Environmental Sciences BSc(Hons)

Course structure

Our Environmental Sciences degree 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.

However broadly you choose to study, 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).

Year 1

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

Modules

Core modules

• Fundamentals of Physical Geography

  This module will provide a theoretical and practical introduction to a range of azonal (tectonic, climatic, hydrological, fluvial, coastal, slope, aeolian, and biogeographical) and zonal (glacial and periglacial) physical geographical systems. You will examine the ways in which these systems interact with and influence human activities, both at the present day and over archaeological timescales.

• Global Environmental Issues

  This module will introduce you to a range of pressing global environmental issues which are explored from both natural science and social science angles, via a range of case studies. The module focuses on scientific, social, economic and political aspects of current and past environmental issues and explores how some of the issues may be addressed through interdisciplinary management and mitigation. Workshop sessions involving targeted pre-reading and small group working will take place at specific intervals.

• Academic Learning and Field Skills

  This module will introduce you to a range of academic study skills, fieldwork skills and transferable skills for geography and environmental sciences. The module will support you in how to learn at university, and in particular, with learning independently and autonomously. The module also involves a residential field course where you will learn field data collection and analysis techniques, methodology design and how to present research findings.

• Statistical and Spatial Data Analysis

  This module will introduce you to a variety of techniques utilised in both the academic and professional world for the analysis of geographical and environmental data. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and abilities to graphically/visually display data and assess patterns/relationships through statistical testing, and geospatial display and analysis. The module will introduce you to and allow you to become a competent user of statistical software.

Options*

• Diversity of Life

  This module will provide an integrated approach to the study of living organisms. Beginning with a study of taxonomic principles, you will explore the cell biology of selected examples of microbes, plants and animals, focussing on cell structure and organisation. Key aspects will be emphasised using practical and field exercises.

• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

  This module will introduce you to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science - illustrated with the use of both classic and cutting-edge case studies.

  Emphasis is placed on the links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research.

• Introduction to Marine Biology and Ecology

  This module will provide an overview of the major taxa of marine organisms, their diversity, ecology, biology and evolutionary relationship. Origin of life, evolution of marine life, living fossils and specific adaptations to marine habitats will be highlighted. The module will also introduce you to the biogeochemical processes that operate within the marine environment and how this relates to the ecology of oceans.

• The Earth and Ocean System

  In this module you will explore and discuss the four ‘spheres’ of the Earth system: the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, and how they interact to produce the stratigraphic record of Earth history.

• Urban Geography

  This module will introduce you to key concepts, debates and issues in the sub-discipline of urban geography. It aims to provide you with detailed knowledge of the character and history of selected cities and urban settlements, drawn from both the Global North and the Global South, and their place within wider systems. Case studies of cities, towns and urban settlements seen as exemplifying social, cultural, economic and political processes of urban change and patterns of urbanisation will be explored.

*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. Fieldwork includes opportunities in Sicily or South Africa.

Modules

• Geography fieldwork (or Biology Field Course, as specialist option) 
• Skills for Research and Data Analysis

Option modules*

General:

• Human Origins and Evolution
• Prehistoric and Ancient Societies
• Community Engagement
• Social and Cultural Geography
• GIS and Remote Sensing: Principles and Practice
• Practising Environmental Sciences
• Basic Expedition Leadership 

Theme 1: Environmental management and pollution

• Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Pollution
• Sustainable Development

Theme 2: Ecology and conservation

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

Theme 3: Earth systems and processes

• Paleoenvironments
• Earth Surface Processes
• Ice Age Earth
• Biogeography
• 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 your final year 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

Option modules*

General:

• Evolution of Life
• Humans of Ice Age Britain
• Political Ecology: Contested Environments and Development 
• Community Engagement
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

Theme 1: Environmental management and pollution

• Case Studies in Environmental Pollution
• Aquatic Environments
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Management
• Water, Sanitation and Health

Theme 2: Ecology and conservation

• Species Interactions
• Ecological Impact Assessment
• Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation
• Current Topics in Marine Ecology
• Aquatic Environments
• Research Field Skills, Brazil

Theme 3: Earth systems and processes

• Oceans and Coasts
• Aquatic Environments
• Cold Environments and Environmental Change
• Research Field Skills, Brazil

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

International requirements

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

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 £1,230 for home students and £2,060 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 2019–20.

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/EU 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.

What's included in the fee?

When costs such as health or DBS checks, or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply check with the school that provides your course using the contact details in the Find out more tab (at the end of this page) for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

See our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

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. 

Local area

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Moulsecoomb campus map