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.

Biology and geography are an important part of this degree, to help you to understand the processes within ecosystems and how we can manage our natural resources effectively.

You will study chemistry, physics and geology as applied to the study of the environment, and learn about the role of social and economic factors, ethics and public perception in environmental management.

You may also take an optional work placement between Stages 2 and 3, to gain practical experience in the environmental sector in the UK or abroad.

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.

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.

Quality and ranking

Environmental Sciences at Newcastle ranks in the top 150 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

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. 

Study abroad

UK and EU students may choose to undertake their optional work placement abroad, through the Erasmus scheme. You will gain an international perspective on your studies and see environmental science practice in another country.

Flexible degree structure

We understand that you might not be sure which area of environmental science you want to specialise in, or whether you want to study to BSc or MEnv level.

That’s why we've designed all of our Environmental Science BSc and MEnv degrees so that all students – regardless of which degree they are registered on – study the same modules for the first three years. This gives you the chance to build a strong foundation in all aspects of the environmental sciences before selecting your specialism. It also gives you the opportunity to choose to transfer to an MEnv degree if you wish to.

• You can transfer between degree programmes up until the end of Stage 2
• Transfer from our BSc to an MEnv degree is subject to you meeting the appropriate academic standard 
• Progress to Stage 4 of an MEnv degree is subject to you achieving an overall average of 55 across all modules taken at Stage 3, with no more than 20 credits lower than 50

Fieldwork and practical skills

Throughout your degree, you will have opportunities to develop practical skills and enhance your employability.

• In Stage 1, we introduce you to basic field skills through a variety of field visits to the surrounding countryside, including the Northumberland coast and the Cheviot Hills
• In Stage 2, a field-based module trains you in field techniques, providing you with practice in designing and planning an investigation and testing of hypotheses, as well as skills in environmental monitoring
• You also choose to undertake 70 hours of placement work in an organisation in the environmental sector, or to develop business and entrepreunership skills
• In Stage 3, you take part in a week-long residential field course, which develops your ecological research skills and professional skills in writing and presenting reports

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

School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

As an agriculture student at Newcastle you will be part of the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The School's main teaching and laboratory facilities are located on campus in the Agriculture Building.

We are a close-knit community with a friendly cohort of students and close interaction between staff and students.

We pride ourselves on the support we provide to help you make the transition to university study, including a student buddy scheme and a personal tutor to support your academic and personal wellbeing.

You will have the chance to join the student-led Agric society, which is responsible for fostering community spirit within the School, and our staff–student committee, which helps to shape our degrees.