MSci Environmental Sciences with a Year Abroad
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Sciences
- UCAS Course Code
- F76A
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
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're impacted by, and affect, our society, politics and culture in this era of the Anthropocene.
Our Environmental Sciences Master’s programme with a year abroad explores questions such as: 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 sort of questions that fascinate you, and you want to experience life in another country, with a view to possibly going on to a PhD, then this advanced four-year integrated Master's degree with a year abroad 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 humanity. The need for environmental scientists who can help us respond to these challenges and ‘make a difference’ at local and global scale has never been greater. This degree will help you become one of these essential people.
At UEA, 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 also gain important field skills and have the rewarding opportunity to embark on national and international fieldwork in places such as Greece, Ireland, Swaziland, or Peru. On this exciting programme, you’ll spend your third year abroad studying at one of our partner universities across Europe, North America, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. As well as enriching your knowledge, your time abroad is a great way to build contacts and strengthen your resilience and adaptability, as well as being an unforgettable and life-changing experience.
Upon graduating, you’ll be a highly trained environmental scientist, well-equipped to take up a rewarding position in the public or private sector. Alternatively, you may wish to continue your studies into further postgraduate research where you can provide real world solutions to today’s environmental challenges. Check out Jessie’s story, who is currently taking part in exciting Arctic research, having completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Environmental Sciences at UEA.
Year Abroad
You’ll spend your third year living and studying abroad, with the exciting opportunity to choose from a range of partner institutions with different specialisms.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
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 ongoing commitment to developing the knowledge and skills you gained in your degree.
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This course is accredited by
Study and Modules
Structure
This four-year degree programme 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 and mathematics 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 develop the knowledge and skills you need to support your module choices in years two and three. Our flagship UK-based residential field course during the spring break will let you broaden your disciplinary knowledge and develop field skills, as well as strengthening community within the course.
Assessment
We use various 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, 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 skills-based modules. You may also request to take a complementary module from another School of the university.
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 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 over the spring break, while other modules may include local half-day field excursions.
Assessment
As for year one, 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 assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback before completing summative work. Years two, three and four are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final degree mark.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our many partner universities in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe. You’ll be able to select the institution based on the specialisms it offers and agree an individual programme of study with your academic adviser. Your marks will be transferred back to UEA to contribute to your final degree result.
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
Year three is spent studying abroad, so teaching and learning will vary between our partner institutions. You'll retain access to UEA online learning and support resources via the library and other means.
Assessment
In year three, there will be variations on module assessment methods and coursework assessment methods according to your chosen partner institution. Years two, three and four are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final degree mark.
Structure
In your fourth year, you’ll undertake an individual research project investigating a specialist area in professional depth with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor. Alongside this, you’ll choose three modules from a range including topics such as environmental pollution, geoengineering the climate, and sustainable consumption.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max 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 four includes significant time on an independent project, accounting for half of your credits this year. As with year two you’ll have full choice for your remaining modules, although all must be at Master's level. Fourth-year field courses are self-contained and run in the summer before the academic year.
Assessment
On your return to UEA, assessment methods will vary across modules as before, 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. Aside from the independent projects, there is no structural difference in assessment across the UEA-based academic years of your degree, with any variation stemming from your choice of modules. Years two, three and four are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final degree mark.
Employability
After the Course
Employability is embedded in our modules, helping you develop your career aspirations throughout your course. We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service to help you track and reflect on your activities via the UEA Award. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet employers (including alumni), explore your career options, speak to industry mentors, and apply for internships, volunteering, and rewarding 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.
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Graduate Careers and Employability
Graduates who dedicate themselves to the study of the environment find themselves in high demand. As they achieve their degrees in fields re...
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Careers after UEA
After graduating from UEA in 2019, I joined Hydrock as a Graduate Air Quality Consultant and was promoted after 18 months. Over the past thr...
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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 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.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Contextual offer: BBB including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability,Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Countryside Management or Animal Management.
Contextual offer: DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Countryside Management or Animal Management.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus B at A-Level, or DD plus B at A-Level in Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Contextual offer: DD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus C at A-Level, or DD plus C at A-Level in Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Extended Certificate: D in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus AB at A-Level, or D plus AB at A-Level in Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Contextual offer: D in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus BB at A-Level, or D plus BB at A-Level in Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
NOTE: For Animal Management we accept Extended Diploma only as content not acceptable for other BTEC suites.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Accepted subjects: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, and 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 Science with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL5 in Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Highers
AAAAA including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC including Geography, Geology, Maths, 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.
- 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 page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
AAB including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL5 in Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
- INTO UEA
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.
- 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 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.
-
- 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.
- 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.
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 fourth 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 year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees webpages.
There will be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
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: