COURSE CURRICULUM

The Environmental Science and Outdoor Education degree at the University of Stirling combines rigorous environmental science study with practical outdoor leadership and educational training. In the first year, students develop foundational knowledge in Earth systems, landscape evolution, and global environmental issues, while gaining core outdoor skills including navigation, mountain techniques, and applied outdoor education. Students also have the opportunity to select modules in areas such as aquatic environments, physiology, or computing, providing breadth alongside core learning. In the second year, the program emphasizes biogeography, outdoor leader training, statistical techniques, and understanding the biosphere, with continued focus on safety and responsibilities in outdoor education. In the third year, students advance their skills through modules such as geographical information systems, methods and applications in environmental sciences, population and community ecology, and environmental policy, while engaging in practical field courses and specialized options including sustainable landscapes, habitat management, and biodiversity conservation. The fourth year culminates in an honours project and dissertation, alongside options that further develop expertise in areas such as plant ecology, living soils, environmental management, and sustainable water management. Across the program, students integrate academic knowledge with hands-on experience, gaining the expertise to lead outdoor education programs, conduct environmental research, and pursue careers in conservation, environmental management, or outdoor leadership.