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6World class research from internationally renowned researchers
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6State-of-the-art teaching and research facilities
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6Taught by leading academics in the field
About us
Our inter-disciplinary team of world-class academics teaches a suite of degree programmes focused on challenges including climate change, natural hazards, social justice, pollution, energy transitions, land- and seascape conservation and the sensitive development of natural resources. All of our degree programmes are professionally accredited and designed with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in mind.
Head of School
Our teaching areas
Our undergraduate and postgraduate courses are grouped into four subject areas
Read about our student and staff success in our latest newsletter.
Professor Jon Shaw
Head of School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Fieldwork
Rankings
*Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
Find out more in our press release
Outreach
We have a programme of outreach activities working with schools and teachers through visits to local schools, in house events, or wider promotion of the subject via national societies.
Research and impact
Research centres and groups
Research highlights
Research in the school
- Project aims to benefit net zero targets, soil health, biodiversity and agriculture 3 December 2024
- Cornish farm uses robotics to measure nature-friendly practices 26 November 2024
- University benefits from major investment in next generation of scientists 15 November 2024
- Success at the double – University's two wins at 2024 Green Gown Awards 14 November 2024
- Investment enables microscope facility to expand research and industry work 14 November 2024
Journey to the Bottom of the Celtic Sea
Research by our Earth Scientists on the Celtic Sea bed is helping develop renewable energy futures in the south west.
The South West is a Natural Powerhouse
Our current energy system is heavily reliant on fossil fuels and is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change. Renewable energy provides alternative sources for the future energy system that will reduce our current greenhouse gas emissions and aid in the essential transition away from fossil fuel use. The South West is to be at the heart of this transition.
At the University of Plymouth, we offer two MSc programmes to support graduates' ambitions to work within the offshore renewable energy sector.
Professor Ian Bailey is an expert on national climate change acts and their contribution to accelerating action on climate change. He combines his research and teaching on climate and environmental politics in modules on sustainable futures and environmental politics and governance.
ARIES Doctoral Training Partnership opportunities October 2023
The ARIES (Advanced Research and Innovation in the Environmental Sciences) DTP is a NERC funded Doctoral Training Partnership between the Universities of Plymouth, East Anglia, Essex, Kent and Royal Holloway University of London.
Resources
Facilities for research and teaching
What's on events
- The role of peatlands as natural climate solutions 16 December 2024 17:45 - 19:00
- Geo-Environmental Placement & Graduate Careers Fair 26 February 2025 12:00 - 16:00
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The school aims to embed EDI across all functions and strategies to support our staff and students. We are committed to promoting EDI principles, ensuing an inclusive learning environment, and preventing discrimination and harassment. The School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences currently holds a bronze Athena Swan departmental award recognising our gender equality efforts.