Course Overview

Taught by world-leading researchers, this highly flexible degree programme will allow you to explore how the physical, chemical and biological components of the natural environment function and how they are impacted by, and affect, our society, politics and culture in this era of the Anthropocene.

How can we tackle the climate and biodiversity crises? What are the best strategies for achieving Net Zero? How are our oceans and rivers changing? What physical processes drive our weather? What happens inside an erupting volcano? How can we transform our energy systems and achieve greater sustainability in our lifestyles? If these are the sorts of questions that fascinate you, then 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 and the planet’s stability. The need for environmental scientists who can help us respond to these challenges and ‘make a difference’ at local and global scales has never been greater. This degree will help you become one of these essential people.

Throughout your degree you'll have opportunities to embark on national and international fieldwork including Greece, Ireland and Swaziland or Peru, conduct experiments in our state-of-the-art laboratories, and develop highly valued transferable skills in data analysis, spatial visualisation and science communication. Upon graduating, you'll be a highly trained environmental scientist, well-equipped to take up positions across the public and private sectors where you can provide real world solutions to today’s environmental challenges.

You’ll also have the chance to put what you’ve learnt into practice and transform theory into reality by spending your third year working in industry, gaining invaluable experience and building your industry contacts.

Placement Year and Study Abroad

Your third year will be spent on a placement of your choice. Not only will you see first-hand how your chosen field operates, but you’ll gain valuable contacts and insight. Many students also successfully base their final year project on their placement. We offer full support throughout the placement, from the application process right through to completion, with a UEA staff member as a mentor.

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).

Students enrolled on IES accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the Institution. Look for the CHES accreditation logo which provides a mark of quality and indicates that an educational institute is planning the career paths of its students.

After graduating, you may choose to progress to a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or Chartered Scientist (CSci) status. This will demonstrate to employers your commitment to continuing to develop the knowledge and skills gained on your degree.

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 track and reflect on your activities via the UEA Award, 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

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

Environmental consultant
Land surveyor
Conservation officer
Meteorologist
Environmental policy advisor
GIS technician

Discover more on our Careers webpages.

Entry Requirements

A Levels

ABB including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. 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 are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside 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. Acceptable subjects are: Design, surveying and planning for construction and Science

BTEC

DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management. See below for accepted subjects and combinations

Contextual Offer

BBC including one from Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. 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.

DMM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.

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.

Scottish Highers

AAABB, including an A in either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics

Scottish Advanced Highers

BCC including either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable

Irish Leaving Certificate

3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3, including either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics

Access to HE Diploma

Pass 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 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:  overall 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in all components) 

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.

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

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 Hub. 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

BTEC combinations

Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.

Diploma: DD plus B at A-level in either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-Level to include either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes. If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as -

Environmental Science with a Foundation Year

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, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

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 language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers 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 Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

International foundation in Mathematics and Acturial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Book a visit to discover more

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. You can find details for individual field courses in the module information.

You are eligible for reduced fees during your placement year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees pages.

There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your placement year, which will vary depending on location.

Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.

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:

How to apply through UCAS

BSc (Hons) Environmental Sciences with a Placement Year

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