MEnvSci and BSc Environmental Science degrees awarded IES accreditation
The department is delighted to announce that both its Environmental Science degrees have been awarded professional accreditation under the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES) Accreditation Scheme. Students now studying these degrees become an Accredited Student Member of the IES; on graduation they automatically qualify to become Associate Members of the IES. The Accreditation Panel commented that "this is a strong department with a commitment to Environmental Science, and that the Environmental Science programme is a very good one". It highlighted "the emphasis on active learning, including fieldwork", "the input from environmental professionals and employers", "the attention to the development of a wide range of skills including practical, laboratory and research skills" and "the attention to professional planning". The University's Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) was also highlighted as "an excellent initiative and a good basis for continuing professional practice." Environmental science is relatively new discipline, scientifically speaking, and one that is growing at a rapid pace. Environmental scientists are the people at the forefront of gaining a deeper scientific understanding of how we interact with our environment, and putting this knowledge into practice to tackle the problems that threaten its future. Investigating these issues and developing solutions requires specialist knowledge of a kind that crosses the boundaries of the traditional scientific disciplines. With an increasing understanding of our impact on the planet, and a realisation of our responsibilities, the world needs environmental scientists as never before. The Institution of Environmental Sciences is a charitable organisation which promotes and raises public awareness of environmental science by supporting professional scientists and academics working in this crucial arena. As a seminal environmental sciences organisation, founded in 1971, the Institution is consulted by the Government and other interested parties on environmental issues. The Institution has strong ties with Higher Education and promotes and supports environmental science and sustainable development in universities and colleges both nationally and internationally. The Department's Masters in Environmental Science (MEnvSci) and BSc in Environmental Science are taught by staff from two of the University's internationally-leading departments: Geography and Animal & Plant Sciences. The course tutors, and many of the teaching team of biologists, earth scientists and physical geographers, have specialist interests in the environment. Graduates from the Environmental Science degrees are well-placed to provide rigorous analysis of, and practical solutions for, matters of environmental concern.
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