BSc ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR
BSC ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR
How can we change our behavior to reduce the effects of climate change? What controls the Earth’s natural systems? What might our landscape look like in the future? How do I write a good science report?
Prepare to explore it all. On your Foundation Year you’ll gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for undergraduate level study, all within a nurturing, supportive environment. With this under your belt, you’re then able to progress to the BSc in Environmental Sciences – or other courses, such as Geography or Geophysics depending on your grades and preference.
So whether you’re a mature student looking for a new career, a student who needs to strengthen their science knowledge before progressing to a BSc degree, or an international student whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry, our Foundation Year is a great route onto our science degrees.
About
In your Foundation Year you will study the physical, chemical, and biological surroundings here on Earth. You’ll discover how these natural systems are interlinked, and the effects of human influence on them.
You’ll think about questions including:
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What are the greatest challenges for sustainable oceans?
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What did our landscape look like in the past and what might it look like in the future?
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How do I develop myself to optimise my graduate prospects?
In addition to exploring these big questions, you’ll develop the essential skills you need to prepare for undergraduate study.
Once you’ve successfully completed your foundation year you are guaranteed to transfer to the BSc Environmental Science. Depending on the modules you’ve taken, your grades and your preferences, you could instead transfer to a different BSc/MSci course in the School of Environmental Science.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.

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Placement Year and Study Abroad
Depending which course you progress onto after your Foundation Year, the School of Environmental Sciences has a number of Year in Industry study options.

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After the Course
Once you successfully finish your Foundation Year you will go straight onto one of the main degree programmes within the School of Environmental Sciences.
Employability is embedded in our modules, helping you develop your career and skills throughout your course. We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service to help you meet employers (including alumni), explore career options, speak to industry mentors, and apply for internships, volunteering, and graduate jobs.
Our degrees lead to a wide range of careers, many of which involve making a difference to the environment such as sustainable environmental management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, waste management, behavioural change, weather forecasting, geophysics, natural hazard management, and teaching and education.
Career destinations
Examples of careers that you could enter include;
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Environmental consultant
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Conservation officer
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Meteorologist
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Renewable energy adviser
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Waste and recycling manager
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Flood risk support officer

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Assessment for Year 1
During your Foundation Year we will assess your understanding through written laboratory reports, problem sheets, tests, presentations, or scientific essays.
You’ll get useful feedback on one or more formative practice exercises before summative assessments (which count towards your course marks).
During your BSc/MSci degree we will use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Assessment for Year 2
During your Foundation Year we will assess your understanding through written laboratory reports, problem sheets, tests, presentations, or scientific essays.
You’ll get useful feedback on one or more formative practice exercises before summative assessments (which count towards your course marks).
During your BSc/MSci degree we will use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Assessment for Year 3
During your Foundation Year we will assess your understanding through written laboratory reports, problem sheets, tests, presentations, or scientific essays.
You’ll get useful feedback on one or more formative practice exercises before summative assessments (which count towards your course marks).
During your BSc/MSci degree we will use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Assessment for Year 4
We will use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark.
Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year, and years 2 and 3 are weighted 40:60 to determine your final degree mark.
Students will take a year long module in Environmental Sciences
Assessment for Year 1
During your Foundation Year we will assess your understanding through written laboratory reports, problem sheets, tests, presentations, or scientific essays.
You’ll get useful feedback on one or more formative practice exercises before summative assessments (which count towards your course marks).
During your BSc/MSci degree we will use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Important Information
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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.Assessment for Year 2
During your Foundation Year we will assess your understanding through written laboratory reports, problem sheets, tests, presentations, or scientific essays.
You’ll get useful feedback on one or more formative practice exercises before summative assessments (which count towards your course marks).
During your BSc/MSci degree we will use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Important Information
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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.Students should select 60 credits per semester. Note that summer field courses count within SEM1.
Assessment for Year 3
During your Foundation Year we will assess your understanding through written laboratory reports, problem sheets, tests, presentations, or scientific essays.
You’ll get useful feedback on one or more formative practice exercises before summative assessments (which count towards your course marks).
During your BSc/MSci degree we will use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Important Information
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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.Assessment for Year 4
We will use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark.
Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year, and years 2 and 3 are weighted 40:60 to determine your final degree mark.
Important Information
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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.Entry Requirements
A Levels
CCC - All Science A-Levels must include a pass in the practical element.BTEC
MMMScottish highers
BBCCCScottish highers advanced
DDDIrish leaving certificate
6 subjects at H4Access course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3European Baccalaureate
60% overall.International Baccalaureate
28 pointsGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
General Studies and Critical Thinking A Levels are not accepted.
Alternative Qualifications
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
We welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds. If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements.
If you are currently studying your level 3 qualifications, we may be able to give you a reduced grade offer based on these circumstances:
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You live in an area with low progression to higher education (we use Polar 4, quintile 1 & 2 data)
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You will be 21 years of age or over at the start of the course
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You have been in care or you are a young full time carer
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You are studying at a school which our Outreach Team are working closely with
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Undergraduate University Fees and Financial Support
Tuition Fees
Information on tuition fees can be found here:
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs 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.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
In your Foundation Year you will need to buy maths support material. However, much of the guided reading is available from the UEA library as textbooks or digital resources.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.

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How to apply
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 application 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 is sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please complete our Online Enquiry Form to request a prospectus and to be kept up to date with news and events at the University.

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