Bachelor of Science in Geosciences and Environment

The Bachelor's first year is common to all students. From the second year onwards, students choose one of the three study paths:

studies in environmental sciences offer a multi- and interdisciplinary course that provides an understanding of various environmental phenomena and the human and social issues associated with sustainability. They cover both knowledge of physical, geological, chemical and biological processes in the environment and the questions raised by the current ecological crisis.
studies in geography are based around and at the intersection of physical and human geography, with an emphasis on geomorphology, urban geography and social geography. Physical geography deals with methods that describe, analyse and model the earth’s surface and its environment. Courses in human geography aim to understand how societies are organised in their habitat and their environment, be it built or natural.
on the basis of courses in mathematics, physics and general chemistry, studies in geology focus on disciplines associated with earth sciences, such as mineralogy, crystallography, petrology, structural geology, sedimentology, palaeontology, geophysics and geochemistry. They examine the evolution of the earth’s system as a result of deep physical and chemical processes, but also how these processes have been expressed on the surface over the earth’s natural history.

Organiser
Faculty of Geosciences and Environment

Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geosciences and Environment, orientation Geography, Geology or Environmental Studies

ECTS Credits
180

Duration
6 semesters

Teaching Language
French

Enrolment Deadline
30 April. If you require a visa to study in Switzerland: 28 February.

Further information
Applications
Course description
Timetables

At UNIL, the following Master's programmes are open without further conditions to holders of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Geosciences (depending on the chosen orientation):All orientations

Orientation Geography

Orientation Environmental Studies

Orientation Geology

The MSc in Behaviour, Evolution and Conservation may be open, under certain conditions.

Courses in the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment offer numerous possibilities, with a range of options and specialisations to prepare and support your transition into the workplace. The opportunities for openness available in the curriculum and the generalist nature of courses in geography, sustainability and environmental sciences allow you to engage in a variety of activities, leading to numerous professional sectors based on excellent, versatile foundations; the Faculty also delivers training in specific areas requiring specialist knowledge (regional development, geographical information systems (GIS), hydrology, etc.). In terms of Earth Sciences, geologists generally take up more specialised positions in a specific area of geology. Biogeosciences graduates are generally associated with nature and soil management, or impact studies.

Areas of activity

Sustainability

Consultancy firms or consultants specialising in sustainability strategies
Administrative authorities with responsibility for environmental policies
Environmental protection movements
Research institutions
Environmental management  in corporate environments
Journalism
Creating your own business

Tourism studies

Tourist offices
Destination management organisations
Tourism lobbying organisations
National, regional or local public administrative authorities involved in tourism, transport, development, urban planning, culture and events
R&D departments of large tourism groups
Design and engineering offices
Regional natural parks
International organisations and NGOs
Scientific and academic careers
Emerging roles linked to sustainable tourism (Agenda 21 coordination and evaluation of tourism policies)

Geography

Urban planning services 
Development offices 
Territorial development project coordination 
Sustainable urban development consultancy
Active involvement in mountain environments
Active involvement in development in countries in the global south
Teaching

Environmental sciences

Research institutions 
Design and engineering offices 
Administrative authorities with responsibility for environmental problems 
Non-governmental environmental protection organisations
Environmental management in corporate environments
Academic careers

Biogeosciences

Federal and cantonal administration
Non-governmental organisations 
Design and engineering offices 
Nature conservation and management
Soil conservation and management
Academic careers

Geology

Natural hazards and risks
Applied geology offices
Environmental assessments
Geoenergy research
Mining industry
Technical industry 
Cantonal/federal administration
Academic careers in Switzerland and abroad
Various NGOs

In figures

Every two years, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS) conducts a survey on graduate employment, one year after students have completed their course. View the results for Geosciences and Environment graduates online:

“Premier emploi après les études” (“First job after graduating”) survey on employment among Swiss university graduates
De l’UNIL à la vie active (From UNIL to working life) – results of the survey for UNIL graduates specifically

The Faculty of Geosciences and Environment has also carried out its own survey with Master of Geography graduates

Enquête sur l'insertion professionnelle des diplômé·e·s du Master en géographie de l'UNIL (UNIL Master of Geography graduate employment survey)

Examples of positions

Scientist with the Forestry and Wildlife Department, Natural Hazards section, State of Fribourg
Energy adviser

Bachelor of Science in Geosciences and Environment

Areas of activity

In figures

Examples of positions

Interested? Download the full presentation! (in French)

Further Information

Applications