| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
We only have one planet. Our number one challenge is to work out how we can live within the boundaries this presents while ensuring the health and wellbeing, not only of the current human population and generations to come, but of the 8.7 million species that cohabit it with us.
Our Environmental Science degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to develop as an environmental practitioner and to develop the personal attributes required to take on this challenge.
Course Overview
Our programme is purpose built for the modern environmental scientist and centred around the learner as the 'environmental practitioner'. You will develop skills, knowledge and understanding that will equip you for employment in a wide range of environmental professions and beyond. It has been aligned to subject benchmark statements and has been developed in consultation with employers.
You will develop an understanding of the science of the environment, how to assess and monitor environmental issues and identify sustainable solutions to current environmental problems as well as ensure future environmental protection.
The Environmental Science course has a strong practical focus with laboratory and field work throughout including a residential field trip and a multi-year practical monitoring exercise, allowing you to combine theory and practice.
On this course you will...
- Be equipped you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the environment around you, contemporary environmental problems, and technological and socio-economic solutions.
- Develop as an ‘environmental practitioner’, gaining the employment skills needed to pursue an exciting environmental career or further academic study.
- Benefit from field and laboratory work embedded throughout, blending theory with practice to develop the applied knowledge and understanding needed as an environmental practitioner.
- Enjoy easy access to environments local to Carlisle and Cumbria providing a unique blend of urban, rural, protected, and designated sites to explore. Experience the diversity of environmental challenges first-hand.
- Take part in a large-scale, problem-based practical project where you will work with a team to develop your project management and leadership skills, as well as synthesising knowledge, in a practical and data driven setting.
- Take part in residential field studies, an intensive period of emersion in environmental study which provides the opportunity for you to explore different cultural and contextual perspectives and environmental challenges.
Key Details
- Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
- Course Location: Carlisle - Fusehill Street
- Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
- UCAS Code: D401
- Delivery Style: In Person
- Course Duration: Full-time: 3 Years
- Study Options: Integrated Foundation Year
- Course Start Point: September
- Award: BSc (Hons)
Minimum entry requirements
- 104-120 UCAS Tariff points
- GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4/C or above
- Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and Adult Literacy and Numeracy are also accepted
Tuition fees
- £9,535 - UK
- £14,900 - International
Related Courses
- BSc (Hons) - Environmental Science with Integrated Foundation Year
- BSc (Hons) - Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
Course Structure
What you will learn
Our programme is purpose built for the modern environmental scientist and centred around the learner as the 'environmental practitioner'. You will develop an understanding of the science of the environment, contemporary environmental issues, and sustainable solutions to current and future environmental challenges.
Theory will be put into practice with field and laboratory practical sessions as well as external visits allowing practical skills to be developed. Environmental practitioner modules will combine theory and practical skills acquired throughout other modules and will focus on the skills needed for employment as an environmental scientist, such as use of appropriate software and knowledge of relevant theories.
Year one
- Earth Origins
- Terrestrial Systems
- Aquatic Systems
- Atmospheric Systems
- Ecology and the Environment
- Environmental Practice
Year two
- Exploring Contemporary Environmental Challenges
- Pollution and Monitoring
- Natural Resource Use
- Environmental Legislation and Regulation
- Exploring Research
- Environmental Assessment
Year three
- Managing Waste and Pollution
- Energy and Water Resource Sustainability
- Land Use and Biodiversity Conservation
- Environmental Management and Solutions
- Dissertation
Teaching & Assessment
How you will learn
Throughout your study on the programme, you will learn through a variety of different activities. You will be supported throughout your studies to ensure the progressive development of skills and knowledge related to each module. All modules and activities aim to equip you with the skills you need for employment within the environmental sector.
Your learning will include research and experience-based learning, as well as a mix of independent and directed study.
The following activities will support your learning:
- Lectures, seminars, and workshops
- Lab classes
- Field visits and on-site practical work
- Tutorials
- A residential field course
- A multi-year environmental monitoring exercise
- Interactive computer-based learning
- Project work, both individual and in teams
- Reading and interpreting research publications
How you will be assessed
Authentic assessment is used throughout the programme enabling you to apply your knowledge and develop skills to deal with the type of environmental challenges you may face in your future career.
Assessments have been designed to allow you to meet the learning outcomes of the programme, - these can be found in the programme specification - and to support your learning and skills development. Within a balanced scheme, assessment methods will include:
- Unseen/open-book examinations and other tests
- Laboratory reports
- Field projects
- Problem solving activities
- Critical analysis of case studies
- Oral, audio-visual and poster presentations
- Dissertation
- Peer and self-assessment
- Group work
Overview
104-120 UCAS Tariff Points, You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table. Offers are tailored to the individual applicant and their circumstances and can be across the tariff range. Applicants who meet our contextual information criteria will be offered at the bottom of the range.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4/C or above. Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and Adult Literacy and Numeracy are also accepted. A full list of acceptable level 2 qualifications can be found here: Level 2 Acceptable Entry Requirements.
Qualifications
Entry Requirements
- GCSEs: GCSE English Language and Maths
- A-levels: BBD - BBB to include study in one of the following - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Geography or Geology
- T-levels: P (C+) – M. T Level Science is acceptable for entry to this course
- Access to HE: 30 credits at Distinction, 6 at Merit and 9 at Pass - Science based
- CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: B - Science based
- OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: MMM - DDM - to include Science/Geography
- Scottish Highers: BBBC – AABB to include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Geography or Geology
- Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – A2, B1x3 to include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Geography or Geology
Fair Admissions
When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.
Where you have received a conditional offer subject to achieving particular grades/UCAS tariff scores, and do not quite meet these scores, please try not to worry, where vacancies exist our Admissions specialists will review your whole application again and take account of any mitigating circumstances and reassess your suitability for the course.
Selection Criteria
As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to this programme. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained.
Contextual Admissions
Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study. For some individuals, the disadvantages they have experienced in their life mean that they have not been able to demonstrate their full academic potential. Where a person lives and their personal circumstances can all affect their educational attainment.
We take this context into account and look for an applicant’s potential when making admission decisions. The University of Cumbria will make offers at the bottom of any UCAS Tariff range to applicants that live in postal code regions with the lowest participation in Higher Education (Polar 4 quintile 1 – you can check your postcode here), applicants that are estranged from their parents, are care leavers or have caring responsibilities or are in receipt of or received free school meals during their secondary education. Attendance at our Masterclasses and Summer Schools will also allow applicants to receive an offer lower within the tariff range. (T&Cs apply)
Returning to Education
If you are over 21 and returning to study after being in relevant employment for a minimum of 3 years and do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 of our degree courses, please do not assume you are not qualified to join us. Our experienced Admissions and Academic staff will review your prior qualifications and professional experience to support your application.
Language requirements
Please follow the link to check language requirements for this programme here.
Fees & Funding
Tuition Fees
2025 - 2026
- £9,535 - UK
- £14,900 - International
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
More Information
We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.
Student Finance
Additional Costs
There will be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.
Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.
Books and Journals
The University library holds copies of core texts (including e-books accessible online) for students to borrow. Some students may want to purchase their own books. Alternatively, journals (a large number of which will be available electronically through the university library resources) will enable students to source the most up to date research.
Stationery
You may want to purchase stationery for your own personal use (pens, papers and folders, etc.). Whilst you will choose how much you need, typically students choose to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these.
Clothing and Equipment
Fieldwork is a key component of the programme with a number of modules including half/full day local trips and visits. You will be expected to have appropriate outdoor clothing to participate in these activities (warm and waterproof clothing, small ruck sack, sturdy and waterproof footwear). Any specialist equipment required will be provided.
Other
In addition, the programme will include a residential field trip in the second year for which you may need to make a small additional contribution to costs of travel depending upon the field location and you may need to pay for your own food where catering is not provided. The University will usually pay all costs associated with other field trips.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degree is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop as an environmental practitioner and to address contemporary environmental challenges. The program focuses on understanding environmental science, assessing and monitoring environmental issues, and identifying sustainable solutions to current and future environmental problems. It emphasizes practical learning through laboratory and field work, including a residential field trip and a multi-year practical monitoring exercise.
Outline:
Year One
- Earth Origins: This module focuses on the formation of the Earth and its composition, encompassing a holistic approach to understand the Earth system's past and present dynamics.
- Terrestrial Systems: Students gain knowledge about the composition, structure, and properties of rocks and soil, and their role in biogeochemical cycles.
- Aquatic Systems: The properties of water and ice, and the processes within natural water and ice reserves are explored, highlighting their contribution to biogeochemical cycles.
- Atmospheric Systems: This module delves into the structure of the Earth's atmosphere, processes within the atmosphere, and their role in biogeochemical cycles.
- Ecology and the Environment: Students examine interacting components of ecosystems, their temporal and spatial dynamics, population evolution, community development and maintenance, contemporary challenges faced by ecosystems, and the application of the scientific method for hypothesis testing.
- Environmental Practice: This module equips students with fundamental environmental practitioner skills.
Year Two
- Exploring Contemporary Environmental Challenges: This residential field trip-based module offers first-hand experience with various environmental challenges. Students explore the complexity and interconnectedness of environmental issues while developing environmental research design skills.
- Pollution and Monitoring: Students gain an understanding of pollutant release, interaction with the environment, and effects on environmental receptors.
- Natural Resource Use: This module examines human needs leading to natural resource use and its environmental impacts.
- Environmental Legislation and Regulation: Students develop their understanding of the role of legislation and regulation in protecting the environment and the roles of individuals and organizations.
- Exploring Research: This module focuses on developing the skills necessary for conceiving, designing, conducting, and interpreting scientific research.
- Environmental Assessment: Students explore environmental and ecological assessments, assessment techniques, and gain experience with sampling design, analysis, and interpretation.
Year Three
- Managing Waste and Pollution: This module explores technological and socio-economic solutions for addressing various environmental challenges and risks. Students draw on their understanding of pollutants from previous modules to develop appropriate solutions.
- Energy and Water Resource Sustainability: Students develop their understanding of current strategies for sustainable harnessing, use, and management of energy and water resources. They learn to evaluate technologies and management strategies based on environmental impact, commercial implications, and social implications.
- Land Use and Biodiversity Conservation: This module evaluates issues and solutions related to land use and biodiversity conservation at local, regional, national, and global scales.
- Environmental Management and Solutions: This module focuses on building skills and knowledge for determining suitable management strategies and solutions in environmental contexts.
- Dissertation: Students undertake an independent, in-depth research project on a topic of their choice. This module allows students to develop their research skills and gain valuable experience in project management.
Assessment:
The program uses authentic assessment methods that enable students to apply their knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges. Assessment methods include:
- Unseen/open-book examinations and other tests
- Laboratory reports
- Field projects
- Problem-solving activities
- Critical analysis of case studies
- Oral, audio-visual and poster presentations
- Dissertation
- Peer and self-assessment
- Group work
Teaching:
Teaching methods include a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, lab classes, field visits, tutorials, a residential field course, a multi-year environmental monitoring exercise, interactive computer-based learning, project work (individual and team-based), and the interpretation of research publications. The program aims to provide students with the skills they need for employment in the environmental sector.
Careers:
The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers as environmental practitioners. Potential career paths include:
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental scientist
- Environmental manager
- Sustainability officer
- Researcher
- Policy advisor
Other:
The program has a strong practical focus, providing students with real-world experience through fieldwork and laboratory sessions. Students will have the opportunity to explore various environmental challenges firsthand in the diverse environments surrounding Carlisle and Cumbria, including urban, rural, protected, and designated sites. The program also includes a large-scale, problem-based practical project where students work in teams to develop project management and leadership skills while synthesizing knowledge in a practical, data-driven setting.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
- 2024 - 2025 £9,250 - UK £13,575 - International
