Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

• Overview

  Environmental Science is a broad field that encompasses aspects of ecology and physical science to evaluate environmental issues and propose appropriate solutions. If you have an interest in the environment and in applying scientific principles to help solve environmental problems this course is for you.

  This flexible, interdisciplinary course allows you to follow a programme with modules drawn from across the subject of environmental science. You are then able to specialise in particular areas of interest in the second and third year or continue to study a more varied programme.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  Course

  Highlights

  • This course is accredited by The Institution of Environmental Sciences
  • The University of Northampton is proud to work in partnership with RECOUP
  • Opportunities for visits, fieldwork and overseas travel
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.

  Apply Now Open Days

  
• Course Details

  This interdisciplinary degree provides you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge of environmental science and to recognise its relevance to society at national and global levels. You will learn how environmental science can be used to help understand both natural and human-caused environmental change and the role that individuals, organisations, and governments play in addressing such issues.

  Partnerships and Accreditation

  This programme is accredited by The Institution of Environmental Sciences.

  The University of Northampton are also proud to work in partnership with RECOUP. RECOUP works in collaboration with all stakeholders to promote, develop, stimulate and increase the levels of plastics recycling within the UK.

  Course Details

  This flexible, interdisciplinary course allows you to follow a programme with modules drawn from across the subject of environmental science. You are then able to specialise in particular areas of interest in the second and third year or continue to study a more varied programme.

  You will undertake a wide variety of activities and encounter new challenges that help support your theoretical learning. The need for accuracy, critical evaluation, and the ability to research solutions and apply them in new ways, as well as being able to communicate findings to a variety of audiences, are vital skills for environmental scientists.

  You will examine research design and methodology in relation to field and laboratory work including data collection and quantitative analysis techniques. Statistical tools will be used and developed throughout the course to ensure that you are confident and are able to apply appropriate procedures for different sets of data.

  We use field and lab based activities to ensure that you develop a range of scientific concepts and theories that are transferable and sought after in a variety of employment areas.

  Assessments

  A wide range of assessment is used including field surveys, reports, oral presentations, field reports and time constrained tests as well as end of year examinations.

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  Opportunities Aborad

  You will have various opportunities for visits and for fieldwork and there is an opportunity in the second year to undertake an optional residential field trip overseas. Previous field trips have included Mallorca and Tenerife, but please note there is an additional charge to cover flights, accommodation and transport which in 2016 was £550. Examples of previous UK visits include Oxford Botanic Garden, Kew Gardens, the Natural History Museum, as well as field sites in and around Northamptonshire.

• Careers and Events
  • The Northampton Employment Promise.

    *We promise to secure paid experience for you, if you need it.

    We work with employers to understand what they’re looking for and we’re confident that if you follow one of our structured awards, as well as committing to your studies you’ll be in a competitive position when it comes to applying for graduate jobs.

    We’re so confident, that we promise to secure a paid 3-6 month internship for you, if you need it. Find out more about the Northampton Employment Promise, including how it works and who is eligible.

    
  • Open Days

    Discover More

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a packed programme of subjects talks, advice sessions and activities designed to give you all the information you need about studying with us.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
  • Work Experience

    Enhance your CV

    The final year optional Career Planning and Placement module allows you to undertake placements between the second and third years.

    Previous placements have been undertaken with a variety of employers including the Wildlife Trusts, local authorities, and with environmental consultants.

    The placement is for a minimum of ten days and may involve a cost (not a charge) if done in a voluntary capacity.

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    This diverse programme develops the skills necessary to secure employment in both the public and private sectors.

    Recent graduates have gained employment with a range of organisations including the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Wildlife Trust.

    The course includes a career planning module allowing you to focus your future career aspirations.

    If you want to continue along the academic route, you can go onto postgraduate study.

