depending on sector.

  • Industry partnerships with organizations such as Scottish Natural Heritage, local conservation charities, and outdoor education centers offer practical experience and collaboration opportunities.

  • The program’s accreditation by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) provides professional recognition and long-term credibility in environmental and outdoor education sectors.

  • Graduates leave with practical skills in environmental assessment, GIS analysis, outdoor leadership, and experiential education, making them highly employable in both environmental and education roles.


Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate study in Environmental Science, Outdoor Education, Conservation, Sustainability, or GIS and Spatial Analysis. Advanced master's programs in Environmental Policy, Conservation Leadership, or Adventure Education can further enhance expertise and open doors to leadership, research, or consultancy roles in both environmental and educational fields.

Program Key Stats

£23,700 (Annual cost)
£9,535 (Annual cost)
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

BBB
3.0
28
65

N/A
N/A
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Outdoor Instructor
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Education and Teaching
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Conservation Officer
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Sustainability Advisor
  • Habitat Manager
  • Ecotourism Guide
  • Environmental Policy Analyst

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