Understanding the Earths's natural systems, how they interact and change over time, is of key importance to Environmental Scientists. By describing and quantifying natural change we can then accurately assess the impact that human activity has on our planet and develop strategies for the sustainable use of the Earth's resources. Our degrees will provide you with the range of academic, practical and field skills that are essential for today's professional environmental scientists. Our wide range of options mean that you can tailor your module choices to suit your own strengths and interests. You can also select your own final year practical-based research project. All our students have the opportunity to undertake a placement ranging from a short mini-project involving work for a local company or organisation such as the Environment Agency or a wildlife group, to a full year of professional experience.

We offer both a BSc and an MEnvSci qualification. Both our degrees prepare you for a career in the Environmental Sciences. If you want to further develop a specialism and have the opportunity to study Masters level topics then it is the MEnvSci that you want. The degrees follow the same path in years 1 and 2 so it is easy to change between courses after you have started.

Students like to specialise in particular aspects of Environmental Science and appreciate the real choice available within our degree programmes, enabling them to build/follow the pathway that best suits their intended career. Recent examples of specialisms that students have taken include:

This pathway explores the mechanisms of natural climate change that have occurred throughout the Earth's history, how human activity has affected the climate and the implications for our future environment. First year options could include Introduction to meteorology and Weather and climate fundamentals. Second and final year options could include Atmosphere and ocean dynamics, Soil, vegetation and atmosphere modelling and Climate change.

Water Resource Management

The availability of fresh water for drinking, nature, agriculture and industry, as well as the protection of supplied from pollution and climate change is explored in this specialism. First year options could include Hydrology, Geomorphology and Introduction to meteorology. Second and final year options could include Sustainable resource management, Hydrological processes, Water resources and Water, agriculture and irrigation.

Habitat Management

Human activity has a huge effect on the range and diversity of habitats on Earth. This specialism investigates how natural resources can be understood and managed. Optional modules in first year could include Ecology; Countryside and the environment; and Biogeography and soils. Second and final year options could include Nature conservation; Vertebrate and invertebrate zoology; Conservation and biodiversity.