Environmental Science with Placement Newcastle University

Course Overview

This degree covers the whole environment, from biological organisms to our physical environment, and the interactions between them. It includes a year-long work placement to boost your employability.

At a Glance

UCAS Code
F851

UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21

Degree Awarded
BSc Honours

Course Duration
4 Years

Entry Requirements
A Level: ABB
IB: 34 points

Opportunities
Study abroad
Work placement

Download course PDF

This degree follow the same programme as our Environmental Sciences BSc Honours degree but includes a year's work placement.

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

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.

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

Between Stages 2 and 3 you take a year-long work placement in a relevant environmental sector. This gives you the chance to put your learning into practise and gain valuable work experience, helping you stand out in the graduate job market.

Highlights of this degree

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

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.

Work placement

You may choose to spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 on an optional work placement.

This is an opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in the environmental sector and an understanding of the environmental industry. You are also usually paid a salary.

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

Entry requirements for this course

Contact Newcastle University to find course entry requirements.

View foundation and pathway programmes to help you meet academic and language entry requirements.