School of Earth and Environment

Welcome to the School of Earth and Environment. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about starting and returning to your studies.

You can scroll to a section that has information that specifically applies to you as a new student or returning student, and there is information for all students.

New and current undergraduate masters student queries 

Your first place to go to for help is a Student Information Point. The closest to the School is the Beech Grove House. You can phone the Student Information Service on 0800 915 0402 or email the Student Information Service at studentinfo@leeds.ac.uk.

If your query is confidential, please email Student Support at see-studentsupport@leeds.ac.uk. The School of Earth and Environment has a Linktree which signposts all the different ways that you can contact us for support. This contains all of the information you might need during induction week and beyond.
 

If you’re a postgraduate researcher, find your faculty welcome and induction information to help you get started.

New students

Here you can find all the information you'll need to settle in and prepare for a new and exciting chapter of your life. We understand that starting a new course can be overwhelming. But we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Before you arrive you will:

During welcome week you will:

  • Attend sessions, which will be staff led and student led.
  • Meet key staff including the Head of School, Director of Student Education, programme leaders and the support staff.
  • Have the opportunity to meet as many of your fellow students as possible.
  • Have the opportunity to complete a scavenger hunt to get to know your new surroundings.

You will recieve a personalised induction timetable at the start of September.

What you’ll need to do in the weeks following induction

There can be a lot of information during welcome week. In the weeks following your welcome week, please remember to:

What support you can expect

The process of supporting you and your studies is something that we take very seriously. 

If you need extra academic support

Your personal tutor is there to support you. You will find out who they are before induction week. 

In addition to this, all University of Leeds students get free access to over 16,000 LinkedIn Learning courses, to support with study skills, time management, building resilience and many other areas. View our recommended courses. 

Leeds University Unions’s Help and Support team can give you general advice, as well as help with personal, financial and academic issues. You can access LUU Support online or in the Union building.

Our Skills@Library service can help you develop your skills for academic study.

Specialist software or systems for your course

The majority of our teaching will be through Minerva. Certain modules use specific software and you will be taught how to use this software in those modules.

Meetings will take place on Microsoft Teams.

Core reading texts

The Library liases closely with academic staff from the School to ensure that the library’s print and electronic material is appropriate to the curriculum.

A list of the core reading texts for each module is on the module catalogue. You can check if your core reading texts are available in the University library by using the online search function.

Facilities and how to access them

Whilst studying your undergraduate degree with us you will be based in the School of Earth and Environment, situated in the heart of campus and home to one of the UK’s largest groupings of Earth, Environmental and Social Scientists. During your studies you will have access to specialist labs and facilities relevant to your degree.

We are continually investing in the best facilities for you, and you will find everything you need for your studies right here on campus.

Study areas in the School of Earth and Environment

In the School, there is a dedicated 50-seat computer cluster with dual-boot Microsoft and Linux operating systems. The cluster is used for undergraduate practical labs and can also be used for project work.

The Kennedy library is also located within the School; this is a quiet study space with 6 computers. All students are able to access and book seats and group spaces in the University libraries.

Being so centrally located in campus, you are also close by the Students’ Union building and its many cafés which offer a relaxing space for studying or catching up with friends. All areas around campus have Wi-Fi access.

Where you’ll be taught

Lecture theatres

You will be taught in a range of different lecture theatres and seminar rooms, all with the latest audio-visual technology and professional presentation equipment. There are a number of seminar rooms situated in the School that can be adjusted and rearranged dependent on class size and requirements to offer a less formal environment for group work and meetings.

Some classes may also be taught in central teaching spaces of the University.

University facilities

Explore academic facilities including libraries, computers and IT.

Take a look around our single-site campus, which is just a short walk from Leeds city centre. 

How does assessment work on my programme?

You will be assessed using a variety of methods from written assessments and exams to presentations, group work, podcasts and posters. The assessment method will depend on your programme and modules. Your module leaders will be able to provide more information on how the module will be assessed. You can also check the module catalogue for more information on the module content and assessment method.

For all students (whether you are new/returning, undergraduate or postgraduate)

Societies you can join

Leeds has one of the largest students’ unions in the country. Leeds University Union (LUU) exists to represent, support and entertain you throughout your student years.

The union has over 300 activities to choose from – you can get involved in anything from football to chess, wine tasting to skydiving, dance to ‘a cappella’. You can even try your hand at Quidditch! Through the Global Community you can connect with students from over 140 different countries and take part in a range of international activities.

We have a number of groups run by students in the School of Earth and Environment – societies, student groups or student chapters (often a subgroup of a larger organisation). Joining doesn’t mean you have to attend events, but it is an excellent way to meet like-minded people. You could even be elected as a member of the committee – a great opportunity to build on your management and leadership skills.

