Environmental Science (Climate Change)

Three years full-time or flexible part-time over a longer period.

This inter-disciplinary programme provides a science-based degree focusing on the scientific concepts and principles which are of particular importance for understanding the natural environment, together with specialist and in-depth experience of selected topics and an extended opportunity to carry out applied research.

The programme has several specialist routes, as well as a generic programme allowing students to build a tailored programme and slant their degree towards areas of particular interest. BSc Environmental Science (Climate Change) represents a particular pathway on the BSc Environmental Science degree.

Field and lab-based activity is an important component of the course. Avenue Campus has a nature reserve and there are also excellent habitats nearby that are used for practical work.

In the first stage you will gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the principles of environmental science. Core content at stage two includes research methods and environmental law, although it is at this stage that students are encouraged to specialise in one of three areas: Wastes, Climate Change or Landscape Ecology. Stage three contains a number of specialist options depending on the route chosen.

Stage one

Students are introduced to a range of basic scientific concepts and theories of environmental science and the development of laboratory and fieldwork skills.

Stage two

Air and water pollution, environmental law and research methods form the core of the second stage. In addition, for the Climate Change pathway, modules include weather and climate, past environments and biogeography.

Stage three

The research project forms the backbone of the final stage along with air and water - applications. In addition, there are modules in climate and society, water resource management, and sustainable development: land use and planning.

• Fieldwork opportunities in the UK
• Climate Change, Landscape Ecology and Wastes specialist routes available
• Fully equipped Geographical Information Systems lab
• Work-based components to develop professional skills in the work environment

• Air and Water - Principles, Processes and Applications
• Biogeography
• Career Planning and Placement
• Environmental Law
• Water Resource Management
• Weather and Climate
• Climate and Society

A wide range of assessments are used including essays, reports, oral presentations, laboratory and field reports, time-constrained tests as well as end-of-stage examinations.

This programme provides the knowledge and skills necessary for a career related to environmental science. Graduates from this and other similar degree programmes at The University of Northampton have found employment in a wide range of organisations including the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Natural England, local authorities, and with wastes management companies/consultancies.  Other graduates have gone on to further study, such as research degrees.