About Environmental Science, BSc (Hons) - at Newcastle University

Course Overview

Environmental science is the study of the whole environment. It covers biological organisms, our physical environment, and the interactions between them. This wide-ranging degree also includes topics such as environmental law.

At a Glance

UCAS Code
F850

UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21

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Degree Awarded
BSc Honours

Course Duration
3 Years

Entry Requirements Icon

Entry Requirements
A Level: ABB
IB: 34 points

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Opportunities
Study abroad

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Biology and geography are an important part of this degree, to help you to understand the processes within ecosystems and how we can manage our natural resources effectively.

You will also study chemistry, physics and geology as applied to the study of the environment.

Topics cover a wide range of subjects, from plant biology and ecology, to sustainability and environmental law.

You'll learn about the role of social and economic factors, ethics and public perception in environmental management.

You'll benefit from expertise at our Centre for Rural Economy, recipient of the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education 2014.

Highlights of this degree

Quality and ranking

Quality and ranking

Environmental Sciences at Newcastle is highly regarded. We rank in the top ten universities in the UK in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017.

We also achieved a 97% overall student satisfaction score, ranking us 4th in the UK in the 2016 National Student Survey.

Environmental Sciences at Newcastle ranks in the top 150 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016.

Flexible degree structure

Flexible degree structure

We offer several Environmental Science degrees including a three-year BSc degree and a suite of four-year MEnvSci degrees.

We understand that you might not be sure which area of environmental science you want to specialise in, or whether you want to study to BSc or MEnvSci level.

All our students, regardless of which degree they are registered on, study the same modules for the first three years. This means you can transfer between degree programmes up until the end of Stage 2 if you want to.

Transfer from our BSc to an MEnvSci degree, and progress to Stage 4 of an MEnvSci degree, is subject to you meeting the appropriate academic standard.

Study abroad (optional)

Study abroad (optional)

UK and EU students may choose to undertake their optional work placement abroad, through the Erasmus scheme. You will gain an international perspective on your studies and see environmental science practice in another country.

We have well-established exchanges with many European Universities, including in:

• France
• Spain
• Germany
• the Netherlands
• Hungary
• Estonia

Find out more about international opportunities on our study abroad pages.

Fieldwork and practical skills

Fieldwork and practical skills

Throughout your degree you will have opportunities to develop practical skills and enhance your employability.

In Stage 1, we introduce you to basic field skills through a variety of field visits to the surrounding countryside, including the Northumberland coast and the Cheviot Hills.

In Stage 2, a field-based module trains you in field techniques, providing you with practice in designing and planning an investigation and testing of hypotheses, as well as skills in environmental monitoring.

In Stage 3, you take part in a week-long residential field course, which develops your ecological research skills and professional skills in writing and presenting reports.

Facilities and support

This degree is run by the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, located at the heart of campus in the Agriculture Building.

Facilities

You'll have access to:

• an experimental station providing field laboratories for evaluation and testing of ecologically friendly pesticides and biocontrol agents
• well-equipped modern laboratories
• two University farms, used for research, teaching and demonstration: Cockle Park Farm and Nafferton Farm

Support

You'll have an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree, who can help with academic and personal issues.

The student-staff committee gives you a say in how your degree works.

You'll have access to a peer mentor in your first year

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact Newcastle University to find course entry requirements.

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