Environmental Science with Hazards and Disasters with Foundation Year

Reasons to choose Kingston
• Kingston is ranked in the top 5 in the country and top in London for Geography (Guardian League Table 2025).



• This course is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).



• The subject is brought to life through UK and overseas fieldwork at locations susceptible to hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and coastal flooding.



• The course is highly practical and you'll work alongside hazard practitioners in fields such as floods and volcanoes.



• There's the opportunity for a year's paid work placement. This will give you valuable experience and help prepare you for a career in an environmental or hazards-related role.



• Our careers team offers a programme of events and training sessions which will help you make the best of your career choices.



- 100% of students thought staff were good at explaining things and felt the course has developed the skills they need for the future (NSS 2023).


About this course
What are the causes of earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods and landslides? How do we plan for them, lessen their impact and handle the emergencies that can result?

This course examines the physical science of natural hazards, the social factors that can contribute to disasters, emergency planning and disaster risk reduction (DRR). You'll gain expertise in a range of practical and field techniques through ‘real-world' exercises.

Guest speakers come from a variety of DRR organisations, provide first-hand learning opportunities and introduce you to potential career paths.

Future Skills
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

Career opportunities
Graduates pursue careers in a variety of commercial, industrial and public sector organisations, such as local governments, INGOs, first responders (such as the police and fire service), civil defence, insurance companies and environmental consultants.

At Kingston University – the UK’s leading university for Future Skills – they don’t just teach you a subject; they prepare you for career success in a fast-changing world. Whatever course you choose, you’ll develop the Future Skills employers are looking for.

The commitment to every student’s learning and university experience is highlighted by the success in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). One of an elite group of just 26 higher education providers across the United Kingdom awarded Gold ratings in all three TEF categories – a recognition of dedication to delivering outstanding teaching, learning and student outcomes. 

Kingston University is also in a select group of global universities to be recognised as an Adobe Creative Campus and are consistently rated one of the top higher education providers nationally for graduate start-ups. 

They are proud of their beautiful location – you can enjoy the freedom of a safe, relaxing environment across four diverse campuses with plenty to do and within easy reach of Central London and all its attractions.