BSc (Hons) Environmental Sciences with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F850
- Entry Requirements
- ABB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Why you should choose us
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
What is the evidence for climate change? How does pollution affect human health and wellbeing? How are international environmental treaties formed? How can we reduce our energy consumption in the western world? What happens inside an erupting volcano? If these are the sorts of questions that fascinate you, this degree is for you.
The environment supports all aspects of our daily life but is also the source of some of the most complex and wide-ranging challenges facing human society today. The need for people who can help us respond to these challenges, whether at a global or local scale, has never been greater. This degree will help you become one of those essential people. You’ll explore how the components of the natural environment function and how they are affected by, and affect, our society, politics and culture.
Our BSc Environmental Sciences with a Placement Year is ranked in the top 20 for Earth and Marine Sciences by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.
This three-year course will see you cultivate a wide range of skills and knowledge, whilst discovering how you can make a difference to our world. You’ll have the opportunity to build a degree that suits your interests, focusing your studies on one theme or constructing a more varied profile as you wish.
You’ll also gain important field skills and have the chance to put them into practice on field trips to locations such as Spain, Ireland or Greece, as well as the UK. Upon graduation you will be well equipped to follow one of a wide range of environmental careers or use your skills to pursue other graduate opportunities.
Study and Modules
Structure
This four-year degree programme begins with a year of compulsory modules to establish your knowledge on essential topics. You’ll then select from optional modules in your second and final years, allowing you to direct your own studies and take as broad or focused a path as you wish. In your final year, you will also undertake an independent research project on a subject of your choice.
Our core compulsory modules will introduce you to the general scientific principles that govern our environment, and how they interact in some of the major challenges facing global society today. You’ll develop your technical skills in the Research and Field Skills module, and in maths or quantitative skills-based modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)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.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll typically spend 15 hours per week taking part in lectures, seminar discussions and practical work in the field or in the lab. You’ll study three modules at a time, and most include one or two lectures per week plus related practical or seminar sessions, so you can engage with the lecture material to deepen your understanding. Some modules also use innovative teaching methods such as in-class performance to help bring the subjects to life, and digital learning is used to increase flexibility.
Field learning is integral to this degree – in fact, the whole world is your laboratory. You’ll encounter a wide variety of geological settings, ecological habitats and human environments, and learn practical techniques using specialist equipment through the wide range of field courses available. In your first year, you’ll go on a funded multidisciplinary field course to Slapton in Devon. You can choose field course options in the second and third years to destinations including Scotland, the Lake District, Ireland, Spain and Greece. Many other modules offer field activities too, so you will be able to take full advantage of the nearby Broads, Breckland and North Norfolk coast as well as our award-winning campus.
Independent study
You’ll read around your module content to broaden your understanding and find contexts that most spark your interest. In your third-year independent project, you will undertake self-directed study, with one-to-one support from staff.
COVID-19
Teaching activities, particularly field learning, may be subject to restrictions relating to COVID-19 or other concerns. We remain committed to offering field and other hands-on learning activities within relevant guidance at the time and wherever safe and practical to do so, but may need to offer alternatives or cancel in some cases. Opportunities mentioned in this document represent our normal offering.
Assessment
We 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 4 are weighted 40:60 to determine your final degree mark.
Structure
With a solid foundation built, you’ll now enjoy the freedom to tailor your course around your own interests. You will learn from research leaders in a range of modules across the broad areas of earth sciences, atmospheres and oceans, ecology, energy and social sciences – as well as interdisciplinary and skills-based modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)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.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll typically spend 15 hours per week taking part in lectures, seminar discussions and practical work in the field or in the lab. You’ll study three modules at a time, and most include one or two lectures per week plus related practical or seminar sessions, so you can engage with the lecture material to deepen your understanding. Some modules also use innovative teaching methods such as in-class performance to help bring the subjects to life, and digital learning is used to increase flexibility.
Field learning is integral to this degree – in fact, the whole world is your laboratory. You’ll encounter a wide variety of geological settings, ecological habitats and human environments, and learn practical techniques using specialist equipment through the wide range of field courses available. In your first year, you’ll go on a funded multidisciplinary field course to Slapton in Devon. You can choose field course options in the second and third years to destinations including Scotland, the Lake District, Ireland, Spain and Greece. Many other modules offer field activities too, so you will be able to take full advantage of the nearby Broads, Breckland and North Norfolk coast as well as our award-winning campus.
Independent study
You’ll read around your module content to broaden your understanding and find contexts that most spark your interest. In your third-year independent project, you will undertake self-directed study, with one-to-one support from staff.
