Undergraduate study

• Course structure

  Geography programme

  Sub-honours

  You will spend the first two years of the degree completing the core geography training. In first year, a typical combination of courses might be Geography and two other subjects.

  In second year, students take two courses, Geography and a subject area of your choice (usually one of those studied in first year).

  Honours

  At Honours level, the degree is divided into core and optional modules. The core material is designed to equip students with the skills required to complete the programme. The remainder of the programme comprises optional modules selected from a wide range of topics. This structure allows for rigorous training while giving students the flexibility to design their degree according to their own interests and enthusiasms. Students also attend an overseas field trip in their third year.

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  Sustainable Development programme

  Sub-honours

  Your first two years of study illustrate the breadth of issues involved in sustainable development. In the first year of your studies, you will study Sustainable Development and two other subjects.

  In second year, you will continue to study Sustainable Development and at least one other subject (usually one of those studied in first year).

  Honours

  The knowledge you gain will prepare you for your final two years, during which you will have the opportunity to choose from a range of modules from different Schools. These modules allow you to pursue your specific interests and explore the practice of sustainability through specific field visits.

• Career prospects

  Students are equipped with the intellectual skills and knowledge necessary to address the rapidly growing concerns about the relationship between society and environment.

  There is no doubt that a degree from the University of St Andrews opens doors to a great diversity of careers. Graduates in these subjects are typically lifelong learners with an appreciation of the value of a broad-based education that develops a wide range of transferable skills.

• Student experiences

  Priscilla Forson

  

  Study at St Andrews has given me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the principles and fundamentals of sustainability within a robust and engaging academic environment. The interdisciplinary nature of the program stands out, covering a wide range of topics from global development theories to sustainability policies, and equipping students with a robust foundation in environmental, social and economic sustainability management.

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  Tanu Kugathasan

  

  The course’s interdisciplinary approach encourages a holistic view of effect and causality among varying subjects such as economics, geography and politics. This adeptly ensures that a range of skills are developed in presenting knowledge, and I have found it to be extremely transferrable to work within the sector. The professors that I have been fortunate to learn from have been a highlight of student life in St Andrews; they have consistently made time to discuss areas of interest and incorporate related topics into their modules. Furthermore they have gone above and beyond by connecting our class with experts to discuss topics outside their expertise, and encouraging participation in diverse activities.

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  Yvonne (Kinrosshire, Scotland)

  Sustainable development is such an interesting subject with a vast array of topics that can be covered from environmental health to renewable energy, sustainable governance or scaling up sustainable communities.

   

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  Mina (California, USA)

  I had the ability to learn beyond my modules through engaging in academic research in both the Undergraduate Research Assistant scheme and my undergraduate dissertation project. The School of Geography and Sustainable Development encouraged these extra-curricular engagements, reinforcing a supporting and curious culture and learning environment.

   

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  Audrey (Dundee, Scotland)

  I love the fact that Geography covers such a wide range of topics and the staff are so friendly and supportive. The tutorial groups are small, so you feel comfortable getting involved and I felt like a valued participant. The field trips were loads of fun and helped me get to know classmates and lecturers better.

   

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  Freddie (London, England)

  I have been supported extremely well during my time here - by my friends and by the academic staff. I am now equipped with an incredibly wide range of transferable skills, from report writing and coding, to fieldwork and presenting.