Course summary

Our Environmental Science programmes, built around our impressive research record, will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of the Earth’s most complex environmental problems. We will give you the knowledge and skills you need to help resolve the world’s most pressing problems in a sustainable way. There is a growing need for graduates with a strong scientific background but who are also able to apply their knowledge to environmental management and protection globally. The Environmental Science with Professional Placement Abroad BSc degree is designed around three key themes – understanding environmental processes and systems; investigating changes and impacts; and enabling their prediction and mitigation. This programme has been designed to provide choice and flexibility whilst ensuring that you develop appropriate skills with a sound scientific foundation. The course includes both core modules taken by all Environmental Science students, and selected optional modules which allow you to concentrate on themes which are of particular interest to you. During this four-year BSc degree you will spend eight months abroad, working on a current environmental challenge with one of a variety of organisations from regional councils to the New Zealand Institute of Water and Atmosphere. Countries like New Zealand conjure up images of pristine mountain ranges, native kauri forests, thermal hot springs and beautiful windswept beaches, but there are many pressing environmental concerns including agricultural intensification, groundwater depletion and contamination, sea-level rise, land erosion, and the impacts of exotic species introductions on native ecosystems. Environmental concerns and problems are truly global and exposure to these issues in another country will broaden your horizons and enhance your future career prospects as an Environmental Scientist. This will count towards your degree and provide real workplace experience. Our programmes in Environmental Science are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). Why study this course? There are plenty of reasons to study Environmental Science with Professional Placement Abroad at Birmingham:

• Accreditation: Our programmes are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) highlighting our academic excellence and our programmes’ professional relevance and applicability to the workplace.

• Fieldwork: Recent destinations have included the Peak District, Tenerife, and Wales. The costs of travel and accommodation on all compulsory field courses will be covered by the University.

• Facilities: State-of-the-art laboratories including an ‘eco lab’ for the study of river systems, soon to open its doors.

• Research projects: we have extensive links with industry including Public Health England, the Environment Agency and the Wildlife Trusts. These links provide opportunities for our students’ individual research projects.