Welcome from the Head of Department

Welcome and congratulations from Professor Giles Atkinson

As Head of Department, I’d like to offer you a very warm welcome to the Department of Geography and Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Situated in the heart of London, LSE offers you a dynamic and stimulating academic experience in one of the most vibrant and diverse cities on the planet.

I took over as Head of Department this year – returning to the department after a couple of years as Director of LSE’s Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. I’m excited to be back in the department in this new role and I'm delighted you've chosen to spend this next stage of your studies with us.

You probably have a wide range of reasons for what drew you to LSE and your chosen programmes of study in our department. For sure, the relevance of geography, environment, development, planning, and economics has never been more important to understanding and responding to today’s global challenges. Whether this is climate change or nature loss, urbanisation, inequality, and sustainability (to name only a few), these challenges require interdisciplinary insight and critical thinking, both of which are at the core of our department.

Our department is interdisciplinary, bringing together geographers, economists and other social scientists to deliver an outstanding education. We're proud that we were ranked 2nd in the world for geography in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 – it’s a genuine reflection of the calibre of research and teaching you'll find here. Our department is known internationally for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and public impact.

Throughout your studies, we'll help you build on the potential that brought you here, through rich, varied and challenging courses. You'll learn from people who are genuinely leaders in their fields. Importantly, our faculty combine strong academic reputations with real-world experience, and many of them advise governments, national and international organisations, and professional associations. Our teaching is shaped directly by our research, and I hope that you will be both challenged and inspired by the insight and passion of the academic staff you will be working with.

We want you to feel part of a genuine learning community here. You'll gain an excellent grounding in your chosen subjects, alongside exposure to cutting-edge research and ideas that will sharpen the analytical thinking that will serve you well in whatever you go on to do. At the same time, we care about the practical side too: building skills that will help you develop a successful career.

Our learning environment is deliberately international, shaped by academics and students who come from all over the world, and we celebrate the diversity of our student community. In recent years, our student body (undergraduates and postgraduates) has included students from more than 60 countries. We want you to feel a strong sense of belonging and to know that your unique background and experiences enrich our shared learning journey.

At LSE, you will have access to excellent and comprehensive support for your studies through LSE LIFE, a unique centre for academic, personal and professional development, with a team of specialist study advisers offering guidance and ideas to help you succeed in your studies and extend your learning outside the classroom.

Please remember that you are never alone in this journey. Never be afraid to seek help and advice from our faculty and staff; we are all here to support you and help you achieve your goals, regardless of our official role. We will be delighted to hear from you. There is also a range of student wellbeing support services around the School, which you can access if needed.

I hope you will thrive and excel in your studies with us and go on to have a successful and meaningful career. Most of all, I hope you enjoy your time with us and make friends that will last your lifetime. Make the most of what LSE can offer you outside your studies, including the many exciting student societies, sports clubs and the remarkable and unique LSE public lecture series. And of course, make the most of the amazing city that is London. I trust your time at LSE will be a life-changing experience.

Once again, I'm delighted to welcome you to our department and I hope that, before long, it comes to feel like a second home. We look forward to getting to know you throughout this academic year.

With all best wishes for the year ahead,

Professor Giles Atkinson

Head of Department and Professor of Environmental Policy