    
• Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be BCC at A-Level or DMM at BTEC. We welcome international applicants and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

  For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  Foundation Study Framework Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation programme is normally DEE at A-Level or MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Contacts

  Course enquiries
  study@northampton.ac.uk

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2019@northampton.ac.uk

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Enquire online
  Online enquiry form

  Applying for 2019
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Stage One
  • Stage Two
  • Stage Three
  • Foundation

  To introduce you to the subject, the first year covers a broad range of environmental topics including biodiversity, ecology, wastes as an environmental issue, and the physical environment.

  • Air and Water – Principles (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1001

    Core Module Y
  • Introduction to Ecology (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1002

    Core Module Y
  • The Physical Environment (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO1107

    Core Module Y
  • Environmental Science Practical (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1016

    Core Module Y
  • Biodiversity: An Introduction (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1012

    Core Module Y
  • Principles of Wastes Management (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1111

    Core Module Y

  During your second year you will be able to specialise in a particular area. At this point you also have the opportunity to go on an optional residential field trip overseas.

  • Environmental Law (20 Credits)
    Module code: LAW2006

    Core Module Y
  • Research Methods (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV2036

    Core Module Y
  • Air and Water – Processes (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV2014

    Core Module Y
  • Habitat Ecology and Management (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV2018

    Core Module N
  • Biogeography (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV2103

    Core Module N
  • Fieldwork Module (20 Credits)
    Module code: 2124

    Core Module N
  • Weather and Climate (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2111

    Core Module N
  • Resource Recovery Techniques (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV2130

    Core Module N
  • Land Contamination and Disposal (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV2129

    Core Module N
  • Principles of a Circular Economy (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV2127

    Core Module N
  • Past Environments (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO2034

    Core Module N

  In your final year, you undertake an independent research dissertation on a topic of your choice. This provides an opportunity for you to explore an area of particular interest and demonstrate the skills that you have learnt.

  • Research Project and Dissertation (40 Credits)
    Module code: ENV4101

    Core Module Y
  • Biodiversity and Conservation (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV3021

    Core Module N
  • Wastes Minimisation and Recycling (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV3018

    Core Module N
  • Sustainable Development: Land Use and Planning (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV3013

    Core Module N
  • Landscape and Restoration Ecology (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV3014

    Core Module N
  • Climate and Society (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO3018

    Core Module N
  • Career Planning and Placement (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV3131

    Core Module N
  • Wastes Prevention (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV3135

    Core Module N
  • Recycling Systems (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV3133

    Core Module N
  • Sustainable Manufacture (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV3134

    Core Module N

  The Foundation Study Framework is studied over two stages and will help you to develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you will need in order to successfully progress to the full award. Once you have completed the two stages you will be able to progress on to Stage Two of the course.

  • Investigations into your Subject Area 1: Science & Health (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN012

    Core Module Y
  • Investigations into your Subject Area 2: Science & Health (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN015

    Core Module Y
  • Introduction to Ecology (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1002

    Core Module Y
  • Biodiversity: An Introduction (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1012

    Core Module Y
  • Investigations into your Subject Area 3: Changemaking (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN016

    Core Module Y
  • Air and Water -Principles (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1001

    Core Module Y
  • Principles of Wastes Management (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1111

    Core Module Y
  • The Physical Environment (20 Credits)
    Module code: GEO1107

    Core Module Y
  • Environmental Science Practical (20 Credits)
    Module code: ENV1016

    Core Module Y

  Module information is quoted for 17/18 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  • the flexible nature of the course allows you to focus on areas such as Landscape Climate Change or Wastes or continue with a broad programme
  • the course includes a career planning module allowing you to develop your employability skills and help focus future career aspirations
  • there are various opportunities for fieldwork throughout the course and an optional residential field trip overseas in the second year
• Further Studies
  • Postgraduate Opportunities

    Further your Study

    Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give yourself a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

    Managing Waste and Environmental Resources MSc

     

    
  • Case Study

    What Our Students Say

    The course covers a broad range of issues and environmental processes in which space and location are key components. Issues of interest include pollution, declines in biodiversity, and the management of resources for sustainability.

