Environmental Science (Wastes)

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 (Wastes) 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 specialise in wastes. Stage three contains a number of both compulsory and specialist modules.

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

The second stage includes the following: air and water pollution, environmental law, research methods, landfill processes, mechanical, biological and thermal waste treatments, and contaminated land.  

Stage three

The research project forms the backbone of the final stage along with waste minimisation and recycling. In addition, there are modules in air and water - applications, wastes management law, and hazardous wastes management.

• Field visit 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
• Career Planning and Placement
  
• Contaminated Land
• Environmental Law
• Wastes Minimisation and Recycling

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, local authorities, and with wastes management companies/consultancies. Other graduates have gone on to further study, such as research degrees.