Environmental Science

At a glance

Course Details

Overview

We have over 35 years' experience in delivering cutting-edge programmes on the environment. We offer two degree courses, aiming to develop motivated environmental professionals with a range of valued employability skills.

Special Features

• Creating confident, motivated and skilled graduates with a range of transferable skills
• An excellent employment record
• Preparing students to gain employability in the future green and low-carbon economy
• A student-centred department with excellent National Student Survey scores
• Home to the international and national award-winning Ecoversity Programme with excellent student opportunities for practical experience
• Dedicated and experienced teaching staff including two National Teaching Fellows
• World-class analytical and instrumental facilities
• Over 35-year history of offering students a paid professional placement in an area of your interest
• Prestigious national research programmes on themes represented in the undergraduate programme
• A high level of fieldwork, laboratory and practical components for an undergraduate course In the UK
• Emphasis on professionalism and problem-solving skills: highly prized by employers
• The flexible degree structure allows switching between courses as interests and career aspirations develop

Aims

Environmental Science introduces the scientific knowledge which can provide the basis for sound management of the environment, and explores the interconnections between the physical, chemical and biological components of the environment as well as how these are influenced by humans.

It is based on an integrated approach to environmental problems, involving studies in ecology, physical geography, environmental management, experimental design, and environmental aspects of the physical sciences. It includes modules such as Environmental Investigation Techniques, Instrumental Analysis, Reconstructing Past Environments, Geohazards, Environmental Monitoring, and Ecological Management and Nature Conservation; it also enables the study of techniques of data analysis such as Geographical Information Systems. It aims to produce confident professionals who can contribute to the scientific underpinning of investigation, monitoring and management of our environment.

The course is designed for students who wish  to understand our physical, chemical and biological environment, and human interaction with it, and develop a career putting such understanding into practice.

Career Outcome

Career prospects are excellent with 87% of 2009 graduates finding permanent employment or in further study within six months of graduating. Recent graduates have obtained jobs such as manager in environmental control, planning officer, scientific assistant with environmental consultants, ranger in a country park, scientist in a water research laboratory, and arboriculturist. Research in recent years has shown that 60% of our graduates are carrying out environment-related jobs.

Our courses equip you for employment where you may put your knowledge of environmental skills to direct effect. Many of the skills you will acquire are also transferable to a variety of jobs.

There is also a demand for research officers and trainees in industry, commerce and environmental consultancy work.

Entrance Requirements

Our typical offer is:

All courses - 260 points (e.g. B,C,C)

A minimum of 160 points from two subjects completed at GCE A level or equivalent. There are no specific subject requirements, although we normally expect applicants to the Environmental Science course to have a greater background in scientific subjects than for the Environmental Management course. We look for your interest in, and commitment to, our courses. Key Skills may contribute a maximum of 60 points to the overall points score.

We require English and Mathematics at GCSE grade C or above. We would prefer at least one GCSE in a science subject, particularly for those applying for the Environmental Science programme.

Placements Available?

Our courses may be taken either over three continuous years, or as four-year sandwich courses. The academic content of three-and four-year courses is the same, but the sandwich placements reflect your own interests.

Students studying on a placement course will undertake one 12-month or two six-month periods of paid practical training as an employee of a suitable organisation, in a job reflecting their own interests. You are supported in the process of identifying and applying for appropriate placement vacancies. The placement year provides direct experience of addressing geographical and environmental issues in practice, and complements the academic components of the course.

Full-time Study

All applications, including Foundation Degrees, must be submitted via UCAS's (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) online facility.

Your school or college will be able to advise you about making your application. Alternatively, full instructions can be found at: www.ucas.com

UCAS also provides a comprehensive guide called Applying Online which can be downloaded from the same web address.

If you are not currently at school or college, or have difficulty obtaining relevant literature, UCAS can be contacted directly:

• Tel: 0871 468 0468
• Email: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
• Website: www.ucas.com