MSci Environmental Sciences with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Sciences
- UCAS Course Code
- F76A
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
What is the evidence for climate change? How does pollution affect human health and wellbeing? How are international environmental treaties formed? What are our best strategies for approaching Net Zero? What happens inside an erupting volcano? How do we treat these issues differently here and in other countries? If these are the sorts of questions that fascinate you, and if you want to study them to a high level with a view to possibly going on to a PhD, this advanced four-year integrated master's degree is for you. You’ll also have the chance to broaden your studies by spending a year studying at one of our partner institutions in Europe, US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.
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 on 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.
This four-year course will see you cultivate a wide range of skills and knowledge, whilst discovering first-hand 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.
Your third year will be spent at one of our partner institutions across the world, giving you a unique opportunity to experience another culture at the same time as broadening your academic and personal horizons. Whether you choose the US, Canada, Europe, Australia or New Zealand, you will study in a department that allows you to explore different aspects of your preferred subject. The chance to examine other countries in the context of your chosen subject is particularly useful in strengthening your employment prospects. You’ll then return to UEA for your fourth year when you will deepen your understanding and work at master's level. 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.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll spend your third year living and studying abroad, with the opportunity to choose from a range of partner institutions with different specialisms.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website
Study and Modules
Structure
This four-year degree programme begins with a year of compulsory modules to establish your knowledge of essential topics. Our core compulsory modules will introduce you to the general physical, chemical, and biological principles that govern our environment, 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 maths at an appropriate level.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(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
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 will engage further with the material to deepen your understanding. 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 year-long skills modules plus four semester-based topic modules, ensuring applicants with a diverse range of entry qualifications can develop the knowledge and skills needed to support choice in years 2 and 3. A compulsory (funded) week-long residential field course in Devon takes place within the Easter break and allows you to 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. Aside from the independent projects, there is no structural difference in assessment across the UEA-based academic years of the degree, with any variation stemming from your choice of modules. In year 3 there will be variations according to your chosen partner institution. Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters, and blogs. We also use formative assessments throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year, and years 2, 3 and 4 are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final degree mark.
Structure
With a solid foundation built, you will now enjoy the freedom to tailor your course around your own 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 part of the university.
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)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 will engage further with the material to deepen your understanding. 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 Two offers full choice across our modules, allowing you to build a degree appropriate to your interests and intended future path. Optional UK-based field courses are generally offered over Easter while other modules may include local half-day field excursions.
Assessment
We use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Aside from the independent projects, there is no structural difference in assessment across the UEA-based academic years of the degree, with any variation stemming from your choice of modules. In year 3 there will be variations according to your chosen partner institution. Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters, and blogs. We also use formative assessments throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year, and years 2, 3 and 4 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
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 will engage further with the material to deepen your understanding. 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 Three is spent studying abroad and so teaching and learning will vary between our partner institutions. You will retain access to UEA online learning and support resources via the library and other means.
Assessment
We use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Aside from the independent projects, there is no structural difference in assessment across the UEA-based academic years of the degree, with any variation stemming from your choice of modules. In year 3 there will be variations according to your chosen partner institution. Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters, and blogs. We also use formative assessments throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year, and years 2, 3 and 4 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
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 will engage further with the material to deepen your understanding. 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 Four includes significant time on an independent project, accounting for half of your credits this year. As with year 2 you 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
We use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Aside from the independent projects, there is no structural difference in assessment across the UEA-based academic years of the degree, with any variation stemming from your choice of modules. In year 3 there will be variations according to your chosen partner institution. Coursework assessment methods include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters, and blogs. We also use formative assessments throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year, and years 2, 3 and 4 are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final degree mark.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAB including 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 an A 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
- DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management. See below for accepted subjects and combinations
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBB 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.
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DDM 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
- 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
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H4 including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics
- 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 either Geography, geology, maths, economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate
- 33 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):
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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:
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- 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
Extended Diploma: DDD 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. Chemsitry or Physics.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB 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 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 Acturaial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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 (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.
You are 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
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:
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
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:
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Environmental consultant
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Conservation officer
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Environmental analyst
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Renewable energy adviser
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Graduate sustainability consultant
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Graduate carbon management consultant
Discover more on our careers webpages and check out some of our recent graduate destinations.