Undergraduate Degrees
BSc Environmental Geography and Climate Change with a Year in Industry ( F814 )
- UCAS Course Code:
- F814
- Duration:
- 4 years
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Award:
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- School of Study:
- Environmental Sciences
- Brochure:
- School of Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Brochure (PDF)
- Typical A-Level Offer:
- AAB
There is a pressing need for people who understand both the environmental and social complexities of climate change. This new degree programme offers you the chance to study climate change from a unique multi-disciplinary perspective in one of the world’s leading university departments for the study of climate change.
Why is climate change such a difficult problem to tackle?
This innovative undergraduate degree programme uses the insights, methods and skills of environmental geography and environmental social science to study the historical, environmental, social, economic and political dimensions of climate change. The programme allows students to understand the natural and human drivers of climate change and the varied responses of individuals and societies around the world to the challenges climate change raises. This requires a broad range of disciplinary perspectives and an ability to understand how different approaches for studying climate change complement each other. Although the emphasis is on the human dimensions of climate change, a solid grounding in the natural sciences is also an integral part of the degree programme. An undergraduate programme on climate change from such a strong multi-disciplinary perspective has not before been offered in the UK. This degree is also unique by being taught by some of the world’s leading academics who have studied climate change from this inter-disciplinary perspective.
This programme is offered by the School of Environmental Sciences and is co-ordinated by Professor Mike Hulme, a renowned geographer and climate change expert and founder of the Tyndall Centre. You will take core modules on the history of climate change science, climate politics, and climate change risk, communication and ethics and also be able to choose from a wide range of other modules to tailor this degree to meet your specific interests.
Study Environmental Geography and Climate Change at UEA and find out the answers to the following questions and many more...
- When did scientists first realise humans were altering climate?
- What is the role of population growth in climate change?
- Is it possible to prevent dangerous climate change?
- How do scientists communicate uncertainty about future climate predictions?
- Why has negotiating global climate treaties been so difficult?
- Have the media made it easier or harder for people to understand climate change?
- Do world religions have any part to play in managing climate change?
- Are proposed geoengineering solutions safe?
- Is it unethical to fly?
- Should people be labelled ‘climate deniers’?
- Why do people perceive the risks of climate change differently?
- How can Pacific islands adapt to sea-level rise?
- Are there technological solutions to climate change?
- What are the costs of climate change?
- Why are there controversies about climate change science?
- Should developing countries be paid to keep their forests intact?
- How can energy consumption in the western world be reduced?
- How are the risks of flooding reduced?
Projects and Seminars
Project based seminars will include topics such as the role of newspapers, films and books in communicating climate change, scientific controversies, what climate change means in developing countries, and how different societies adapt. Guided by a member of Faculty you will be able to complete your own projects in these areas and many others relating to your own interests in climate change.
Prof Michael Hulme
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
Compulsory Study (90 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 90 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN | ENV-1A56 | 10 |
| BIODIVERSITY IN A CHANGING WORLD | ENV-1A26 | 10 |
| DYNAMIC EARTH | ENV-1A67 | 10 |
| FORCES OF NATURE | ENV-1A25 | 10 |
| GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES | ENV-1A29 | 20 |
| RESEARCH & FIELD SKILLS 1 | ENV-1A41 | 10 |
| RESEARCH & FIELD SKILLS 2 | ENV-1A42K | 10 |
| SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIETY | ENV-1A28 | 10 |
Option A Study (10 credits)
Students will select 10 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EARTH'S CHEMICAL PROCESSES 1 | ENV-1A32 | 10 |
| EARTH'S CHEMICAL PROCESSES II | ENV-1A34 | 10 |
Option B Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS 1 | ENV-1A61 | 10 |
| MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS II | ENV-1A62 | 10 |
| NUMERICAL SKILLS FOR SCIENTISTS I | ENV-1A51 | 10 |
| NUMERICAL SKILLS FOR SCIENTISTS II | ENV-1A52 | 10 |
Compulsory Study (50 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 50 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLIMATE CHANGE: SCIENCE AND POLICY | ENV-2A09 | 20 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY MAKING | ENV-2A06 | 20 |
| RESEARCH SKILLS FOR SOCIAL SCIENTISTS | ENV-2A90 | 10 |
Option A Study (10 credits)
Students will select 10 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EARTH SCIENCE FIELD SKILLS | ENV-2A98K | 10 |
| EARTH SCIENCE SKILLS | ENV-2A96 | 10 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY | ENV-2A92 | 10 |
| GIS SKILLS FOR DISSERTATIONS | ENV-2A94 | 10 |
Option B Study (40 credits)
Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS | ENV-2B52 | 10 |
| HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY | ENV-2A65 | 20 |
| INTERACTIONS AND POPULATIONS | ENV-2A35 | 20 |
| LOW CARBON ENERGY | ENV-2A82 | 20 |
| LOW CARBON ENERGY WITH FIELDCOURSE | ENV-2A82K | 20 |
| METEOROLOGY I | ENV-2A23 | 20 |
| METEOROLOGY II | ENV-2A24 | 20 |
| METEOROLOGY II WITH FIELDCOURSE | ENV-2A24K | 20 |
Option C Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
Students will be required to complete an industrial placement and the 20-credit Work Place Learning for Environmental Scientists. Placement Director: Dr J Powell
