The University of Sheffield
Department of Geography

IESOur courses

Our courses provide an integrated and comprehensive process-based understanding of our physical and biological environment and the environmental issues we face. Key areas of study include ecology, biodiversity, conservation, environmental change, environmental modelling, remote sensing, and the global physical systems and processes that underlie contemporary climate change.

Two courses are offered. Both allow you to keep your interests broad or follow a specialised pathway that is tailored to your own particular interests and aspirations. The MEnvSci adds an additional year that is strongly research-focussed and is ideal for those intending a career in environmental research or as an environmental science professional.

Both courses are accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES). 

BSc Honours Environmental Science

Duration: 3 years
Typical offer: ABB     

The BSc provides a solid foundation in environmental science and is suitable both for students with broad interests and those who prefer to specialize.

The first year focuses on essential knowledge and practical skills.

From year two, all students follow a specialised pathway or a general pathway.

In the third year you will undertake a research project in either the Department of Geography or the Department of Animal and Plant Science. You may transfer to the MEnvSci course in semester 2 of year 3 provided that certain achievement levels have been attained.

Undergraduate Masters in Environmental Science

Duration: 4 years
Typical offer: AAB

This is our flagship course specifically designed for students considering a career as an environmental professional in industry, university research, governmental agency, or consultancy.

The first three years follow the BSc course structure. The fourth year provides more advanced research training of which a major part is an independent and original research project.

The emphasis on advanced research skills means our MEnvSci graduates have a significant competitive advantage when seeking employment or further study involving research.

Course structure

Pathways at years 2 and 3 for both BSc and MEnvSci courses

ES Course structure

The pathway structure applies to years 2 and 3 of both courses. You can follow a broad-based general pathway or specialise in a particular aspect of environmental science to develop a coherent package of skills, knowledge and experience that satisfies your interests and aspirations. All routes require you to undertake certain modules that provide training in essential skills.

General pathway
This pathway allows you to follow the broadest and most flexible route. The freedom offered here enables you to blend aspects of the more specific pathways below, or fashion your own route.

Global Change pathway
Focussing on global change in physical and ecological systems, this pathway allows you to study how physical and ecological systems function, with a focus on climate and large-scale environmental systems, and in particular the components of the carbon cycle which, through carbon dioxide, are a major contributor to global warming. You will then develop these skills in the geography and ecology of change, with the option of addressing the policy implications for global change.

Environmental Biosciences
The relationships between organisms and their environments are fundamental to life itself and are the basis of food production, biofuels, and biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. This pathway encompasses aspects of the adaptations of organisms to their environments; the effects of pollution, disturbance, and management on organisms; their functioning in major ecosystem and environmental processes; and the importance and conservation of biodiversity.

Environmental Geosciences
The impact of physical processes upon ecosystems, habitats and organisms forms the basis of this pathway. Strong emphasis is given to the geological and geomorphological processes that operate on the Earth's surface and the application of state-of-the-art techniques that are used to constrain such processes, including geographical information systems, environmental modelling, and remote sensing.