Undergraduate

Environmental Science

A group of Hull students sit on the rocks taking notes while on a field trip in Tenerife.
Two Hull students scuba diving while on a field trip in Malaysia.
Six Environmental Science students outside among the trees conducting field work with field equipment and notepads.
Environmental Science student, Nadira Rahmania Hendarta, looks into the aquarium tanks in the labs at Hull.

Look around

You’ll take part in eye-opening field trips to the UK and overseas. Recent destinations include Brazil, Egypt and Mallorca.¹
Learn to scuba dive alongside your degree, gaining specialist skills like underwater navigation and photography.²
You'll spend much of your time 'learning by doing', backed up by lectures and seminars with experts in biology, geography and earth science.
Specialise in specific ecological, chemical or physical aspects of the environment. And choose your own research project on a topic you love.
You’ll gain a range of field, lab and theoretical skills, as well as expertise in environmental monitoring and impact assessment processes.
A group of Hull students sit on the rocks taking notes while on a field trip in Tenerife.
Two Hull students scuba diving while on a field trip in Malaysia.
Six Environmental Science students outside among the trees conducting field work with field equipment and notepads.
Environmental Science student, Nadira Rahmania Hendarta, looks into the aquarium tanks in the labs at Hull.
Cohen Building Ground Floor Lab
Geography, Earth & Environmental Science - Environmental Science

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Code

Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • With a foundation year
  • With a placement year
  • With a year abroad

The world needs people like you. An environmental scientist in the making, who can understand and manage the issues shaping our planet.

Our IES-accredited course will give you a range of practical, field and analytical skills to help you solve real environmental problems.

You can take part in field trips to the UK and overseas. Spend a year studying abroad or on placement. And learn to scuba dive as part of your degree.

And you join a University that cares deeply about a sustainable future for all. Our plan is to be a carbon neutral campus by 2027: the year we turn 100 years old.

  • Field trips

    to places like Brazil, Egypt & more 1

  • We aim to be carbon neutral

    by our target date of 2027

  • Dive in

    and become a PADI-certified diver 2

  • Boost your CV

    with a placement year

  • 1st in the UK for

    academic support 4

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Hull’s growth as a hub in this developing field means there are few places better to study the subject. Our degree will give you a deep understanding of the complex forces shaping our planet. You'll gain a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the elaborate nature of environmental systems, and our relationship with them.

You'll spend much of your time 'learning by doing'. Whether that's analysing samples in the lab. Or developing digital skills such as in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Or on field trips to destinations like Brazil, Egypt and Mallorca.1 And it’s all backed up by lectures and seminars with experts in biology, geography and earth science.

You can specialise in specific ecological, chemical or physical aspects of the environment. And choose your own research project on a topic you love, supported by specialist modules. Plus, you can learn to dive alongside your degree. So you'll graduate with even more specialist skills like underwater navigation and photography.2

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Biological Sciences 2

Explore a range of biological topics relating to whole organism biology, diversity and adaptations. Through lectures, workshops and practical sessions you will delve in to the world of classification and identification, natural selection and evolution, food security, population biology, environmental monitoring and human impacts.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Biological Sciences 1

This module covers basic knowledge on cells and biological molecules and how they are connected to the function of major organ systems in animals, plants and humans. The main topics are cell structure, exchange and transport, the genetic code, microbiology and energy processes.

Core•20 credits

Group Challenge (Sciences)

In a group, you'll formulate questions that can be tested by scientific investigations and take part in weekly workshops with academics.

Compulsory•20 credits

Foundation in Data Analysis

Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high quality graphics; and report writing.

Compulsory•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics A

You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.

Optional•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics 1

This module delivers core mathematics skills to build a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: factors, multiples, indices, fractions and standard form; algebra, linear and quadratic equations; averages and spread; functions, exponentials and logarithms; and right angled triangles and trigonometry.

Optional•20 credits

Foundation Maths Skills

This module delivers core mathematics skills at level two and three to give a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: manipulation of numerical data and converting between different units of measurement; exponentials and logarithms; and standard form and problems involving ratio, proportion and percentages.

Optional•20 credits
8 Modules

Planet Earth

Develop an understanding of the Earth as a planet – the atmosphere and oceans working together to create global patterns of climate and ocean circulation; plate tectonics and the movement of continents; living systems evolving over time and forming the global biosphere; and the surface processes of accumulation and erosion shaping the landscapes around us. The module will help you to see how ideas in physical geography can be used to understand patterns observed in the natural environment at a global and continental scale.

