Program Overview

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Environmental Engineering and Geoscience BSc

The Environmental Engineering and Geoscience BSc programme at the University of Birmingham prepares environmentally conscious students for exciting careers in applied geoscience. Students explore areas like engineering geology, resource management, groundwater problems, and hydrogeology, gaining the skills to tackle global challenges and make a real difference.

Course Overview

Our programme is designed to provide students with a broad applied geoscience education, addressing future challenges such as sustaining natural resources, managing water resources, preventing pollution, improving societies' resilience to geohazards, and future climate change.

Why Study Environmental Engineering and Geoscience at Birmingham?

• The University of Birmingham is ranked 12th in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science (Complete University Guide 2026) and among the top 150 in the world for Environmental Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
• The programme is delivered with contributions from the School of Engineering, which has a new £46.5M purpose-built building to enhance the student experience, including in Civil Engineering.
• The University is home to the Lapworth Museum of Geology, which has over 250,000 specimens, some of which are over 500 million years old.
• Opportunities for undergraduates to get involved with the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) are available, for example, through the Year 3 dissertation (research module).
• Basic field equipment is provided by the school, and costs of travel and accommodation are covered on all field courses. The school also provides some bursary support for travel required in independent projects or placements.

Course Delivery

Environmental and Engineering Geoscience uses a variety of methods to assess student performance, including exams, essays, and dissertations. At the beginning of each module, students are given information on how and when they will be assessed for that particular area of study.

• Lecture
• Seminar
• Projects
• Fieldwork: A key element of the degree programmes, with Earth Sciences at Birmingham having an outstanding reputation for providing high-quality field training.
• Taught Modules: Cutting-edge research feeds into all teaching, including lectures, small group tutorials, group learning, and presentations.
• Resources and Facilities: Unique facilities include the Lapworth Museum of Geology and the state-of-the-art Collaborative Teaching Lab (CTL) with wet, dry, and e-labs.

Support During Your Studies

Students have access to a comprehensive support system to help them make the transition to higher education, including:

• Personal academic tutors who provide academic support and advice.
• Wellbeing Officers who offer professional support, advice, and guidance on a range of issues.
• The Student Experience Team, which helps students get the most out of their academic experience, offering research opportunities, study skills support, and help in preparing for post-university careers.

Contact Hours

For this programme, students can expect 10-14 hours of classes weekly in years one and two, and 6-9 hours in the final year.

Assessment Methods and Feedback

Students receive assessment details at the start of each module and feedback within four weeks. Tutors and the Academic Skills Centre offer support for a smooth university transition.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Geological Society of London, indicating that it offers sound training for a professional career in the geosciences and satisfies the academic requirements to achieve Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status.

Module Information

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year.

Year 1

The following modules must be taken:

• LC Introductory Field and Research Skills
• LC Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change
• LC Earth Materials
• LC Environmental Geochemistry
• LC Field and Research Skills II
• LC Structural Geology

Teaching Staff

The programme is taught by experienced staff, including Dr. James Bendle, Reader (Associate Professor) in Organic Geochemistry, who specializes in molecular organic geochemistry.

Entry Requirements

To secure a place at Birmingham, students need to meet the general entry requirements as well as those specific to the course.

• A Level: ABB including 1 Required Science
• IB: 6,5,5 32 points overall including HL in 1 Required Science
• BTEC: We welcome students studying BTEC qualifications as an alternative to A levels and accept BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma, and Extended Certificate.

Accepted Science Subjects

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computing
• Electronics
• Environmental Studies
• Further Maths
• Geography
• Geology
• Human Biology
• Maths
• Physics
• Psychology
• Statistics
• PE

English Language Requirements

International students need to demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, examination, and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.

• For domestic (UK) students, the tuition fee is £9,535 per year for 2026/27.
• The University offers various scholarships, grants, and bursaries to help with the cost of studies.

Application Process

Applications for undergraduate courses at Birmingham are made online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.

What Careers Can I Pursue with an Environmental Science Degree?

Many graduates work in fields directly related to their Earth Sciences degree, while others leverage transferable skills in various careers. Graduates often enter environmental planning, land remediation, hydrogeology, and pollution control. Employers include the British Geological Survey, local authorities, museums, and engineering firms. Some pursue teaching or international careers. Nearly half continue with further study, such as an MSc or PhD, before starting their careers.

Careers Network

The University's Careers Network offers support to help students identify their options, develop their skills, and gain access to opportunities that propel them towards their career goal.

Related Courses

• Environmental Science BSc
• Environmental Change and Sustainability BSc
• Environmental Change and Sustainability MSci

Student Experience

The University of Birmingham provides a unique and enriching student experience, with a beautiful campus, excellent facilities, and a wide range of activities and support services. Students can enjoy their independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings, with access to a variety of accommodation options in the UK's second city. The University is committed to providing the best possible support to its students, both before they start and throughout their time on campus.