BSc Environmental Science University of Leicester Global Study Centre Home page Home BSc Environmental Science University of Leicester Global Study Centre

BSc Environmental Science

This degree provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth, its living systems, and the complexity of environmental-societal interactions. Environmental scientists will develop a robust understanding of the science underpinning the environmental and ecological challenges of the twenty-first century, such as climate change, pollution, conservation and natural resource management.

You will gain key skills for monitoring environmental processes and for managing the critical environmental challenges faced by society.

Course details

As an Environmental Scientist, you will investigate the most pressing global and environmental challenges of our time. You will study a diverse range of topics, delivered by staff from Geography, Geoscience and Biological Sciences. Key topics include climate change, conservation, ecology, sustainable development and natural resources.

Mode of study: 3-4 days a week
Intake: Intakes: September
Course length: 3-4 years
Course fee: 9250 per year
Location: Leicester campus

University of Leicester

Course overview

Drawing on material from Physical and Human Geography, Geosciences and Biological Sciences, students construct a degree with their own specialisms and foci, within an overall Environmental Science umbrella. This knowledge is supported by the development of core competencies in a range of laboratory, field and IT methods. Throughout, this course contains options for UK and international residential fieldwork. This new degree is designed to provide students with the critical skills to tackle the full scope the environmental challenges we face and contains extensive optionality.

Benefits

Active collaborative learning
Face-to-face discussion
Outstanding student support
Learn from experienced tutors
Make full use of facilities
Access support
Careers advice

Entry requirements

A/AS-levels: ABB. Two AS-levels considered in place of one A-level. Geography not essential.

EPQ with A-levels: BBB + EPQ at grade B.

GCSE: Grade C/4 in English Language and Maths.

Access to HE Diploma: Pass relevant diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction.

BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with DDM.

International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points. Minimum of 3 in HL Maths, or 4 in SL Maths if grade C/4 not held at GCSE. Minimum of 4 in English Language required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE.

T Levels: Distinction in either Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction or Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Laboratory technician).

Careers

Our degrees are designed to broaden your horizon and to help you acquire the skills sought by employers. Leicester geographers are highly competitive in the job market because of our research-based approach to teaching and learning, which fosters your analytical capabilities, creativity and confidence.

We have dedicated careers support in the School to help you realise your career goals. During term time you will also receive information about careers fairs, job opportunities and career development courses, and other practical information to help you on your way.

A second year module ‘Geography in Education’ provides placements in local secondary schools. Working closely with teachers you can develop skills and experience beneficial to a career in teaching.

We also organise dedicated Geography Careers Events. Recent speakers represented the Civil Service, Selfridges & Co, Hatch Regeneris, the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, Ordnance Survey and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

Modules

At the very beginning of your course you’ll take the short, non-credit bearing Academic and Study Skills.

Year one

Core modules

Evolution of the Earth System
The Digital World
The Contemporary Earth System
Field and Laboratory Techniques for Physical Geographers
Working with Geographic Information

Option modules

Choose two option modules from:

Micro to Macro: From Rock Properties to Plate Tectonics
Palaeobiology and the Stratigraphic Record
Human Geography for a Globalized World
The Cell: An Introduction to Cell Biology and Microbiology (double module)
Spanish Language (Beginners) 1 and 2 (double module)
French Language (Beginners) 1 and 2 (double module)

Choose one option module from:

Environment/Nature/Society
Natural Resources and Energy for the 21st Century
Biodiversity and Behaviour: An Introduction to Zoology

Year two

Core modules

Climate Change: Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation
Geographical Research Design (Overseas Field Course) (Almeria)

Option modules

Choose four option modules from:

Catchment Systems
The Dynamic Biosphere
Critical Geographies of Environment and Development
Geographical Data Analysis
Major Events in the History of Life
Global Change Biology and Conservation

Choose two option modules from:

Geography in Education
An Introduction to Past Global Climate Changes
Geographical Information Science
A Field Guide to Evolution

Year Three

Choose two option modules from:

Californian Drylands
Neotropical Rainforests
Critical Digital Geographies
Understanding Ecosystems and Environments of the Distant Past
Water Quality Processes and Management
Contemporary Environmental Challenges
Environmental Geoscience
Sustainability Enterprise Project

Then choose four option modules from:

Remote Sensing of the Environment
The Biosphere in the Earth System
Stable Isotopes in the Environment
African Drylands
River Dynamics
Ecology, Climate and Land-use processes of the Amazon Tropical Forests
Information Visualisation
Research Communication
Behavioural Ecology