BSc (Hons) Environmental Sciences
Course
options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F900
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Study and Modules
Structure
This three-year degree programme begins with a year of compulsory modules to establish your knowledge on essential topics. These will 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
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
Our teaching is modular. The standard pattern is three modules per semester, but with some variation to accommodate self-contained summer field courses, or year-long modules. Typically, a module will include one or two lectures per week plus related practical or seminar sessions where you'll deepen your understanding of the material. Reading and assessment work outside class further supports your learning. Teaching and assessment styles will vary by module, including the use of digital tools and innovative classroom techniques.
Year one has two research and data skills modules, plus four topic modules, ensuring you can develop the knowledge and skills needed to support your module choices in years two and three. Our flagship UK-based residential field course during the spring break will allow you to broaden your disciplinary knowledge and develop field skills, as well as strengthening community within the course.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Coursework assessment methods may include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters, and blogs. We also use practice or ‘formative’ assessment methods throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing your final or ‘summative’ work. All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year.
Structure
Having built a solid foundation in year one, 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 skills-based modules. You may also request to take a complementary module from another School in 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)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
Year two offers you full choice across our modules, allowing you to build a degree appropriate to your interests and intended career path. Optional international field courses are available but if you prefer the low carbon options, UK-based field courses are generally offered during the spring break, while other modules may include local half-day field excursions.
Assessment
As for year one, in year two assessment methods vary across modules, and coursework assessments range from essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters, and blogs. We use formative assessments throughout each module so that you can gain feedback before completing summative work. Years two and three are weighted 40:60 to determine your final degree mark.
Structure
You'll continue to work on your independent project across the year but especially in semester one. You’ll select a further two modules per semester from a range that includes applied and interdisciplinary options such as environmental consultancy, biodiversity conservation and catchment management. 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.
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
Year three 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 such as environmental consultancy, biodiversity conservation and catchment management. 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 in another School of study. Third-year field courses are self-contained and run in the summer before the academic year
Assessment
As for previous years, assessment methods will vary across modules, and coursework assessment methods may include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters, and blogs. We use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback before completing summative work. Years two and three are weighted 40:60 to determine your final degree mark.
Aside from the third-year independent project, there is no structural difference in assessment across the years of the degree, with any variation stemming from your choice of modules.
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