Environmental Science (Placement Year) Lancaster University

Environmental scientists are essential to tackling the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. From extreme weather events and climate change to green energy. By choosing to do a degree in environmental science, you will embark on an exciting and vital exploration of natural environments. You will study the atmosphere, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and the biosphere, with opportunities to see first-hand the real-world impacts of environmental events and processes. You will be well-placed to step into a rewarding career considering the challenges we face now, and those of the future.

What to expect

Our four-year BSc Hons Environmental Science (Placement Year) degree begins by building your understanding of key environmental themes such as weather and climate, hydrology and flood risks.

In Year 2, you will build on these themes, exploring more advanced topics in biogeochemistry, ecology, and soil science.

In Year 4, you will have a choice of topics and will apply your knowledge to a dissertation project. This will be an opportunity to research a topic of interest through fieldwork, laboratory-based research, or computer modelling.

Getting out in the field

Alongside your classroom and lab-based studies, you will gain hands-on experience conducting research in real-world environments to understand how local, regional, and global actions impact the world. You may take part in exciting fieldwork opportunities in the UK and overseas, from learning about hydrological processes to the management of alpine environments. On top of that, you will engage in fieldwork closer to home in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

Your placement

In Year 3, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 4 and your career beyond.

Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

Personal development

Throughout your degree, you will gain a variety of transferable skills that are valued by employers, including communication and information technology skills, data handling, visualisation, environmental sampling, and analysis. With a year’s experience added to your CV, you will be a standout graduate.

3 things our Environmental Science students want you to know:

• There’s no better way to understand Environmental science than by learning on location and there are plenty of opportunities to do this! You will take a hands-on approach to studying the environment

• Lancaster’s Environmental science staff are internationally renowned academics and researchers whom you will get to work alongside in state-of-the-art laboratories. You will also be assigned an academic tutor who will be your first point of contact for support on your course

• The theme of sustainability is woven throughout the degree and life on campus. Many students are part of LUSU Green, a group run by the Students’ Union that is driving change across the campus and beyond to create a thriving natural environment, reduce carbon emissions, and train the sustainability leaders of the future

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

BBB. This should include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 21 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to have covered appropriate subject content.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM to include sufficient science. We require Distinctions in the majority of relevant science units. Not all science-based BTECs will include sufficient relevant science units. Please contact the Admissions Team for further advice.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DM, or A level at grade C plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BC plus BTEC at D, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements, and achieve appropriate grades in those subjects.

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall with 15 points from the best 3 HL subjects including one HL science subject at grade 6

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Considered on a case by case basis. T level in Science may be accepted at Merit, with an A in core component.

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 4/C, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.