Environmental Science

Program Overview

Environmental Science

BSc (Hons)

Overview

This course will give you knowledge of Environmental Science from biological and geographical perspectives. You’ll study core topics such as ecology, environmental management and sustainability, and you’ll be able to choose from a range of optional areas to design a programme of study to suit your interests and career aspirations.

What you'll learn

• Biological Techniques
• Ecology and the Diversity of Life
• Environmental Change
• Environment, People and Place
• Communicating Science
• Sustainable and Equitable Futures

Course structure

Year one

Environmental science is a broad field of study and at Bath Spa it’s studied from two related perspectives – biological and geographical. You’ll cover both these aspects in your core first year modules, along with ecology and biodiversity.

Year two

You’ll study critical aspects of environmental science in more depth – in particular ecology and conservation, environmental management and sustainability. There’s also a wide range of further topics to choose from, either building your course around your particular career aspirations, or keeping your options open with a more general approach. Topics include microbial applications and biotechnology, biodiversity, river and coastal systems, environmental hazards, climate change and sustainability, and science communication.

You’ll have plenty of opportunity to do practical work in the field and laboratory, and you also have the opportunity to further enhance your employability skills with a work placement.

Year three

You’ll choose a subject to research in-depth through your dissertation, and select optional modules from topics as wide-ranging as animal behaviour, nature conservation, climatology, marine biology, plants and people, digital imaging, development and disasters, and coastal and river management.

Professional placement year

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

Facilities and resources

• Newton Park Library
• Laboratories
• Virtual Learning Environment
• A wide range of analytical instruments, field and mapping equipment, and ICT resources are available for Environmental Science students.

Fees

2025 entry

• UK full time: £9,535
• UK part time: £4,768
• International full time: £17,670

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

• A Level – grades BBB-BCC preferred including a Grade B in a Science or Geography.
• BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in a related subject.
• T Levels – grade Merit (M) preferred in a relevant subject.
• International Baccalaureate - a minimum of 32 points are required with a minimum of Grade 5 in a Science of Geography at Higher Level.
• Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher) in a related subject.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Related courses

• Biology
• Education and Geography
• Geography
• Wildlife Conservation

Key facts

• Award: BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
• School/s: School of Sciences
• Campus or location: Newton Park
• Course length: Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year. Part time available.
• UCAS codes: Institution Code: B20, Course Code: F900 or K923, Campus Code: A,BSU

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degree at Bath Spa University offers a comprehensive exploration of the natural world from both biological and geographical perspectives. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with a strong focus on practical fieldwork and laboratory experiences. Students will develop industry-standard tools and techniques, gaining valuable skills sought after by employers.

Outline:

Year One (Level 4):

• Biological Techniques: This module introduces students to fundamental biological techniques used in environmental science research.
• Ecology and the Diversity of Life: This module explores the principles of ecology and the diversity of life on Earth, focusing on the interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Environmental Change: This module examines the causes and consequences of environmental change, including climate change, pollution, and habitat loss.
• Environment, People and Place: This module explores the complex relationships between humans and the environment, considering social, cultural, and economic factors.
• Sustainability in Life and Work: This module introduces the concept of sustainability and its application in various aspects of life and work.

Year Two (Level 5):

• Conservation Ecology: This module delves into the principles and practices of conservation ecology, focusing on the protection and management of biodiversity.
• Environmental Management: This module explores the principles and practices of environmental management, including policy, planning, and implementation.
• Research Skills for Environmental Science: This module equips students with the skills necessary to conduct independent research in environmental science.
• Biology Work Placement: This optional module provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a relevant work setting.
• Microbiology Applications and Biotech: This module explores the applications of microbiology in environmental science, including biotechnology and bioremediation.
• Geomorphology and Environmental Hazards: This module examines the processes that shape the Earth's surface and the associated environmental hazards, such as landslides, floods, and earthquakes.
• Geographical Fieldwork: Hazards, Disasters and Sustainable Development: This module involves fieldwork in Italy, where students explore various geographical themes, including earthquake disasters, flood hazards, air quality, climate change impacts, and sustainable development.
• Climate and Society: This module examines the relationship between climate change and human society, considering its impacts on various aspects of life.
• Geotechnologies for Society and Environment: This module explores the use of geospatial technologies, such as GIS and remote sensing, in environmental science.
• Environment and Education: This module examines the role of education in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.
• Professional Placement Year: This optional year-long placement provides students with the opportunity to gain professional experience in a relevant field.

Year Three (Level 6):

• Dissertation Planning: This module guides students through the process of planning and conducting their dissertation research.
• Dissertation Publication: This module provides students with the skills necessary to prepare their dissertation for publication.
• Geography Dissertation: This module allows students to conduct in-depth research on a specific geographical topic.
• Plants and People: This module examines the complex relationships between plants and humans, considering their cultural, economic, and environmental importance.
• Environmental Practice: This module provides students with practical experience in environmental management and conservation.
• Marine Biology and Conservation: This module explores the biology and ecology of marine organisms and the challenges of marine conservation.
• Managing Sustainability: This module examines the principles and practices of sustainable development, considering its social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
• Advanced Geographical Fieldwork: Society, Culture and Environment: This module involves fieldwork in Barcelona, where students explore various geographical themes, including urban development, wildfires, social inequalities, and urban sustainability policies.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: This module examines the principles and practices of disaster risk reduction, considering its social, economic, and environmental implications.
• Coastal and River Management: This module explores the challenges of managing coastal and river systems, considering their ecological, social, and economic importance.

Assessment:

Students are typically assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. The specific assessment methods and criteria may vary depending on the individual module.

Teaching:

The program offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes. Students have access to dedicated academic advisors and are encouraged to engage in active learning through lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars, simulations, fieldwork projects, tutorials, and interpretation exercises. The teaching faculty comprises experienced professionals who bring their research and industry experience to the classroom.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in environmental science, conservation, and sustainability. Potential career paths include:

• Assistant Ecological Consultant
• Land Management and Conservation Adviser
• Policy Adviser
• Waste Awareness Officer
Example employers include:
• Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
• Bath and North East Somerset Council
• Ecosulis ecological consultancy
• Soil Association
• The Environment Agency
• Natural England
• Ministry of Defence
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
• EDF Energy
• Students have access to a range of facilities, including laboratories, a library, and a virtual learning environment.
• Students can participate in competitions and awards, such as the Best Environmental Science student award and the Oxford University Press Achievement in Biosciences Prize.
• The program offers a Certificate in Global Citizenship, which students can study alongside their degree to gain global awareness and an international dimension to their experience.
• The program is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, providing students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite to develop their digital skills.

2024 entry Student Annual tuition fee UK full time £9,250 UK part time £4,625 International full time £15,750