Skip navigation
Environmental Science and Sustainability at University of the West of Scotland - UCAS

Course summary

Overview The combined impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and the lack of sustainable natural resource management will have serious ramifications for the future of our planet. Do you want to be part of the solution? Then UWS’s BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Sustainability programme is for you. Environmental Scientists must overcome these challenges, and by drawing on a variety of fields, e.g., Biology, Chemistry and Sustainability, you will gain a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing the world today and be able to advance knowledge and strategies for a sustainable future. You’ll receive a general grounding in biological and chemical disciplines to underpin your knowledge and understanding of core environmental systems before progressing to study more specialised and advanced topics. Programme highlights • This programme has been designed to develop your core knowledge and understanding of physical and ecological processes that underpin sustainability. • The programme allows you to specialise in subjects focused on ecosystem function and understanding human interaction in the environment, such as aquatic ecology, pollution control and environmental impacts on public health. • Through a flexible and dynamic learning environment you will gain both subject-specific and transferable skills with a wide range of competencies in preparation for future employment. • You will benefit from UWS’s strong history of applied research in environmental sciences that spans across multiple disciples. • Work-related learning, combined with access to UWS’s state-of-the-art laboratories, will prepare you for a wide range of career options. Programme details Subjects covered include laboratory analysis (biological and chemical), statistical methods, geographical information systems (GIS), legislative frameworks, earth systems, health and safety and microbiology. There is also an option to explore these concepts through fieldwork and analytical analysis (at the Paisley Campus). Work-related learning is available on this programme, including an optional 12-week placement or one-year sandwich placement. Careers This programme will prepare you for a successful career in Environmental Sciences, planetary health and one health areas and develops graduate skills which equip students to enter a wide range of vocations, including: • Environmental and Junior Environmental Consultant • Ecologist • Public health Officer with a focus on environmental impacts on human health • Sustainability Coordinator • Environmental Scientist As well as: • Biotechnology • Research • Teaching • Analytical laboratories • Sales Masters or PhD options are also available for graduates. This qualification is acceptable to all Schools of Education as an entry qualification to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education for General Science teaching.

Modules

Year 1 A general introduction to biological and chemical disciplines from cell and molecular aspects to ecological and environmental topics. You will be introduced to the role of an environmental scientist and research specific careers and projects. Additionally, you will receive an introduction to the University’s Virtual Learning Environment. Modules includes: Fundamentals of Life Chemistry for Environmental and Biosciences Diversity of Life ASPIRE (Academic, Social and Professional skills for Innovation, Reflection and Endeavour) Year 2 In this year you will start to look at Fundamentals of Environmental Science and Earth system to provide students with the core knowledge to develop in this field. Students are also offered an array of optional modules in which they can focus their environmental interests on: • Practical skills in Biomedicine and Environmental Health • Waste Industry – Legislation and Licencing • Legislative Framework • Man and the Global Biosphere • Introductory Microbiology • Environmental Protection • Waste Industry – Compliance and Planning Year 3 In this year you start to explore the interdisciplinary nature of environmental sciences including developing an awareness of the political and social implications. Core modules include: • ASPIRE • Environmental Monitoring and Introduction to GIS Optional modules include: • Biological Conservation • Entomology and Parasitology • Wildlife Biology • Field Biology • Environmental Responsibilities • Environmental pollutants and health risk • Environmental Damage, Policy, and Justice • Work Related Learning Year 4 In the final year, students refine their subject areas of choice as well as developing an over-arching understanding of key aspects required in Environmental Science and Sustainability, with core modules: • Safety, Health, Environment Honours Project • Global Climate change drivers • Sustainability and circular economy

Assessment method

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical workshops and field exercises, and guided laboratory work. There will also be group work, literature reports and research projects in order to ensure the degree provides a strong set of additional skills, such as presentation and communication skills. The below list provides a guide to the types of assessment methods you can expect: • Written examinations • Oral presentation • Written reports • Coursework • Academic posters

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
B913
Institution code:
U40
Campus name:
Lanarkshire Campus
Campus code:
I

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

For year 2 entry: Scottish Advanced Highers: BBC including Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics at least at National 5 Grade C A Levels: BBC including Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics HNC in one of the following titles: Applied Science; Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science; Industrial Biotechnology

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Year 1 entry with Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) in one of the following subjects with Grades BBB: Access to Medical Studies; Access to Science; Access to Biological & Chemical Science; Access to Chemistry & Biology; Access to Health & Biological Science; Access to Dietetics; Access to Health & Life Sciences; Access to Radiography

Minimum Qualification Requirements


English language requirements

Academic IELTS with Grade 6.0 overall, with no component under 5.5.


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Scotland £1820* Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS: This course is only open to Scottish domiciled students. Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS. TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS: This course is not open to students who are domiciled in / classified as a student from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar and the Republic of Ireland. TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS: This course is not open to non-EU, EEA, or EU students. This includes those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, who are considered in the category above (same as UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details). ADDITIONAL COSTS: The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career. In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory. Check the course entry on our website for more more information.
Environmental Science and Sustainability at University of the West of Scotland - UCAS