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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 .

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
• Foundation Geography, Earth and Environment
• Data Handling for Science
• Foundation Study Skills

Year 1

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

Modules

Core modules

• Exploring Environments: An Introduction to Geographical and Environmental Fieldwork

  On this module you'll undertake a UK-based residential field course over three working days, supported by lectures and workshops. You'll take part in intensive study and field research skills training in different field environments. Themes that you'll cover include physical geography, environmental geography/ecology and human geography, with an introduction to risk assessment, research ethics and working across difference. 

• Statistical and Spatial Data Analysis

  This module introduces techniques used to analyse geographical and environmental data in both the academic and professional worlds. You'll develop the skills and abilities needed to display data graphically and visually, and to assess patterns/relationships through statistical testing, and geospatial display and analysis. You'll become a competent user of statistical software to support and hone your skills, and in the use and application of geospatial/remote sensing data and associated geographical information systems (GIS) software packages.

• Fundamentals of Physical Geography

  This module provides a theoretical and practical introduction to 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 Challenges: Climate Change and Environmental Degradation

  On this module you'll explore global environmental challenges from natural science and social science case perspectives. Case studies will introduce you to topical and current environmental challenges and you'll examine how some issues may be addressed through interdisciplinary management and mitigation. Alongside lectures, you'll take part in workshops where you'll look at research on contemporary issues that has been developed by students and small group engagement that will help you to deepen your thinking around the subject.

• Academic Learning for Geography and Environmental Studies

  This module will introduce you to academic study, observational and transferable skills for geographers, environmental managers and environmental scientists. You'll be supported in how to learn at university, and in particular, with learning independently. You'll also be introduced to survey design where you'll learn questionnaire and other survey design techniques as your first step towards independent research design.

Options*

• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

  This module will introduce you to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science – illustrated with case studies. The links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research are emphasised

• Introduction to Microorganisms and Plants

  This module introduces the study of living organisms. You will explore the morphology and physiological adaptions of microbes, virus, fungi and plants, focusing on identifying organisms, their key cellular features and associated processes and functions. You'll also note their links to environments and how they interact with other organisms.

• Fundamentals of Marine and Freshwater Biology

  This module introduces the principles of marine and freshwater biology by examining the evolution  and diversity of aquatic flora and fauna. You'll focus on physical and chemical aspects of aquatic ecosystems, their impact on the populations of organisms that live in the ecosystems, and how organisms adapt to their environments. Practical sessions will cover methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, as well as developing effective science communication skills.

*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 Design and Advanced Data Analysis
• GIS and Remote Sensing: Principles and Practice

Options*

• Earth Surface Processes
• Sustainable Futures
• Environmental Pollution
• Ecology and Conservation International Field Course
• Geography and Environment International Field Work
• Animal Diversity and Adaptations
• Marine and Freshwater Ecology

*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.

Module

• Dissertation

Options*

• The Humans of Ice Age Britain
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
• Community Placement
• Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• The Frozen Planet
• Water, Sanitation and Health
• Political Ecology: Contested Environments
• Current Topics in Aquatic Environments
• Species Interactions

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

Meet the team

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 £1,500 for UK students and £2,280 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

Fee information for this course for 2025 entry will be updated here no later than December 2024.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2024–25.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• 91¿ì»îÁÖ Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and (pdf) for more on University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ tuition fees.

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