Studying BSc Environment and Sustainable Development at LSE’s Department of Geography and Environment has given me the unique opportunity to learn a distinct interdisciplinary course, taught by world-leading academics. Not only does the programme provide you with amazing career prospects, but also provides a friendly and supportive environment to reach your full academic potential.
Unique degree programme
LSE, as a higher education institution specialist in social sciences, offers a distinctive approach to sustainability. Throughout my degree, I have been able to take an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability covering topics ranging from econometrics to philosophy and physical science.
Whilst for some this diversity in topics may be daunting, you don’t need to worry! Although the first year of the programme entails studying a broad range of topics to give you a solid foundation in geography, the second and third years allow to you specialise and focus on what truly sparks your interest. In addition to the wide range of modules that the department offers, you can also choose to take an outside option from another department. If you choose to you can even do a language specialism that will provide you with a language title in your degree certificate.
World-leading academics
The department is ranked 2nd globally in the 2022 QS World University rankings by subject, making it one of the best places to study a geography-related degree. One of the reasons contributing to the department’s high-quality degree programmes are its world-leading academics. Many of the lecturers you will learn from will be participating in “real world” matters such as policymaking. In turn, this will provide you with the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge to use beyond your degree. Consequently, you will be equipped with the know how and skills to be able to create a positive impact and help solve sustainability issues.
Great career prospects
BSc Environment and Sustainable Development, as a geography-based degree is one of the most employable degree programmes you can choose. This is thanks to the quantitative and qualitative skills that the programme provides you with, giving you a broad skillset, and offering you a multitude of different career prospects. In the current climate of global environmental crisis sustainability expertise is becoming an ever more sought-after skill for business and government agendas.
Moreover, LSE also provides you with the opportunity to connect with a range of alumni through “Ask an Alum” or through their panel and insight events. This will enable you to engage and connect with LSE Alumni and learn about the potential career paths that geography degrees can offer.
Friendly, supportive environment
The Geography and Environment department at LSE must be one of the most friendly and welcoming departments. Firstly, the department puts on a range of weekly free social events such as the Tuesday Breakfast Club, where you have the opportunity to chat with people across the department and in different stages of their degree course.
In addition to the weekly social events, the department also holds the infamous Winter Ball. For many students, this is the social highlight of the year. The Winter Ball gives everyone the opportunity to get together for a 3-course dinner and dance the night away.
However, one of the best things about the department must be the field trips you get to go on. Within the first term of joining LSE I was able to attend a scenic weekend trip to Juniper Hall in Surrey with other students. This provided a great opportunity to get to know my peers in the department and enabled me to make some of my best friends at LSE. In the second year, you also get to go on a field trip abroad to partake in field research and apply what you have learnt in the classroom to the real world. In the past, students have been on trips ranging from Italy to Cuba, and rumour has it that this year’s cohort might get the opportunity to go to Malaysia.
