Modules

Year 1 Your first year introduces the foundations of environmental science, covering physical geography, global environmental challenges and ecology. You’ll develop essential fieldwork skills through a UK-based residential trip and learn survey techniques, risk assessment and research ethics. Alongside this, you’ll gain practical experience in statistical and spatial data analysis, including GIS and remote sensing, and explore climate change and environmental degradation through case studies. Option modules allow you to broaden your knowledge in areas such as ecology, marine and freshwater biology or microbiology and prepare you for advanced study in later years. Core modules Exploring Environments: An Introduction to Geographical and Environmental Fieldwork Statistical and Spatial Data Analysis Fundamentals of Physical Geography Global Challenges: Climate Change and Environmental Degradation Academic Learning for Geography and Environmental Studies Options* Introduction to Ecology and Conservation Introduction to Microorganisms and Plants Fundamentals of Marine and Freshwater Biology Year 2 In your second year, you’ll advance your analytical and applied skills, focusing on sustainability, pollution control and global environmental challenges. You’ll gain practical experience with GIS and remote sensing for environmental monitoring, and develop advanced data analysis and research design skills to prepare for your dissertation. Fieldwork, including an international residential trip, will enhance your ability to apply theory in real-world contexts. You’ll also build professional competencies through consultancy-style projects, strengthening your skills in project management, teamwork and problem-solving for careers in environmental science. Core modules Professional Practice for Global Challenges GIS and Remote Sensing: Principles and Practice Research Design and Advanced Data Analysis Options* Earth Surface Processes Sustainable Futures Environmental Pollution Programming for Data Science Ecology and Conservation International Field Course Geography and Environment International Field Work Animal Diversity and Adaptations Marine and Freshwater Ecology Optional Placement Year You can choose a salaried professional placement after year two so you gain hands-on experience with environmental consultancies, research organisations, sustainability teams or government agencies. This year gives you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects such as environmental monitoring, pollution control and resource management. You’ll develop practical skills in GIS, data analysis and environmental assessment while building valuable industry contacts. The placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge for careers in environmental science and sustainability. Final year Your final year focuses on independent research through a dissertation on a topic of your choice, where you’ll apply the advanced analytical and field skills you’ve developed. You’ll also study environmental impact assessment and have the option to specialise in areas such as advanced GIS, water and sanitation, political ecology, environmental economics or community engagement. You will build high-level research, consultancy and problem-solving skills to prepare you for careers in environmental science or progression to postgraduate study. Core modules Dissertation Options* Ecological Impact Assessment Community Placement Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing The Frozen Planet Water, Sanitation and Health Political Ecology: Contested Environments Environmental Economics Environmental Impact Assessment Current Topics in Aquatic Environments Species Interactions *Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.