Newcastle University

Environmental Sciences (Environmental Geochemistry) MEnv Honours
UCAS Code: F8F6 (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.

This degree gives you a firm foundation in environmental science before you go on to specialise in agricultural and environmental geochemistry in your final year.

In the first three years, you will develop your knowledge in biology, geography, geology, policy making and law, to help you understand the processes within ecosystems and how we can manage our natural resources more effectively. In order to promote conservation and sustainability in everyday life, you also learn about the role of social and economic factors, ethics and public perception in environmental management.

In your final year you apply your knowledge to important societal problems such as petroleum exploration and production, unconventional geo-energy, carbon and nutrient cycling, and the Earth’s changing climate.

Quality and ranking

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

Teaching and assessment

Research-informed teaching 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. This degree is taught within the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Research in the School covers two key areas:

• rural society and enterprise

• sustainable agricultural and food systems

The School also hosts a number of research centres and institutes whose work will feed directly into your study programme including:

• Centre for Rural Economy

• Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability

Throughout the degree you will learn and develop the skills needed to conduct your own research both as an individual and as part of a group, which may involve scientific research or consultancy-based investigations. Project work gives you the chance to consolidate essential skills in planning and carrying out research, as well as being an opportunity to explore a topic of interest in more detail.

In your final year you will study modules at postgraduate level and undertake a major research project. This can be carried out as a piece of consultancy work for a company or might contribute to on-going research work.

Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module; more information can be found in our individual module listings. 

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.