Compulsory Study (120 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WORK PLACE LEARNING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS | CCE-2A2Y | 20 |
| YEAR IN INDUSTRY | ENV-2Y5Y | 100 |
Compulsory Study (80 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 80 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE | ENV-3A20 | 20 |
| Human Geography of Climate Change | ENV-3A40 | 20 |
| INDEPENDENT PROJECT | ENV-3A91 | 40 |
Option A Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND HUMAN SOCIETY | ENV-3A17 | 20 |
| CATCHMENT WATER RESOURCES | ENV-3A60 | 20 |
| CLIMATE CHANGE: PHYSICAL SCIENCE BASIS | ENV-3A49 | 20 |
| NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS | ENV-3A44 | 20 |
| PARTICIPATORY ENVIRONMENTAL DECISION-MAKING | ENV-3A54 | 20 |
| SCIENCE COMMUNICATION | BIO-3C6Y | 20 |
Option B Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Year In Industry
Completion of a Year in Industry programme will ensure you graduate with relevant work experience, putting you one step ahead of other students. This exciting degree programme provides you with this opportunity.
There is no greater asset in today’s competitive job market than relevant work experience. A Year in Industry will give you first-hand knowledge of not only the mechanics of how your chosen field operates but it will also greatly improve your chances of progressing within that sector as you seal valuable contacts and insight. These courses will also enhance your studies as theory is transformed into reality in a context governed by very real, time and financial constraints.
Our Industrial Links
We have well-established commercial connections throughout the UK and beyond. Over 100 of our students have undertaken year-long placements as part of this programme. The fine work undertaken by the students leads to an ever growing network of employers who have experienced the positive benefits which come from offering a placement opportunity. We can help you to tap into this network and also provide other ideas of organisations who you might contact. Our students have worked in environmental roles within Local and National Government, in SMEs and Multinationals, for Environmental Consultancies and Research Institutes and with Conservation groups and NGOs.
Financial Benefits
A big attraction to this type of course, apart from the enhanced career prospects, is that students will pay much reduced tuition fees for that year (see fees and funding tab). In addition, of course, you are typically paid by the placement provider during the year, a great way to help fund your studies.
For the latest on financial arrangements for our Year in Industry students please visit the UEA Finance webpage.
How it Works
The Year in Industry degree programmes are four years in length with the work placement taking place during your third year. Placements constitute a minimum of nine months full-time employment and a maximum of 14 months.
In Years 1 and 2, we will help you prepare for an industrial placement by running workshops to raise awareness of key issues and to encourage networking. We will make sure you are fully aware of all the organisations who have previously hosted our placement students. We will also advertise all current placement opportunities of which we are aware. Our Careers service will be on hand to help with your applications. With this support, you will take the lead in securing your own placement - not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field of Environmental Sciences, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. Throughout the work placement itself, you will keep in close contact with an assigned mentor at UEA and your mentor will also visit you in your place of work during the year. In your placement year you will also undertake a Work Based Learning module which will help you to reflect on and get the very most from the placement experience.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers and students will be expected to source these placements themselves. If you were unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year you will have the option to apply to be transferred onto the equivalent three-year degree programme without a Year in Industry.
“The Year in Industry was one of the best choices I could have made for my career. It enabled me to gain valuable technical skills and responsibilities, essential for improving my employability as well as developing industry contacts”.
Bex Holmes, BSc Environmental Sciences with a Year in Industry – Placement at Atkins Ltd
“I was reemployed by my placement provider BRE and owe this important start in life and my career to the Year in Industry programme. I really think it provides opportunities and essential experience for the workplace and hope it goes from strength to strength in the future”.
Roger Connick, BSc Environmental Sciences with a Year in Industry – Placement at BRE.
For further information, please contact Dr Stephen Dorling, Year in Industry Co-ordinator, e-mail: S.Dorling@uea.ac.uk.
Entry Requirements
- A Level:
- AAB
- International Baccalaureate:
- 33 (incl 3 HL subjects at grade 6)
- Scottish Highers:
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers:
- AAB
- Irish Leaving Certificate:
- AAAABB
- Access Course:
- See below
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
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.
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 in Industry Fees
For Home/EU students opting for Year in Industry the tuition fee is currently £1,250. The Year in Industry 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 in Industry 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
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.
Further Information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:
Undergraduate Admissions Office (Environmental Sciences)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
Please click here to register your details online via our Online Enquiry Form.
International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.


