Newcastle University

Environmental Science BSc Honours
UCAS Code: F850 (3 or 4 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

Environmental science is the study of the whole environment so involves both biological organisms and our physical environment, and the interactions between them.

It draws on topics in agriculture, biology, geography and marine sciences to help you understand the processes within ecosystems and how we can manage our natural resources more effectively.

Conservation and environmental ethics, social and economic factors are all part of environmental science and you will have the flexibility in later Stages to choose the areas in which you want to specialise.

Teaching and assessment

Research-informed teaching plays an important role at Newcastle. It shapes the content of our undergraduate degrees and makes sure that you have the chance to cover the most up-to-date theories and discoveries in your subject.

Research in the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Developmentcovers two key areas: 

• Rural society and enterprise
• Sustainable agricultural and food systems

In Stages 1 and 2 just over half of your teaching time will be spent in classroom-based lectures or seminars, with the remainder made up of field classes, computer classes, and practical lab work. You will have the opportunity to conduct your own research in Stage 3, which may involve scientific research or a consultancy-based investigation. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

Assessment is based on a combination of traditional examinations and a range of continuous assessment including field assignments, group projects, oral presentations, essays and problem-based assignments. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Work placement

You may choose to spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 on an optional work placement. This is an opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in the environmental sector and an understanding of the environmental industry. You are also usually paid a salary. 

Field visits

You will have the chance to take part in a wide variety of field visits exploring the rugged beauty of Northumberland, County Durham and Cumbria’s varied landscapes and habitats.

In Stage 2, you take part in a field-based module, developing field observation skills and data collection.

You also take part in a week-long residential field course in Stage 3 alongside our biologists, further consolidating your skills of planning and undertaking a field investigation. There is a choice of locations in the UK and abroad.

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study abroad exchange. Find out more on our Study Abroad webpage.

Facilities

The University offers first-class facilities to support your practical work, including:

• two University farms, which operate as viable farming businesses
• an experimental station providing field laboratories for evaluation and testing of ecologically friendly pesticides and biocontrol agents
• collections of tropical and desert plants in our botanic gardens

School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

This degree is taught within the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The School's main teaching and laboratory facilities are located on campus in the Agriculture Building.

You also have the chance to join the student-led Agric Society, which is responsible for fostering a close community spirit within the School.