Societies include:

ROCSOC – Socials, sporting activities and talks on geology are organised throughout the year - this society attracts Geo/Geophys/Environment students and has links to the Leeds Geological Society. Highlights include trips to Whitby and Amsterdam.

Enviro-Soc – Social and educational activities related to all disciplines of the Environment, including Management, Business, Conservation, Science, Transport and Sustainability - this society attracts Environment/Meteorology and Climate/Sustainability students.  Highlights have included a bicycle powered cinema and comedy night - 'Laugh in the Face of Climate Change'

Faculty of Environment Sustainability Society

The sustainability society is the newest society within the Faculty of Environment, and we are open to all who would like to get involved and socialise with new people. We aim to provide opportunities for members to meet each other through fortnightly socials, faculty sports teams as well as via trips and volunteering opportunities. 

Sustainability Action Group (SAG) – Students and staff with an active interest in talking, watching films with a social, ethical or environmental interest, and sharing information and ideas to stimulate thinking about environmental and sustainable issues. The group works with the University to achieve sustainability on campus. Highlights include the beehive project and the siting of beehive within the biodiversity garden.

Society of Economic Geologists (SEG Student Chapter) – This student chapter attracts students interested in mineral exploration. The emphasis is on building the employability of student members through developing links with industry through guest speakers and site visits. The chapter is very active in attending industry events and since 2012 has been sending members to the SEG roundup in Vancouver.

SEE Sports Clubs – Our School of Earth and Environment sports teams represent the School in the intra mural leagues in hockey, rugby, cricket, football and netball. They provide the opportunity to get involved with a team in a friendly environment made up of PhD, Masters and undergrad students from the school.

Royal Meteorological Society Yorkshire Local Centre – The School hosts meetings of the Yorkshire Local Centre of the Royal Meteorological Society. Students are welcome to attend these monthly, free, evening public talks on weather and climate where experts share their insights. Students also get the chance to present their final year mapping projects to the association and are encouraged to attend fieldtrips throughout the summer.

What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?

As a Course Rep you will work in a community alongside your school’s staff, School Reps, and other students to effectively create change. By representing students on your course you will enhance the student learning experience by voicing and challenging academic issues. Your role can influence major changes.  

To find out more about becoming a Course Rep and how to apply please read the role information and then apply via the MS form, here by Monday 9th October (12pm). 

What previous course reps have said: 

‘I loved being able to bridge the gap between the university and students - by both relaying feedback and responding to it by taking action. One of these ways was improving communications between students through a faculty instagram page which shared events, opportunities and updates for students. This was a casual and informal way for students to be updated on what's happening around them.’

‘I really enjoyed feeling like a part of the university community and getting to learn about its inner workings and feeling like I was making a difference’. 

‘Being a course rep allowed me to get to know my coursemates more. It is also a great opportunity to improve the course experience’. 

‘It was such a rewarding experience, especially because I got to understand each individual in my cohort so much better, making lasting connections.’ 

If you have any questions please e-mail the Faculty Student Experience Officer at foe-studentexperience@leeds.ac.uk.

Interested in a leadership role? Find out more about the role of a School Rep

Applications for undergraduate and taught postgraduate roles open in late September. You can find the application form and further information, here: Academic Representation at The University of Leeds - Become a School Rep (luu.org.uk) 

You can also Join the University buddy programme 

The University Buddy Scheme offers friendship and peer support to help you feel at home and part of our community, as well as enjoying getting involved in student life. The scheme is open to all students and you can apply at any point during your student journey. You'll be matched with a new or returning student from anywhere in the University at the same study level as you and with someone who has similar interests. 

I’m a returning student

What do I need to do before I arrive?

Compulsory:

Helpful:

Where can I go for support?

Your first place to go to for help is a Student Information Point. The closest to the School is in the Worsley Building. You can phone the Student Information Service on 0800 915 0402 or email the Student Information Serivce at studentinfo@leeds.ac.uk.
If your query is confidential, please email Student Support at see-studentsupport@leeds.ac.uk.

View a helpful list of support contacts.

If you are a mature or part-time student, you can also access support through the Lifelong Learning Centre.

Taught Postgraduates

Earth and Environment Student Buddy Programme  

You can join the School of Earth and Environment Postgraduate Buddy programme, which is open for applications (links below) and has been designed to help you make connections with other students in your year group, based on your preferences including hobbies and interests. You can choose to be matched one to one or in a small group. 

Find a buddy in the School of Earth and Environment!

The deadline is Friday 7th October so that we can match you quickly, in your first few weeks. Look out for an invitation to the Meet Your Peers Socials in October, which will be an opportunity to meet your buddy, other students and join the programme! 

If you have any questions, please e-mail foe-studentexperience@leeds.ac.uk