University of Exeter Centre for Geography & Environmental Science

21/05/2026

Coming along to one of our Open Days next week? Read on! 👇

Our Admissions Tutor, Dr Geoff Main, has put together some useful top tips on how to make the most out of your time on campus, including what to do on the day, and sample questions.

💬 "Find out about the course, the campus environment, and the student life. You'll get a lot of information but never be afraid to ask questions - I know it's an age-old adage, but there really is no such thing as a stupid question! Come along to the subject talks (and join us for refreshments afterwards), speak to staff and our students on the subject stand, and wander round our beautiful campus. Take time to yourself as well to get a feel for the place and environment - and definitely make time to visit one of the many beaches in Falmouth!"

🌍 BA/BSc Geography
🌱 BSc Environmental Science
🌊 BSc Oceanography

🚍 UK-based, no-fly fieldtrips at all years

11/05/2026

✨ We can't think of a better way to celebrate the culmination of our students' time with us than with a celebratory sandcastle race on one of our local beaches in Falmouth, but with a twist... a REVERSE sandcastle race, back by popular demand.

🏰 What is the Reverse Sandcastle Race?

🏖️ 3 (or 4) years ago, our students began their CGES journey with the CGES Fresher's Sandcastle Race. At that event, the tide was coming in. As we approach the end of their time with us (😢), at the Reverse Sandcastle Race, the tide is going out.

Students, sign-up now via the form in your e-mail!

📅 Tuesday 26th May.
🕟 The race will start promptly at 16:30.

This event is only available to CGES final year students.

30/04/2026

📢 CGES Finalists! 📢

We have some exciting news! The Reverse Sandcastle Race is RETURNING for the Class of 2026.

🏰 What is the Reverse Sandcastle Race?

3 (or 4) years ago, your CGES journey began with the CGES Fresher's Sandcastle Race. At that event, the tide was coming in. As we approach the end of your time with us (😢), at the Reverse Sandcastle Race, the tide will be going out.

So, grab those buckets and spades and join us on Gyllyngvase Beach for the grand finale...

🏖️ What do I need to do?

Please complete the form in your e-mails from Dr Geoff Main by 11th May.

📅 Please note that we will go with the most popular date.

This event is only available to CGES final year students.

24/04/2026

Last year, one of our Geography students, Carly Wright, explored the possible presence of glacial sediment and possible evidence of the Irish Sea Ice Stream at Porth Mear Cove, on the north coast of our stunning natural laboratory of Cornwall.

🥾 Her study utilised a variety of field techniques including lithostratigraphic logs, radiocarbon dating, and analysing the sediment fabric at the site. Throughout her study she worked closely with, and involved, the local community.

During her data collection, she was featured in a local film considering the history of the site from a geological and social perspective. The film will be launched at a local festival this spring but we have a sneak peek! We won’t give any spoilers of Carly’s findings as you can find out more in the film: 📽️ https://tinyurl.com/2e4a3xbb

💬 Carly Wright: “Completing my dissertation in the Porthcothan area, alongside local expertise was an honour and I loved every second of research and writing! I hope that my study encourages further investigation into lesser studied theories of geomorphological change across Cornwall.”

💬 Dr Katie Orchel, Director of Education and Student Experience: “I’m very proud to see the ground-breaking fieldwork Carly has done to explore the geological history of Cornwall in collaboration with local geologists and with the support of the 14Chrono Centre lab at Queen’s University Belfast.”

💬 Professor James Scourse, Head of Department and Supervisor: “It's fantastic to be able to involve local communities with undergrad projects - Carly's research on the north coast of Cornwall is a great example.”



University of Exeter University of Exeter Cornwall ExeterMarine University of Exeter Students

This is "A Study of Clay Deposits Porthmear" by andrewtebbs on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

25/03/2026

🌟 We're delighted that CGES has recorded sweeping success in the 2026 QS World Rankings by Subject, reflecting our strong teaching and research excellence across subject areas!

🌟 We've improved in all of our subject areas, with some seeing significant double-figure jumps in this prestigious international ranking, released today.

🏆All of our subject areas are ranked in the global top 40!