Compulsory• credits

Exploring Worlds Around Us

You’ll find out about many different ways of studying the world around us by exploring a specific field trip location.

Compulsory•20 credits

Marine Biology: An Introduction

From space, the planet is blue. Marine life has evolved into a myriad of forms living in some of the most extreme habitats on the planet; from great depths to battered coasts. This introduction to marine biology explores the marine environment, the diversity of life within it and how to conserve it.

Compulsory•20 credits

Environmental Problems and Solutions

Discover the fundamental principles of environmental systems and the interconnectedness of humankind with the environment.

Compulsory•20 credits

Interpreting Environments

This module introduces you to some key tools we use to interpret the environments around us, such as computer mapping and data analysis. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Ecology (with optional Dive Training)

Ecology is the study of interactions among living organisms and their environment, and is the basis for nature conservation and understanding human impact on the planet. Gain an understanding of ecological theory, applied ecology, and the collection and analysis of ecological data. You can choose to complete integrated PADI Advanced Open Water training, with an opportunity to develop specialist diving skills relevant to ecological science.

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Frontiers in Environmental Science

​Gain practical experience of working in small groups to design and carry out research investigations, to prepare you for designing and planning your dissertation project. 

Core•20 credits

Geographical Information Systems

Develop your understanding of the principles and processes behind GIS, the nature and use of spatial data and the application of GIS on this practical module.

Compulsory•20 credits

Sustainable Futures

Study key issues relating to the concept of sustainability and attempts to create more sustainable ways of living. 

Optional•20 credits

Environmental Change

Investigate how the environment, especially the climate, changes in the past, present and future through a combination of lectures and practical activities. 

Optional•20 credits

Geohazards

Explore what constitutes a geohazard, and the specifics of a range of natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, flooding, and climate-related hazards.​

Optional•20 credits

Ecological Monitoring

Linking theory to practice, this module looks at how we monitor our natural world in the context of conservation and environmental objectives set by governments or conservation organisations. You'll learn industry standard protocols, interpreting and communicating the findings to inform conservation practice or ensure environmental regulations are met.

Optional•20 credits

Field Study (Environmental Science)

Seeing features from this and previous modules come to life. You will learn how to test theories of landform development yourself with new data collection techniques you will explore in groups in a setting carefully selected for its physical geographic features.

Optional•20 credits

Field Study (UK)

Discover new ways to look at our own area – five days of field work in and around Hull, East Yorkshire and further afield will introduce you to the data collection skills you will need for your dissertation.

Optional•20 credits
8 Modules

Dissertation

Choose a topic you are passionate about and make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out, and delivering a 10,000-word thesis. Over the course of your final year you will conduct independent research, supported by an academic supervisor.

Core•40 credits

Earth Resources and the Environment

Evaluate the different types of pollutants impacting the land, atmosphere, freshwater and marine system. Learn how we assess the risks and develop remediation strategies to minimise the effect.  

Compulsory• credits

Environmental Impact Assessment and Monitoring

In the marine and environmental sciences, Environmental Impact Assessment is a core skill that features in a large proportion of advertised job specifications and forms the basis of many jobs in environmental consultancy.

The module engages strongly with industry and practitioners and is taught by staff who have worked closely with developers and regulators in support of EIA preparation and submission. The module uses real-world case studies to illustrate the EIA process and enables the students to carry out their own impact assessment exercise and write it up in the style of a report that would be submitted as part of a wider EIA.

Compulsory•20 credits

Managing the Climate Crisis

Investigate climate change, its impact on us and our adaptions to it, as well as future climate change scenarios. This module uses a combination of lectures, PC practicals and seminars.

Optional• credits

Conservation in a Changing World

Managing and protecting the natural environment is difficult enough, but we currently face rapid and dramatic change in climate, environment and socio-economic structures. Explore the challenges of planning effectively for conservation in a changing world.

Optional•20 credits

Advanced GIS

Get a practical overview of the principles and applications of current surveying, monitoring and spatial analysis methodologies. You'll gain a practical understanding of how to use environmental and social science digital data sources and learn how to build a digital database, including methodologies enabling the processing of disparate datasets, and advanced spatial analysis and modelling techniques.

Optional•20 credits

Field Study (Environmental Science)

Seeing features from this and previous modules come to life. You will learn how to test theories of landform development yourself with new data collection techniques you will explore in groups in a setting carefully selected for its physical geographic features.

