In Stage 1, you’ll build a strong foundation in environmental science. You’ll explore how the Earth works – from rocks and landscapes to oceans and ecosystems – while developing a practical understanding of sustainability in action. Alongside core theory, you’ll gain hands-on experience in fieldwork, laboratory techniques, mapping and data analysis. You’ll begin developing essential skills in statistics, programming, collaboration and scientific communication — preparing you for more specialised study in later stages of the degree.

In Stage 2, you start shaping your degree around your interests while building the research and analytical skills needed for your final-year dissertation.

You’ll explore soil and ecosystem processes, environmental pollution analysis, and how organisations respond to global sustainability challenges, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A highlight of the year is the international Environmental Science field trip, where you’ll apply your learning in a real-world setting and further develop your remote sensing and GIS skills.

You’ll choose one core and one optional module from your preferred pathway:

• Environment and Ecosystems (E) or
• Environment and Society (S)

Next, you will select one optional module from your chosen pathway:

or:

In Stage 3, you apply your knowledge in professional and research contexts. You’ll study Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and advanced geoenvironmental sensing and monitoring, developing the technical and analytical skills used in consultancy, regulation and environmental management.

A major component of the year is your 40-credit independent research dissertation. Working with an academic supervisor, you’ll design, conduct and present your own research project.

You’ll also take a pathway-aligned core module focused either on current global environmental challenges or sustainability appraisal and social impact assessment, before completing your degree with an optional module aligned to your interests, choosing from areas such as biodiversity science and conservation, oceanography, countryside management, polar and mountain environments, rivers and deltas, or environmental law.

You will take the following compulsory modules:

You’ll then choose one further compulsory module from your preferred pathway: 

• Environment and Ecosystems (E ) or 
• Environment and Society (S) 

Or

Next, you’ll select one optional module from your chosen pathway: