Environmental Sciences BSc(Hons) with integrated foundation year

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet the team

International requirements and visas

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

Visas and immigration advice

Course fees

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. 

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Local area

Maps

Support and wellbeing

Sport at Brighton