A green landscape with snow in distance showing accommodation used during Arctic Ecology field course in Arbisko Sweden

Environmental Science BSc

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Our course explores the relationship between humans and the environment. You'll develop the skills to tackle environmental problems and help deliver a sustainable future.

We need scientists to respond to some of the biggest environmental challenges:

  • climate change
  • biodiversity loss of species and habitat
  • environmental pollution

Study a wide range of subjects including geography and biology with the flexibility to specialise in your area of interest.

All environmental sciences students will complete fieldwork and gain practical skills. This real-world experience allows you to apply your knowledge and develop the skills which are in demand by the environmental sector. 

 

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Academic Skills

Mandatory

Year 1

Building a Habitable Planet

Mandatory

Year 1

Earth, Atmosphere and Oceans

Mandatory

Year 1

Environmental Science and Society

Mandatory

Year 1

Geographical Information Systems for Environmental Monitoring

Mandatory

Year 1

Principles of Ecology

Mandatory

Year 2

Climate Change Science

Mandatory

Year 2

Ecological Surveying

Mandatory

Year 2

Ecosystem Processes

Mandatory

Year 2

Environmental Geochemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Research and Professional Skills

Mandatory

Year 2

Soils

Optional

Year 2

Biological Photography and Imaging I

Optional

Year 2

Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction

Optional

Year 2

Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Optional

Year 2

Environmental Plant Physiology

Optional

Year 2

Forest Ecology and Management

Optional

Year 2

Insect Biology

Optional

Year 2

Managing Tourism and the Environment: Conflict or Consensus?

Optional

Year 2

Practical Policy Making

Optional

Year 2

The Green Planet

Optional

Year 2

The Urban Environment

Optional

Year 2

Tourism Futures: The Challenge of Sustainability

Mandatory

Year 3

Research project in Environmental Science

Optional

Year 3

Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society

Optional

Year 3

Arctic Ecology Field Course

Optional

Year 3

Climate Change Mitigation

Optional

Year 3

Computer Modelling in Science: Applications

Optional

Year 3

Engineering Sustainability

Optional

Year 3

Environmental Biotechnology

Optional

Year 3

Environmental Pollutants: Fate, Impact and Remediation

Optional

Year 3

Palaeobiology

Optional

Year 3

Plant Ecophysiology

Optional

Year 3

Environmental Pollution Field Course

Optional

Year 3

Sustainable Soil Management

Optional

Year 3

Tropical Ecology and Conservation

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Wednesday 6 March 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching methods

  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Problem-based learning
  • Computer labs
  • Field courses
  • Practical classes

We use a range of assessment methods, including exams, essays, verbal presentations and practicals. You will receive a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how we will assess your work.

Your work will be marked on time and you will receive regular feedback. You must pass each year to progress. This typically means that you will need to achieve marks of at least 40% in each module.

Students who do not achieve an average 55% mark at the end of Year 2 will transfer to the three year BSc programme. Full details on our marking criteria and structure will be provided at your induction.

To study abroad as part of your degree, you must meet minimum academic requirements in year one.

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Group project
  • Lab reports
  • Oral exam
  • Poster presentation
  • Research project
  • Written exam

In your first year, you will take 120 credits of modules. As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. You will spend around half of your time in lectures, seminars and practicals. The remaining time will be independent study.

You could work for conservation organisations, environmental consultancies, alternative energy companies, local authorities and government agencies.

Roles include:

  • environmental education
  • officers
  • consultants
  • marine biologists
  • nature conservation officers
  • hydrology, recycling and sustainability officer

These degrees can also lead into roles in teaching, scientific journalism or further research degrees.

Average starting salary and career progression

86.40% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Science secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £27,834.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

University undergraduate student Cole Pearce studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

I chose an environmental science degree because I enjoyed science and this degree covered a wide range of topics. I didn’t know what career path I wanted to take so the flexibility within this course allowed me to explore different areas and then specialise in the ones I enjoyed.

Student

University of Nottingham

Course data

Open Day June 2022