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Environmental Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Environmental Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Environmental Sciences with a Placement Year
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F850
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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1st
In the UK for Research Quality in Geography and Environmental Sciences
The Times University Rankings 20254th
In the World for citations per paper in Earth and Marine Sciences
QS World University Rankings 2025Course Overview
Why BSc Environmental Sciences with a Placement Year at UEA?
We're proud to be one of the largest and oldest schools of Environmental Sciences anywhere in Europe. Here, we’ll help you understand environmental challenges, think of sustainable solutions, and learn how people can influence big decisions that affect the planet.
Why choose UEA
- World-leading experts: Learn from leading scientists who study and solve real environmental problems at a school ranked first in the UK for research
- Exceptional fieldwork and placement opportunities: Explore real-world environmental challenges in locations including the North Norfolk coast, the Lake District, Devon, and Greece
- Flexible, interdisciplinary learning: With a wide variety of optional modules to choose from, you get to focus on the environmental challenges you’re most passionate about
What is Environmental Sciences?
Immersed in the heart of our Green Flag awarded 130-acre verdant Norwich campus, this highly flexible degree programme explores how the physical, chemical and biological components of the natural environment function and how they're impacted by, and affect, our society, politics and culture.
You’ll explore the climate and biodiversity crises, consider solutions and strategies for reaching Net Zero, and examine changes in water sources and weather, alongside energy systems and sustainability in everyday life.
Whether you’re from a science or geography background or just have a natural curiosity about the world around you, this degree offers a profound knowledge about the planet Earth and equips you with skills and theories required to address environmental challenges.
Placement Year
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
Our BSc Environmental Sciences with a Placement Year 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 you gained on your degree.
Careers
Career Pathways
Graduates of the BSc in Environmental Sciences with a Placement Year can pursue careers in:
- Environmental consultant: Advise organisations on how to deal with environmental risks, create sustainable plans, and lower their impact on nature
- Biodiversity conservationist: develop strategies to protect ecosystems and species through applied habitat restoration and stakeholder collaboration
- GIS and data analyst: collect, analyse, and visualise spatial data to support planning, decision-making, and problem-solving across diverse sectors
- Meteorologist: study atmospheric conditions to forecast weather, analyse climate patterns, and communicate risks to the wider public
- Scientific researcher: design and conduct experiments to generate new knowledge and advance understanding across scientific disciplines
Career Support
Career skills are part of every module in the course. We work closely with UEA’s careers service to help you think about your future and record your achievements through the UEA Award. You’ll also be able to meet employers, explore career ideas, speak with mentors, and apply for internships, volunteering, and graduate jobs.
After the Course
When you finish the course, you’ll have the skills to work as an environmental scientist in different organisations and help find solutions to today’s environmental challenges.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year begins with a year of compulsory modules to establish your knowledge of essential topics. We’ll introduce you to the general physical, chemical, and biological principles that govern our environment, as well as key issues around sustainability and human society, and how they interact in some of the major global challenges facing us today. You’ll also develop skills in planning and carrying out research, working in the lab and in the field, and in statistics, mathematics, and coding at an appropriate level.
Compulsory Modules
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.
Structure
Having built a solid foundation in year one, in year two, you'll now enjoy the freedom to tailor your course around your interests. You’ll 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 skill-based modules. You may also request to take a complementary module from another school of the university. In the latter part of the year, you'll begin conceptualising your independent final year project with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor, with potential for summer fieldwork and data collection.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)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.
Structure
Your placement year isn’t formally taught but offers a wealth of learning opportunities. You’ll reflect on what you gain over the course of the year with support from an academic mentor. Typically, 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 connections throughout the UK and beyond and will support you through highly competitive application processes to secure you the best possible placement. Positions are usually paid, but the amounts vary.
Compulsory Modules
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.
Structure
Your final year is partly devoted to your independent project, taking up the equivalent of one module per semester. As a student-led project, this allows you to develop highly desirable skills in project management as well as acquiring in-depth knowledge and, where relevant, field and lab skills, all with support from your academic supervisor. As with year two, you have full choice for your remaining modules from a range that includes applied and interdisciplinary options across the full breadth of the environmental sciences. Within this, you have the option of taking one second year module if there was something you couldn’t fit into the previous year, and again there is the option to request a relevant module from another school of study. Field courses are self-contained and run in the summer before the academic year.
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)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.
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Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Our teaching is modular. Typically, a module will include two 50-minute lectures per week plus practical or seminar classes where you'll deepen your understanding of the material. You’ll conduct experiments in our state-of-the-art laboratories, and develop highly valued transferable skills in data analysis, spatial visualisation and science communication. You'll gain important field skills and have the exciting opportunity to embark on local, national, and international fieldwork. Our flagship UK‑based residential field course in year one, held during the spring break, will allow you to broaden your disciplinary knowledge, develop field skills, and strengthen your sense of community within the course.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed in different ways during the course, and each type of work will count toward your final module mark. As well as exams, you may complete essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, lab reports, fieldwork, seminars, presentations, posters, and blogs. You’ll also do practice assessments during the course so you can receive feedback and improve before submitting your final work. All modules count equally toward your final mark for the year.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Contextual offer: BBC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
BTEC
DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Countryside Management or Animal Management.
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Countryside Management or Animal Management.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
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 Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Contextual: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics at Merit.
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit. We accept: Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction or Science
Foundation Year options:
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.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in Geography, Environmental Systems and Societies, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Highers
AAABB including grade A Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include 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.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in either Geography, Environmental Systems and Societies, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in Geography, Environmental Systems and Societies, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Highers
AAABB including grade A Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) 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.
- 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):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) 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, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include 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.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £29,300
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) 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’re 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: