Undergraduate Degrees

This course is for 2014 Entry.

Climate change has been a feature throughout the Earth’s past, and is now also taking place in response to human activity. It is one of the most pressing, and one of the more complex, problems facing society in the 21st century.

This newly launched innovative degree programme will provide a thorough and comprehensive grounding in the physical science basis of climate change in the past, present and future; delivered by internationally recognised experts in their fields.

The emphasis is on the underpinning scientific drivers of climate change, with consideration given to the societal impacts from, and in response to, climate change.

The year abroad programme involves four years of study with the first two years at UEA following the BSc Climate Sciences programme. The third year is spent at a University abroad. You return for your fourth year to UEA and complete the final year modules from the BSc Climate Sciences.

In the first year you will take an holistic view of the Earth system, while also developing the necessary mathematical, dynamical, chemical, and study skills to embark on the subsequent honours years. After the first year you will concentrate on the scientific subjects required to study the underlying causes of climate change, such as meteorology, physical oceanography, atmospheric and marine chemistry, biogeochemical cycling, life systems, and paleoclimatology. You will also continue to hone your mathematical, research, and presentational skills. Although some core elements of the programme are compulsory, there is sufficient flexibility for you to place greater emphasis in certain areas (for example meteorology, or earth system modeling).

This course has been provisionally accredited by the Royal Meteorological Society as a first degree which satisfies their academic requirements for Chartered Meteorologist status.

Graduates of the degree in Climate Science will have a sound foundation for careers in academia, in research organisations, in government agencies and local authorities, and in environmental consultancies, amongst others. We also anticipate that many will continue to graduate training at Masters or Doctoral level.

 

Environmental science is a rapidly progressing, vibrant and exciting field of study with excellent career prospects in the UK and beyond.

Environmental Science is a modern scientific discipline that will have a profound effect on human society as environmental concerns become paramount at the beginning of the 21st century.

A human population of over 6 billion demands energy, transport, and technology, while climate change threatens the security of the most vulnerable peoples on the planet. Management of pollution and waste is essential to protect human health. Global environment change is eroding the planets biological diversity. Natural hazards threaten infrequent but catastrophic disasters.

Solving these urgent problems requires the expertise of trained environmental scientists. In ENV you will be trained to understand the complex interactions of human society with the bio-geosphere and to provide solutions for enhanced industry and sustainable economies. Inter-disciplinary scientists are needed to communicate the solutions and influence policy at local, national and global scales.

Volcanology, seismology, ecology, conservation, meteorology, oceanography, environmental economics, environmental politics, geochemistry, soil science, climate change and energy resources are just a few of the subjects you could study. Whether you choose to study a broad range of the environmental sciences or specialise in one field, you can be sure that your degree will be challenging and inspiring from beginning to end.

In the 2012 National Student Survey, the School of Environmental Sciences at UEA gained a 96% satisfaction rate, putting the department at joint 5th in the UK, above universities like Southampton and Exeter. Teaching was a particular highlight of the survey, and as a School, Environmental Sciences came in joint 2nd with a rating of 97% satisfaction.

UniStats Information

Year Abroad

At the School of Environmental Sciences, UEA, Norwich we can offer you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spend a year of your studies abroad.

The year abroad degree programmes are four years in duration. You will spend your first two years at UEA, Norwich. The third year is spent at a university (of your choice) abroad and the fourth and final year is spent back at UEA, Norwich. The overseas placement is subject to satisfactory academic performance during Years 1 and 2. Students on an exchange programme will be expected to pay 15% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year abroad and we will pay the overseas university.

The chance to spend a year abroad can be an experience of a lifetime as well as providing you with:

·         Travel opportunities

·         The opportunity to learn a second language

·         The chance to experience different cultures

·         The chance to study topics that we cannot provide here at UEA

The year abroad option was designed to create even more links between the School of Environmental Sciences at UEA and other well-established Environmental Science departments worldwide. Students on the exchange programmes have the option to spend one year of their studies in either Australia, New Zealand, the USA or Canada. We currently exchange with the below institutions and these will be reviewed regularly. We will do our best to place you at the exchange university of your choice, however if the demand for a particular university exceeds the places available, you will be placed elsewhere.

·         Macquarie University, Sydney

·         Griffith University, Brisbane

·         Murdoch University, Perth

·         University of New England, Armidale

·         University of Sydney

·         Lincoln University, Canterbury NZ

·         Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

·         University of British Columbia, Vancouver

·         University of Alaska, Anchorage

·         University of Colorado, Boulder

·         University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

·         University of Maine, Orono

·         University of Miami, Florida

·         Univerisity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

·         State University of New York, Plattsburgh

·         University of California

Entry Requirements

A Level:

AAB

International Baccalaureate:

33 points

Scottish Highers:

AAABB

Scottish Advanced Highers:

AAB

Irish Leaving Certificate:

AAAABB

European Baccalaureate:

80%

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

AS Level Mathematics Grade C (or International Baccalaureate SL Maths grade 5) or equivalent. 

Applicants are asked to have at least one science based A2-level or equivalent. Acceptable science subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 Science credits and 6 Level 3 maths credits.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

Fees and Funding

Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.  Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.  Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Year Abroad Fees

For Home/EU students opting for a  Year Abroad the tuition fee is currently £1,350.  The Year Abroad tuition fee will be subject to an  annual increase. International Students are required to pay 25% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year Abroad and will be calculated based on the current tuition fee for that year.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships.  To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support      

International Students -  The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.    Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international