Optional•20 credits

Rivers and their Management

A practical look at how we manage rivers, both in terms of the water they carry and their influence of a changing landscape.

Optional• credits

Volcanoes and their Hazards

Explore the key themes and current research-led understanding of volcanological processes and hazards, volcanic monitoring and management of volcanic crises around the world.

Optional•20 credits

Teaching Project

If you think you might like to be a teacher, this is just the module for you! With guidance from the University, you will have the chance to experience school from a teacher perspective. This module will help you get the experience needed to apply for a teacher training course to follow on from your degree.

Optional•20 credits

Professional Consultancy Project

Carry out an independent research project with an organisation as you gain workplace experience.  If you like the idea of working as a consultant, this would be an ideal opportunity, but you will also gain an insider view of organisation hosting you. The module provides an opportunity to hone your skills at presenting yourself to gain a placement, negotiating a project topic, carrying out and writing up research.

Optional•20 credits

Saving our Seas / Saving our Planet

Earth’s natural systems are under unprecedented threat. Complex global challenges such as climate change and food security threaten our ecosystems and wildlife. But what can we do about it and how do we reverse the damage?

This module aims to nurture a generation of graduates with the capacity to answer these questions. Using real world examples tailored to your programme of study, we will analyse conservation and management strategies in place to deal with the numerous threats to our natural world (focusing on marine or terrestrial ecosystems depending on your course).

You will gain experience of producing “real-world” conservation evidence documents that influence how our environment is managed and conserved and develop the social science and interpersonal skills essential for many environmentally-focused careers.

Optional•20 credits
12 Modules

You will spend Year 3 studying at a university abroad. This is an outstanding opportunity to broaden your horizons within a different culture and environment, learn new skills and develop valuable international contacts while continuing your studies.

Spend a year on a paid placement between the second and final year of your degree. You could be with a company, public sector organisation, non-governmental organisation or charity. The experience will help you to develop an awareness of living and working in an environment outside of an academic setting. This is a great experience for employability, but will also give you new perspectives on issues relevant to your degree.

This course is accredited by

Playlist

Dr Alex Riley

Course Overview 2 mins

Tenerife field trip

Course highlight 2 mins

Nadira Hendarta

Student story 1 min

Life on campus

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

Over 80 environmental experts and world-leading scientists make up our Energy and Environment Institute.

People who bring their research, experience and passion into everything they teach. And you’ll get the chance to study with and learn from them.

See more academics for this subject
Dr Alex Riley
Featured academic

Dr Alex Riley

Alex’s research focuses primarily on the use of GIS and field studies to assess the risks posed by legacy waste landfill sites on the coastal environment, and how these risks may change under future climate scenarios.
Will Mayes
Featured academic

Professor Will Mayes

Will’s passionate about field and practical-based teaching to help us manage the environmental issues we currently face. His research investigates how we can better manage the most carbon-intensive and polluting sectors of our economies.

Take a look at our facilities

Flume Laboratory

This is the flume, a device for studying the bodies of water that dominate our planet. It's a 10-metre long tank that can simulate a river, a slice of coastline or a cross-section of sea.

Teaching Labs

You’ll have exclusive access to a GIS suite and teaching labs, where you can develop your experimental skills.

Map Room

The Map Room holds around 500 drawn and printed maps, including facsimiles of maps dating from the mid 13th century onward.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our 7-storey library is home to 1 million+ books, extensive digital resources drawn from libraries and archives across the world, and stunning panoramic views of the city from the 7th floor.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Look around

Look around

Look around

Cohen Building Flume Laboratory
Cohen Building Marine Biology Lab
Map room
Brynmor Jones Library Reading Room
A student, taking a break from hiking, sits on a rock and writes notes while on a field trip in the mountains.

Future prospects

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

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1. Most overseas field trips run in the summer between the second and third year. There is an extra charge, but the trips are subsidised. Destinations listed above are currently included in our list of field trip opportunities, but may be subject to change.

2. Choose subsidised dive training as part of our Ecology module and become a PADI-certified Advanced Open Water Diver. Extra fee may be payable.

3. BSc Environmental Science is accredited by the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), which is the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). CHES is the collective voice of the environmental sciences academic community. It serves to enhance the quality of environmental education worldwide.

4. Environmental Science is ranked number 1 in the UK (HEIs) for academic support. National Student Survey (NSS) 2024, HEIs only.

 

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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