BSc (Hons) Environmental Sciences

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BSc (Hons) Environmental Sciences with a Foundation Year

Key Details

Attendance: Full Time
Award: Degree of Bachelor of Science
UCAS Course Code: F900
Entry Requirements: ABB (specific subject requirements apply)
Course Length: 3 years
Course Start Date: September 2023

Other Start Dates

Important Information

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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 is ranked in the top 20 for Earth and Marine Sciences by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023.'

About

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.

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.

Scottish Highers

AAABB

Scottish Advanced Highers

BCC

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

International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science  (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:

How to apply through UCAS

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