Dr Vicky Johnson

I’m Vicky Johnson, and I’m proud to be the Head of Discipline for Geography and Environmental Studies at the Open University. My academic journey has spanned over 20 years, and throughout that time, I’ve been passionate about combining research, teaching, and real-world policy applications to address geographical and environmental challenges.

I originally joined the Open University in 2000 as a very part time Associate Lecturer, whilst working full time elsewhere. Initially I taught D831: Environmental Valuation and Policy module. Prior to this, I completed both my undergraduate degree and an ESRC/Environment Agency-funded PhD at Newcastle University, where I researched Environmental Valuation in relation to Water Quality. My PhD focused on how environmental valuation can be used to shape policy, particularly in the context of coastal and river systems.

Before moving into full-time academia, I worked for the Countryside Commission (which later became the Countryside Agency and then Natural England), where I contributed to various geographical and environmental projects, including Countryside Stewardship, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000), rural housing, rural transport, and public health initiatives. These experiences gave me valuable insights into how policy and environmental management intersect with communities and local economies, which continue to influence my teaching and research today.

In 2003, I transitioned to working for the Government Office in the North West, and later joined the New Deal for Communities initiative, all while continuing to contribute to the Open University as a tutor and consultant. In 2015, I made the move to The Open University full-time, initially working in the North West regional office in Manchester, before taking on roles as a Staff Tutor and Senior Lecturer in Geography and Environmental Studies.

As Head of Discipline for Geography and Environmental Studies, my role involves leading the development and delivery of our curriculum, ensuring it’s both academically rigorous and responsive to the urgent geographical and environmental issues we face globally. I’m also deeply involved in supporting the professional development of our academic staff, helping to foster a supportive and innovative teaching environment.

My research interests are broad, but they all connect back to my commitment to understanding and solving environmental problems. I’m particularly interested in rural geographies, water quality, and the impact of technology on student learning. I’m also fascinated by the ways in which environmental and geographical knowledge can inform and shape policy decisions to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face, from climate change to habitability.

Above all, my work is driven by a belief in the power of education to create meaningful change. I’m committed to making sure that our students not only develop a deep understanding of geography and environmental studies but are also equipped with the tools they need to engage with and address real-world problems.