💬 Head of Department, Professor James Scourse: "It's excellent to see our work highlighted - quantifying the condition of our environment is critical to guiding humanity onto a better path."

💬 Head of CGES, Professor Michael Leyshon: "The fact that we are top 40 in the QS Rankings for all our disciplines in CGES reflects the commitment of our outstanding staff to world leading research that informs our exceptional educational offering."

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/2f6fevyu

12/03/2026

Today is University Mental Health Day, organised by Student Minds and the University Mental Health Advisor Network. This year, the theme is human connection because research shows that strong connections help support us through difficult times.

There are lots of ways that you can connect at Uni, you could:

🏄Join a society or sports club – the SU has over 100 student groups.
🐕Try an SU or Campus activity - from trips out to friendly drop-ins, quiz nights, therapy animals, social football and free soup Friday, take a look on the SU website.
☕Visit the Chaplaincy – this is a warm and friendly space for people of all faiths or none and a great place for a cuppa. They also have regular events.

Don’t forget, if you need mental health support, the University can help. Complete the confidential wellbeing form, email [email protected], or visit the Student Helpdesk in the Library.

📲You can also access Spectrum Life, a confidential helpline that's available for you 24/7 and for as many times as you need. Call 0800 031 8227 or Text “Hi” on WhatsApp to 07418360780.

26/02/2026

📢 We are delighted to be co-hosting the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Southwest lecture on our University of Exeter Cornwall campus again this March, together with the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall and our student society GEMS!

🏔️ This year's talk is given by Associate Professor Laura Evenstar from the University of Plymouth on the topic: "When the Andes rose: unlocking the mountain range's uplift story".

🗻 The Andes are the world’s longest continental mountain chain, yet the timing and rate of their uplift remain contested. Competing models suggest either rapid recent surface uplift during the Miocene or protracted uplift beginning in the Eocene. This talk examines how integrating multiple geological and climatic datasets can reconcile these contrasting views, highlighting the dynamic interplay between tectonics, surface processes, and climate in shaping the modern Andes.

📅 Wednesday 18th March
📍 Exchange Lecture Theatre (Exchange Building)
🕖 7pm start

📸 Alexander Schimmeck, via unsplash.com

19/02/2026

Hear from women in conservation as they share their experiences of leadership in the field at this exciting conference!

Current speakers are:
🐳 Nadia Frontier, a marine biologist and member of the UK Polar Network
🧬 Dr Lauren Cook, a molecular ecologist researching use of eDNA to enhance ecosystem monitoring
🦒 Naomi Matthews, Africa Biomonitoring Manager at Chester Zoo
🦅 Rosa Hicks, an early-career avian scientist with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
🦈 Jess Haines, a marine biologist leading research in the Maldives

🎫 Tickets can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/2y4tksh6. Asynchronous tickets will be available shortly.

🍰 There will also be free refreshments available!

13/01/2026

Another member of CGES staff is taking up an ESI Challenge Of The Month! Professor Catherine Leyshon will be discussing some of her recent and ongoing work with the voluntary sector.

📅 Monday 26th January
⏰ 1-2 pm

The talk will be delivered in-person in the Environment and Sustainability Institute's Trevithick Room and online. Follow the link in the post below for full details!

Professor Catherine Leyshon has taken up the ESI Challenge of the Month for January 2026. She will deliver the (hybrid) talk "Where is Everybody? Finding and supporting the smallest voluntary sector organisations" in the ESI Trevithick Room on Monday 26 January 1 - 2pm.

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/institutes/esi/newsandevents/challengeofthemonth/

Volunteer Cornwall Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service Spark Somerset Community CVS
University of Exeter University of Exeter Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Humanities and Social Sciences Cornwall, University of Exeter University of Exeter Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Exeter Law School Exeter Law School Cornwall ExeterMarine University of Exeter Centre for Geography & Environmental Science University of Exeter Centre for Ecology & Conservation University of Exeter Cornwall Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Exeter University of Exeter Students

12/12/2025

From all of us in CGES, we hope you enjoy the holidays, however you're spending them.

We're taking a break for a few weeks but we can't wait to see you all back in January 2026! We have events, trips, and lots more coming up next term!