The degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units over three years, plus LSE100.
This degree is designed to develop core knowledge and skills, while also allowing you to follow particular interests in environmental and development studies. It includes some exposure to natural science concepts in the course Environmental Change: Past, Present and Future. The other environment-related courses build upon this understanding of the natural world but adopt a social science perspective. These environment-related courses include some economic analysis, particularly in the course Applied Environmental Economics.
There is the option of a fieldtrip (normally overseas) as part of the second-year course Field Methods in Geography and Environment (see Fees and Funding section for details of costs). You will also have the opportunity to undertake your own individual research project in the final year.
First year
In the first year of the programme, you will take two courses which deal with the natural environment and with global issues relating to environmental change and sustainable development, a third course on contemporary geographical issues. You will choose a fourth course from within the Department, or an approved outside option, and will also take LSE100.
(* denotes a half unit course)
Environmental Change: Past, Present and Future
Explores the forces responsible for our dynamic environment and the changes that shape all life on Earth, our species, and society.
Sustainable Development
Examines how the natural world is affected by development decisions and how these decisions shape human development across geographical regions and socioeconomic groups.
Introduction to Geography
This course provides students with an introduction to Geography at LSE, including human, economic and environmental geography.
LSE100*
A half unit, running across Autumn and Winter Term in the first year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students. This innovative and interactive course is designed to build your capacity to tackle multidimensional problems as a social scientist through interdisciplinary, research-rich education.
Either
One approved geography and environment option
Or
One approved outside option
Second year
In the second year, you take an international development course, an environment course and an environmental economics course. You will also take another course from an approved list of geography and environment and outside options.
Introduction to Global Development*
Deals with analysing global development, focussing on key development, theories, strategies, problems and trajectories
Field Methods in Geography*
Aims to prepare second-year students to undertake individual research projects.
Environment: Science and Society
Examines debates concerning the nature, cause, and effects of, and alternative solutions to, the key natural environmental degradation and pollution problems faced by human societies.
Courses to the value of two units from a range of options.
Third year
In the third year you study geography and environment options to the value of four units, one of which may be an independent research project (i.e. Dissertation).
Geography and environment courses to the value of four units
For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.
Where regulations permit, you may also be able to take a language, literature or linguistics option as part of your degree. Information can be found on the Language Centre webpages.
You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up-to-date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.
You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated undergraduate course and programme information page.