Geography, Environment & Sustainability explores the vital connections between people, places, and the planet. It examines how societies, cultures, and economies interact with the environment, while tackling urgent issues such as climate change, sustainability, urbanisation, and environmental governance.
This subject combines the study of physical geography (climate systems, soils, hydrology, geoscience) with human and environmental geography (citizen science, feminist and gendered geographies, geopolitics, smart cities, and sustainable practices). Students develop a strong “sense of place” and a critical understanding of the complex interdependencies shaping today’s world — from coastal settlements to global climate governance.
Learning takes place through lectures, tutorials, labs, and fieldwork, giving students hands-on experience in mapping, surveying, GIS, and sustainability projects. Geography at SETU equips students with the skills and insights needed to address real-world problems in an ever-changing global context.
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Climate Change and Human Geography | Geographic Information Systems |
| Introduction to Surveying and Mapping | Geoscience |
| Subject 2 Module 1 | Subject 2 Module 3 |
| Subject 2 Module 2 | Subject 2 Module 4 |
| Subject 3 Module 1 | Subject 3 Module 3 |
| Subject 3 Module 2 | Subject 3 Module 4 |
| Year 2 |
|---|
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Soil Science | Sustainability and Social Theory |
| Fundamentals of Hydrology | Climate Change and the Internet |
| Sustainable Practices in Everyday Life | Physical and Cultural Origins of Ireland |
| Subject 2 Module 5 | Subject 2 Module 8 |
| Subject 2 Module 6 | Subject 2 Module 9 |
| Subject 2 Module 7 | Subject 2 Module 10 |
| Final Year |
|---|
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Coastal Settlements and Citizen Science | Conservation and Habitats |
| Heritage and Cultural Tourism | Climate Governance |
| Feminist and Gendered Geographies | Urban Futures and the Smart City |
| Subject 2 Module 11 | Subject 2 Module 14 |
| Subject 2 Module 12 | Subject 2 Module 15 |
| Subject 2 Module 13 | Subject 2 Module 16 |
Studying Geography, Environment & Sustainability develops a wide range of transferable skills, including:
- Critical analysis of environmental and social issues
- Research and data analysis (including GIS and survey methods)
- Teamwork and independent project management
- Communication and presentation skills
- Policy evaluation and advocacy for sustainable futures
Graduates are highly valued in sectors where environmental awareness, planning, and spatial thinking are central. Career paths include:
- Environmental and Climate Advocacy
- GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis
- Planning and Urban Development
- Water Supply and Conservation
- Eco-Tourism and Heritage Management
- Civil Service and Policy Roles
- International Development and NGOs
For students interested in teaching, studying Geography, Environment & Sustainability at SETU provides the subject knowledge required by the Teaching Council. To qualify as a second-level teacher, graduates must then progress to a Postgraduate Master of Education (PME).
Students can choose to add an additional year to their degree by participating in Study Abroad. This international experience allows students to explore geography and sustainability in a new cultural context, graduating with a BA (Hons) International. All students are supported by an Academic Advisor to ensure their study abroad experience complements their degree pathway.
For more information contact [email protected]