Our courses
We offer two courses in Environmental Science: a three-year undergraduate BSc Environmental Science, and a four-year undergraduate masters MEnvSci Environmental Science. The MEnvSci adds an additional year that is strongly research-focussed.
Both courses follow the same structure in that you can choose to take a broad approach to the study, picking modules from many different aspects of the course, or you can choose to specialise in specific areas.
Both courses are accredited by The Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
BSc Honours Environmental ScienceDuration: 3 years 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 (MEnvSci) in Environmental ScienceDuration: 4 years 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. Applications to our four-year Masters course are considered for both courses. In addition, applicants holding an offer of a place on our four-year course are guaranteed an alternative place on our three-year course should they need it, provided that the appropriate course requirements are met. |
Course Content, Years 1 – 3
Our courses allow you to generalise across the environmental sciences or specialise down a specific pathway. Underpinning all our courses is an emphasis on research-based skills and practical knowledge of the subject area.
Your first year will consist of a broad introduction to the key themes of environmental science, allowing you to develop the base of knowledge and skills you will need to progress further into the course.
Your second and third years will allow you to take a generalised approach, blending different areas of environmental science as you see fit, or you can choose to specialise down one of three branches:
Global Environmental ChangeThis route focuses on contemporary changes in physical and ecological systems, and the large-scale physical and environmental processes that drive them, covering topics such as global warming. There is also the option to address the policy implications that global changes pose, adding a further analytical edge to the course. |
Environmental BiosciencesThis pathway focuses on the relationships between organisms and their environment, including how organisms function in major ecosystems and drive environmental change. Topics covered include the effects of pollution, disturbance, and management on organisms, and there is the opportunity to study the conservation of organisms and biodiversity, which are key environmental concerns. |
Environmental GeosciencesThe 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 to shape the physical and biological environment, using state of the art techniques and analysis software. Topics covered include Earth and ecosystem dynamics, glacial processes, and natural hazards. |
Case Study
Heather Newson, Year 3 MEnvSci Environmental Science
"Pick this course if Physical Geography and Biology are your favourite subjects and you like the idea of the flexibility to pick any module, from ecology to climate change, that interests you. The flexibility of being able to choose modules from both the Geography and Animal & Plant Sciences departments has meant I have never taken a module I have not been interested in.
The course has given me a good background knowledge about some major issues, and made me aware of the career avenues available. I want to make a real difference to future generations, whether that's through work with NGOs to raise awareness of world food and climate change issues, or with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology to make a difference to policy."