    Watch our video to find out what our current students think

    
  • Research

    We are committed to delivering outstanding research that makes a difference to society. Our Research Institutes and Centres work closely with external partner organisations, locally, nationally and internationally. We produce internationally renowned and relevant research and disseminate knowledge on an international scale.

    Visit our Research Hub page for more information.

    
  • Business and Enterprise

    We are committed to supporting and encouraging business growth and we are involved in a variety of initiatives which seek to benefit the wider community as well as students and staff of the University.

    Discover what businesses we work with and what opportunities may be available to you on our Business and Enterprise pages.

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module
  Foundation Study Framework: £6,600 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)

  2018/19 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 18/19 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,350 per 20 credit module
  Foundation Study Framework: £6,500 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)

  Please note that tuition fees for EU students will remain the same as UK fees for 2018/19. For more information, please visit the Gov UK website.

  Additional Costs

  Opportunities Abroad

  You will have various opportunities for visits and for fieldwork and there is an opportunity in the second year to undertake an optional residential field trip overseas. Previous field trips have included Mallorca and Tenerife, but please note there is an additional charge to cover flights, accommodation and transport which in 2016 was £550.

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,500
  Foundation Study Framework: £9,800 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)

  For information on the scholarships available to you as an international student, please see our International scholarships page.

  2018/19 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 18/19 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,000
  Foundation Study Framework: £9,400 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)

  Additional Costs

  Opportunities Abroad

  You will have various opportunities for visits and for fieldwork and there is an opportunity in the second year to undertake an optional residential field trip overseas. Previous field trips have included Mallorca and Tenerife, but please note there is an additional charge to cover flights, accommodation and transport which in 2016 was £550.

  Scholarships

  EU and International Scholarships

  We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply. The…

  The Reid Science and Engineering Bursary

  The Reid Science and Engineering Bursary supports a small number of undergraduate students who are studying a full-time three year BSc or BEng in Environmental…

  Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

• Foundation

  Our Foundation Study Framework offers an exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the entry requirements for this course, we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year course which includes our Foundation Study Framework.

  The Foundation Study Framework will help you to develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you will need in order to successfully progress to the full award. The Foundation Study Framework provides you with a practical and group-based approach to learning that supports your development and your transition to Higher Education, whilst also studying a number of specialist modules.

  Course Structure

  You will study two 40 credit modules that form the Foundation Study Framework. These are:

  • Subject Studies 1: Practical and Study Skills – provides an introduction to key concepts, theories and principles associated with the area of study.
  • Research for Practice – provides an overview of the principles of research, research methods and the learning environment of the University. It will also include an introduction to the academic languages of the subject and the learning experience of degree study.

  These modules are delivered concurrently with two Level 4 modules from your programme: ENV1002 Introduction to Ecology and ENV1012 Biodiversity: an Introduction.

  Upon successful completion of these modules, you will progress to Stage One of BSc Environmental Science, in which you will receive further support through Subject Studies 2: Working with Ideas which focuses specifically on the generation and development of ideas, building the key IT/ literacy/numeracy skill sets required by the programme.

  In the remainder of Stage One, you will take 4 further 20 credit modules from the BSc Environmental Science Award Map.

  Typical Timetabled Week of Study

  Foundation Study Framework teaching may be a combination of lectures, seminars and/or workshop based sessions. Each module involves a teaching contact time of four hours per week and you are also expected to engage in approximately 12 hours of independent study, to support your learning experience.

  Foundation study will, therefore, help you to build a solid understanding of the general theoretical and practical aspects that will underpin Environmental Science. Throughout all stages of your programme you will also be supported by a Personal Academic Tutor, to guide you through the learning experience and help you make informed study choices.

  Foundation study will enable you to acquire the necessary study skills to succeed in higher education, as well as developing your understanding of key subject concepts delivered through taught sessions, laboratory and fieldwork, tutorial and online support.

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*Course data provided by Unistats