COVID-19
Teaching activities, particularly field learning, may be subject to restrictions relating to COVID-19 or other concerns. We remain committed to offering field and other hands-on learning activities within relevant guidance at the time and wherever safe and practical to do so, but may need to offer alternatives or cancel in some cases. Opportunities mentioned in this document represent our normal offering.
Assessment
We 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 4 are weighted 40:60 to determine your final degree mark.
Structure
You’ll spend 9 to 12 months working for an employer, gaining real-life experience of a field within or allied to environmental sciences. Example employers include environmental consultancies, local or national government departments and agencies, research institutions, charities and commercial organisations.
We have well-established commercial connections throughout the UK and beyond and will support you to secure the best possible placement for you. Positions are usually paid, but the amounts vary.
Compulsory Modules
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.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll typically spend 15 hours per week taking part in lectures, seminar discussions and practical work in the field or in the lab. You’ll study three modules at a time, and most include one or two lectures per week plus related practical or seminar sessions, so you can engage with the lecture material to deepen your understanding. Some modules also use innovative teaching methods such as in-class performance to help bring the subjects to life, and digital learning is used to increase flexibility.
Field learning is integral to this degree – in fact, the whole world is your laboratory. You’ll encounter a wide variety of geological settings, ecological habitats and human environments, and learn practical techniques using specialist equipment through the wide range of field courses available. In your first year, you’ll go on a funded multidisciplinary field course to Slapton in Devon. You can choose field course options in the second and third years to destinations including Scotland, the Lake District, Ireland, Spain and Greece. Many other modules offer field activities too, so you will be able to take full advantage of the nearby Broads, Breckland and North Norfolk coast as well as our award-winning campus.
Independent study
You’ll read around your module content to broaden your understanding and find contexts that most spark your interest. In your third-year independent project, you will undertake self-directed study, with one-to-one support from staff.
COVID-19
Teaching activities, particularly field learning, may be subject to restrictions relating to COVID-19 or other concerns. We remain committed to offering field and other hands-on learning activities within relevant guidance at the time and wherever safe and practical to do so, but may need to offer alternatives or cancel in some cases. Opportunities mentioned in this document represent our normal offering.
Assessment
We 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 4 are weighted 40:60 to determine your final degree mark.
Structure
In your final year research project, you’ll investigate a specialist area in professional depth with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor. You’ll select a further four modules from a range that again spans all areas of environmental sciences, including field courses.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll typically spend 15 hours per week taking part in lectures, seminar discussions and practical work in the field or in the lab. You’ll study three modules at a time, and most include one or two lectures per week plus related practical or seminar sessions, so you can engage with the lecture material to deepen your understanding. Some modules also use innovative teaching methods such as in-class performance to help bring the subjects to life, and digital learning is used to increase flexibility.
Field learning is integral to this degree – in fact, the whole world is your laboratory. You’ll encounter a wide variety of geological settings, ecological habitats and human environments, and learn practical techniques using specialist equipment through the wide range of field courses available. In your first year, you’ll go on a funded multidisciplinary field course to Slapton in Devon. You can choose field course options in the second and third years to destinations including Scotland, the Lake District, Ireland, Spain and Greece. Many other modules offer field activities too, so you will be able to take full advantage of the nearby Broads, Breckland and North Norfolk coast as well as our award-winning campus.
Independent study
You’ll read around your module content to broaden your understanding and find contexts that most spark your interest. In your third-year independent project, you will undertake self-directed study, with one-to-one support from staff.
COVID-19
Teaching activities, particularly field learning, may be subject to restrictions relating to COVID-19 or other concerns. We remain committed to offering field and other hands-on learning activities within relevant guidance at the time and wherever safe and practical to do so, but may need to offer alternatives or cancel in some cases. Opportunities mentioned in this document represent our normal offering.
Assessment
We 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 4 are weighted 40:60 to determine your final degree mark.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Accepted subjects: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, or Science.
- BTEC
- DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management is acceptable.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB including grade A in one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points including HL5 in either Geography, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE
- English 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):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- 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.
- Deferred Entry
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 and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Environmental Sciences with a Foundation Year.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
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. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
The optional residential field courses in the second and third years require a student contribution (currently £200–£500 for UK/Europe, up to £1300 outside Europe) towards the costs of accommodation, meals and transport. You can find details for individual field courses in the module information.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
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 range of specialist environmental careers in areas such as sustainable environmental management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, carbon reduction, catchment management, weather forecasting, geophysics, natural hazard analysis, risk management, and teaching and education.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
-
Environmental consultant
-
Land surveyor
-
Conservation officer
-
Meteorologist
-
Waste and recycling manager
-
GIS technician