MEnv Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year)
About this course
MEnv (Hons) in Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year), a geography degree focused on environmental processes and human-environment interactions. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences and incorporates a dedicated placement year. The first year introduces foundational concepts through Core Skills in Physical Geography, Environment, Development and Society, Ecological Principles, and Dynamic Earth. The second year examines processes via Water Environments, Glaciers, Ice Sheets and Climate Change, Engendering Change, and Research Skills and Project Design, alongside optional choices such as Geographical Information Systems. Fourth-year studies include Research Project, Natural Hazards and Mitigation, and Sustainability Clinic, with further study in optional modules like Atmosphere and Ocean Science. The final year concludes with advanced compulsory modules including MEnv Dissertation, MEnv Dissertation with Placement, and Environmental Management in Practice, alongside optional topics such as Climate Science and Policy.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB including Geography or Geology ABB including Geography or Geology plus a second science We accept the following subjects as a second science: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences IB: 35 points including 5 in Geography at Higher Level or; 34 points including 5 in Geography at Higher Level plus a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences) at Higher level. BTEC: DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A level Geography or Geology. If you are studying for the BTEC National Extended Diploma or a different combination of A levels and BTEC qualifications please contact us at ug-admissions@york.ac.uk for advice.
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 75%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 35%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 25%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 110 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 16%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 21%
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 19%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Core Skills in Physical Geography
- Environment, Development and Society
- Ecological Principles
- Introduction to Global Challenges
- Introduction to Research Skills
- Dynamic Earth
- Water Environments
- Glaciers, Ice Sheets and Climate Change
- Engendering Change
- Research Skills and Project Design
- Megacities and Urbanisation
- Ecosystem Management and Conservation
- Food, Space, Culture and Society
- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
- Geographical Information Systems
- Solving Environmental Problems with Code
- Research Project
- Natural Hazards and Mitigation
- Sustainability Clinic
- Energy Transitions and Low Carbon Futures
- Atmosphere and Ocean Science
- Biodiversity and Society
- Pollution: Monitoring, Assessment and Control
- Land Use Change and Management: A Global Perspective
- Tackling Britain’s Environmental Challenges (field course)
- MEnv Dissertation
- MEnv Dissertation with Placement
- Environmental Management in Practice
- Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health
- Business and the Environment
- Ecosystem Services, Conservation and Protection
- Monitoring and Control of Pollution
- Climate Science and Policy
- Spatial Analysis and Modelling for Flood Risk Management
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MEnv Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year) at University of York earn?
The median salary is £29,500 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £34,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,500 and £45,500. The £34,000 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Physical geographical sciences.
What do graduates of MEnv Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year) at University of York do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MEnv Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year) at University of York?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MEnv Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year) at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 138 UCAS points.
Is MEnv Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year) at University of York accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.
Does MEnv Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year) at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MEnv Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year) at University of York?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.