What you'll study
The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.
First year modules
-
Compulsory
Diversity of Life
Through practical workshops, this module introduces you to the diversity of life and the fascinating adaptations that enable organisms to inhabit nearly all conceivable ecological niches.
Introduction to Environmental Science
You'll be introduced to fundamental principles of environmental systems and the interconnectedness of humankind with the environment.
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.
Practical Ecology
A week long residential field course examining the ecology of specific habitat types such as sandy and rocky shores, shallow water marine environments, woodlands and grasslands.
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.
-
Optional
Dive Training
Train to PADI Advanced Open Water Diver standard and develop specialist diving skills including underwater navigation, deep diving, photography, and underwater naturalist.
Landscapes of the World
This module introduces you to different landforms and landscapes found across the globe: from mountains and glaciers to rainforests, coastal and marine environments and deserts.
Second year modules
-
Compulsory
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.
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.
Ecological Monitoring
You'll monitor species, habitats and environmental factors. Choose from mammals, birds, herpetofauna, insects, terrestrial vegetation, freshwater and marine communities.
Living in the Anthropocene
You'll consider profound questions about the scale of the impact of human activities on our planet and the prospects for sustainable global environmental stewardship.
-
Optional
Geomorphology
Look at Earth surface processes from the source in upland areas to the sink in coastal environments. You'll learn about sediments are eroded, transported and deposited.
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.
Environmental Change
Investigate how the environment, especially the climate, changes in the past, present and future through a combination of lectures and practical activities.
Sustainable Futures
Study key issues relating to the concept of sustainability and attempts to create more sustainable ways of living.
Year abroad 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.
Final year modules
-
Compulsory
Environmental Pollution
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.
Environmental Science Dissertation
You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.
Environmental Impact Assessment and Monitoring
Learn about the socio-economic, ecological, environmental, aesthetic and legislative aspects of EIAs, the industry standard for assessing the impact of new developments.
-
Optional
Geotechnologies A: Advanced GIS
Develop your geospatial analysis and modelling skills with GIS. This will provide you with key expertise when you enter the geographic job market.
Adapting to Climate Change
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.
Field Studies (Biology)
Recent students have selected from destinations including a dive-based trip in Malaysia and an exploration of the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil (financial contribution required).
Teaching Project
This module provides you with real world teaching experience and allows you to conduct a project with a school into an aspect of teaching and learning in your subject.
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.
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.
Professional Consultancy Project
Work with an external host organisation on a research project designed to be useful to them, while being supervised by university tutors.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.