BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

• GCSE: For all applicants, Grade C or above, or Grade 4 under newly reformed GCSE grading, in English Language, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. Please note the University does not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as suitable alternatives to GCSEs.
• A-level subjects: Grade C or above in a Science subject. Points from A-Level General Studies and AS-Level subjects (not taken onto full A-Level) can be included towards overall tariff. You must have a minimum of two A-Levels.
• Relevant subjects: Subjects that meet the science requirement for this course: Applied Science, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Maths. Use of Maths, Physics, Psychology, Science in the Environment, Statistics. For further information and advice please contact Admissions.
• EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: To include 6 units in a science subject. BTEC Animal Management (or similar) is acceptable where at least 6 units in a science subject have been completed.
• Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; to include 15 level 3 credits at merit in a Science subject and an additional 15 level 3 credits at merit in another subject.
• Baccalaureate IB: A minimum grade of 5 in a higher level science subject.

Year 0 (Foundation Year)

• Biology in Practice
• Chemistry in Practice
• Skills for Science
• People and Science

You will study the Foundation Year alongside students from our other Biological, Biomedical and Analytical Sciences courses, and so you may be able to transfer to a course in one of these areas at the end of the Foundation Year.

The normal expectation is that you must pass all Year 0 modules before progressing to Year 1.

Year 1

The modules in this year cover subjects from geology to climate science, while the Field Work module includes a free field course to Dartmoor.

• Life on Earth
• The Earth
• Field Skills (including residential field trip)
• Environment and Society

Year 2

The Field Techniques module in this year includes a free field course to Tenerife, while the Environmental Change module studies the problems and solutions linked with our changing environment.

• Environmental and Field Techniques (includes international field trip)
• Earth System Science
• People and Environmental Change
• Ecology and Ecosystem Protection

You may elect to spend a year out working for an organisation, in an appropriate placement to gain relevant work experience. Placements are available both at home and abroad. Whilst on placement, you may opt to take the Professional Practice in Applied Sciences subject that counts towards your final credit.

Final year

Bespoke Year 3 optional modules use the strengths of our science department and include a Tropical Expedition, to Cuba or Madagascar, as well as the Science Communication module which offers you skills to help you stand out from other environmental graduates.

• Dissertation Project or Independent Research Project
• Resource Security and Sustainability
• Four optional modules from the list below:

Optional modules

• Scientific Frontiers and Enterprise
• Energy Technologies
• Tropical Expedition
• Marine Ecosystems (including field trip)
• Environmental Forensics
• Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Forests and Agricultural Systems
• Science Communication
• Professional Practice in Applied Sciences