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Environmental Sciences BSc(Hons) with integrated foundation year

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Intro

Our Environmental Sciences BSc(Hons) with integrated foundation year degree, draws from geography, ecology, geology and biology to explore sustainability, conservation, pollution, earth systems and processes.

With an extra year of integrated study at foundation level, this course opens up opportunities in the sciences if you don't hold the required scientific A-levels or equivalent qualifications to go straight on to the Environmental Sciences BSc(Hons) degree, want to change career or simply feel you want to explore the options offered by university-level science before deciding on your specific pathway.

There is a strong emphasis on applied learning. You'll conduct fieldwork throughout the course, both overseas and in the coastal, fluvial, and downland our location provides. And you'll learn with researchers who are part of our Centre for Aquatic Environments.

Career development is built in with modules that develop professional practice to address global challenges, and develop your practical skills in our specialist labs. You also have the option of a placement year.

See our upcoming events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code F902

Full-time 3 years
With placement year 4 years
Part-time 4–6 years

BSc(Hons) accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)

New for 2023

This new course is in the final stage of development and may change. Check back for the latest information. 

Apply now with UCAS for 2023

91% of our students said they were satisfied overall with this course.

National Student Survey 2022

Course content

Course structure

Our Environmental Sciences BSc(Hons) (with integrated foundation year) provides a solid foundation of essential environmental science knowledge alongside optional modules that you choose according to your personal academic and career interests.

From year 2, modules are organised into themes: 

  • environmental management and pollution
  • ecology and conservation
  • earth systems and processes.

You can choose modules from either two or three of the themes.

You will develop subject-specific and transferable skills, including:

  • class-based skills (independent learning, debating, presenting, developing an argument)
  • laboratory skills (analytical techniques, such as for soil quality, water quality and pollution)
  • field skills (applying environmental techniques, devising surveys, monitoring, sampling).

You have the option to enrol on this course part-time, giving you more flexibility in the way you choose to study.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Female and male crouching in front of boat and smiling

Foundation year

During your foundation year you’ll be introduced to key concepts in biology, geography, environment, geoscience and data handling to prepare you for study at undergraduate level. You’ll also develop your skills in the lab as well as problem solving, analysis and communication.

The range of topics provide a basis for identifying and providing sounds scientific solutions to current and future problems affecting society.

Modules

  • Foundation Biology
  • Geography, Earth and Environment
  • Data Handling
  • Study Skills
One female walking over a rope bridge with three students underneath it looking at samples

Year 1

You will develop basic environmental science skills, analysis and field research. 

Modules

Core modules

  • Fundamentals of Physical Geography
  • Global Environmental Challenges
  • Academic Learning and Field Skills
  • Statistical and Spatial Data Analysis

Options*

  • Diversity of Life
  • Introduction to Ecology and Conservation
  • Introduction to Marine Biology and Ecology
  • The Earth and Ocean System
  • Urban Geography
  • Past Landscapes and People
  • Human Geography

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

four students in a harbour with clipboards

Year 2

You will further develop your analytical and applied skills. This year includes an employability skills development module that will help prepare you for your chosen career.

Modules

  • Professional Practice for Global Challenges
  • Research and Field Skills

Options*

  • Human Origins and Evolution
  • Ancient and Prehistoric Societies
  • Social Justice in Everyday Spaces
  • GIS and Remote Sensing: Principles and Practice
  • Ecology and Conservation International Field Course or Applied Conservation Field Trip

Theme 1: Environmental management and pollution

  • Environmental Pollution
  • Sustainable Futures

Theme 2: Ecology and conservation

  • Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology
  • Physiology of Organisms
  • Managing Populations in Ecology and Conservation
  • Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

Theme 3: Earth systems and processes

  • Earth Surface Processes
  • Ice Age Earth
  • Climate Change

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Students and techician using drone equipment in the lab

Placement year

The placement year is a great opportunity to:

  • put your new skills into action in a real-life work place
  • build knowledge of businesses and organisations
  • develop existing skills and discover new ones
  • make contacts in industry and commerce
  • increase your confidence
  • improve your time management.

In recent years, our students have been successful in competing for nationally advertised positions with the Department for Energy and Climate Change, Transport for London, the Field Studies Council and the Office of National Statistics. 

Other students have secured placements with environmental firms and consultancies, a multi-national telecommunications company and a renewable energy research centre in Spain.

Geographical Information Systems MSc  _003

Final year

The focus in the final year of your degree is your independent dissertation. Working with an expert academic, you will investigate a chosen topic and apply the research methods and analytical skills you have developed.

You also have the opportunity to undertake an optional research field skills module in Brazil.

Module

  • Dissertation

Options*

  • Humans of Ice Age Britain
  • Rivers, Coasts and Wetlands: Assessment and Management
  • Community Engagement
  • Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

Theme 1: Environmental management and pollution

  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Water, Sanitation and Health
  • Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
  • Waste Management and the Circular Economy

Theme 2: Ecology and conservation

  • Species Interactions
  • Ecological Impact Assessment
  • Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation
  • Current Topics in Maine Ecology
  • Political Economy: Contested Environments
  • Research Field Skills: Brazil

Theme 3: Earth systems and processes

  • Dynamic Landscapes
  • The Frozen Planet
  • Research Field Skills: Brazil

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Three female students with female lecturer in ecology lab

Two female one male student looking at rock pool

Meet the team

Dr Matthew Brolly

I love helping students develop their abilities through all the years of university. A lot of this love and enjoyment comes from seeing the maturing of their subject knowledge and technical skills but it is their ability to engage in philosophical and scientific discussions by the time final year comes around which is the most satisfying. First years would never believe they were capable of such things on day one of university.

Find out more about Dr Matthew Brolly

Matthew Brolly

Find out about the rest of the course team

  • Dr Raymond Ward
  • Prof Chris Joyce
  • Prof James Ebdon
  • Prof Rebecca Elmhirst
  • Dr Corina Ciocan
  • Dr James Cole
  • Prof David Nash
  • Dr Niall Burnside
  • Dr Aggeliki Georgiopoulou
  • Dr Sarah Purnell
  • Dr Ryan Woodard
  • Dr Lorna Linch
  • Dr Mary Gearey

In geography and environmental studies, 100% of our research impact is assessed as outstanding or very considerable in terms of its reach and significance in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Careers

Professional accreditation  

Our Environmental Sciences BSc(Hons) degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). Accreditation is an external  mark of quality for the course and an acknowledgement of the support we provide our students in planning for their careers.

As a student on our course you’re eligible for free membership of IES and will become part of an active community which champions environmental disciplines both academically and professionally. Through the IES you have access to careers advice and resources and have the opportunity to be part of a long-established and reputable environmental sciences professional body.

IES logo

Prepare for your career 

In your career you need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – and you’ll get all of this from your degree.

Apply your learning and consolidate your geographical scientific knowledge and skills in the lab and in the field.

Strengthen transferrable skills in time management, group working, communication, presenting, designing solutions and software skills. All of which help to prepare you for your career.

Learn with staff who are active in research and consultancy, you’ll build your specialist research skills and gain more in-depth knowledge in the areas that interest you most.

Gain real-world, related experience and make a difference getting involved with community groups and voluntary organisations.

Facilities for learning 

You will gain valuable, hands-on experience in our specialist labs and using our field equipment, including:

  • Environment and Public Health Lab
  • Soil and Water Analysis Labs
  • Soil and Sediment Analysis Lab
  • Hydraulics Lab
  • Environmental Simulation Lab
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy facility
  • Air quality lab
  • Computer suites running GIS and other professional software
  • Equipment for field-based geophysical surveying
  • Field collection equipment.
Geography lab 360 image

Professional links 

Research informs our teaching, helping our students to think and learn like professionals. You will learn with Brighton-based researchers who are tackling global issues such as sustainable riverine management and air quality. Our research spans Environment and Public Health, Society, Space and Environment, and also includes the Centre for Spatial, Environmental and Culture Politics and the Centre for Aquatic Environments.

Guest lectures from industry experts and our own graduates enhance your learning, giving you valuable insights into real-world working environments as well as networking opportunities.

Graduate destinations 

Our graduates have gone on to careers in organisations including the Environment Agency, Southern Water, Low Carbon Europe, GIS consultancies. They are working in roles such as GIS officer, environmental consultant, energy consultant, sustainability manager, performance analyst, archaeologist, heritage manager, and planning and development surveyor.

Further study 

We have opportunities for further study at postgraduate level in this field:

  • Environmental Assessment and Management MSc (PGCert PGDip)
  • Geographical Information Systems and Environmental Management MSc (PGDip)
  • Water and Environmental Management MSc (PGDip)

Supporting your employability 

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

  • Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
  • Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
  • Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
  • Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
  • Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
  • Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Emlployable

Entry criteria

Flexible admissions

When you apply to Brighton we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff
72 tariff points. Level 3 Key Skills and General Studies will count towards the tariff.

A-levels
DDD including two full science A-levels.

International Baccalaureate
24 points, with two subject at Higher level.

Other qualifications
If you have completed an Access course or BTEC diploma we'll consider your application on an individual basis; relevant experience may also be taken into account. 

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
English and maths.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3. 

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 15,300 GBP

If you choose to take the professional placement (sandwich) year offered on this course you will pay a reduced fee during this year. Our fee for the professional placement year is £1,410 for UK students and £2,180 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

All field trips are included in the course fee, except the South Africa expedition,which incurs an additional cost of around £800. Exact costs can be requested from the course team. 

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Over the last four years Moulsecoomb has undergone a major transformation, planned with accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability in mind.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

On campus you’ll find professional-standard facilities and learning resources for all of our subjects and a brand new academic building Elm House, alongside the library, student centre, fitness facilities and the Students’ Union.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Two people walking past Mithras halls

Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Moulsecoomb Place, Mithras halls and Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.
    • Moulsecoomb Place halls are all self-catered and are located right on campus.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Halls

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Park

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Students eating at the Hub

Students eating at the Hub

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Student views  

Zsófia Ugróczky

"My time at the University of Brighton has given me many new skills and qualities, including a broad insight into all aspects of environmental issues. This year, I had the opportunity to volunteer for an environmental organisation, where I applied my knowledge of soil contamination and environmental policy.

"The variety of different subjects that are offered within the course enabled me to develop new skills that I never imagined. Support from the staff and my personal tutor helped me make the right decisions about my choice of modules and my final dissertation.

"I have gained self-confidence and made many new and good friends that I will keep for life, and I am now planning to continue studying towards my MSc degree at the University of Brighton."

Zsofia Ugroczky

Stay in touch

See our upcoming events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

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