Program Overview

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Environmental Science BSc Honours

Overview

The Environmental Science BSc Honours course at Newcastle University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's physical, biological, and chemical systems, as well as human impacts on the environment. The program combines a strong focus on sustainability with hands-on experience, allowing students to develop practical skills in field and laboratory settings.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked among the top 140 universities globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university's research power has increased by 65% since 2014, with 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading. The Environmental Science program is also ranked among the top 100 in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Modules and Learning

The course is divided into three stages, each lasting one academic year. Students will study a range of compulsory and optional modules, including:

• Mapping the Earth: Location and Space
• Sustainability in Practice
• Academic and Professional Skills
• Introduction to Sustainability
• Plants, Environment, Agriculture
• Environmental Science Field Course
• Dynamic Earth
• Introductory Oceanography

In Stage 2, students will delve deeper into the subject, studying modules such as:

• Dissertation and Research Preparation
• Soil and Ecosystem Science
• Sustainable Solutions
• International Earth and Environmental Science Fieldtrip
• Research Methods in Environmental Pollution
• Earth Surface Processes in a Changing Climate

Optional modules in Stage 2 include:

• Law and Land Use
• Landscape, Culture and Heritage
• Site Management Planning
• Pollution of Air, Water & Soil
• Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
• Oceans and Climate I

In Stage 3, students will work on their own research project, with the support of an academic supervisor, and present their results to staff and students. They will also study environmental impact assessment and choose from a range of optional modules, including:

• Sustainable Development and Environmental Valuation
• Earth and Environmental Science Dissertation
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Current Issues in Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Polar Environments
• Mountain Environments
• Past and Present Climates
• Rivers and Deltas
• Environmental Law
• Career Development for final year students
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Pollution of Air, Water & Soil
• Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
• Oceans and Climate I
• Your Future - occupational awareness
• Countryside Management
• Planning the Global Countryside
• Geotechnical and Geophysical Investigations
• Insight, Innovate, Impact
• Biodiversity Science and Management

Opportunities

The course offers various opportunities for students to gain practical experience, including:

• A week-long residential field course to develop research skills
• A dissertation project, with the support of an academic supervisor
• Study abroad opportunities at partner universities overseas
• Work placement opportunities in the UK or abroad
• Industry partnerships and networking events

Facilities and Environment

Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• The Houston Laboratory, a unique teaching space
• The Geoscience laboratories, a suite of 30 facilities located across the university
• The Dove Marine Laboratory, dedicated to the study of marine biology, oceanography, environmental science, and coastal processes
• Newcastle University Farms, used for research, teaching, and demonstration
• The Great North Museum, home to over 9,000 geological and mineralogical specimens

Your Future

Graduates from the Environmental Science program have gone on to work in a range of fields, including:

• Conservation bodies, such as Natural England
• The Environment Agency
• Water companies
• Local government environmental health departments
• Other environmental protection agencies

The course also provides a strong foundation for further study, with many graduates pursuing postgraduate degrees in environmental science and related fields.

Entry Requirements

The typical entry requirements for the course are:

• ABB at A-Level, including one science subject from: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, and Physics
• 32 points at International Baccalaureate, including one science subject at Higher Level grade 5
• GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6 required if not offered at a higher level

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for the course are:

• Home students: £9,535 (2025 entry)
• International students: £31,500 (2025 entry)

The university offers a range of scholarships, including:

• Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships
• PARTNERS offers
• Realising Opportunities offers
• Pathways to Newcastle offers
• High Performance Athletes offers

How to Apply

Applications for the course should be made through UCAS, using the institution code NEWC and the course code F850. International students can also apply through an agent or directly to the university.