Environmental Science BSc Honours

Clearing - How to apply

What is Clearing?

Each year, universities may have spaces left on their courses after the application window has closed in June.

UCAS Clearing is your opportunity to snap up one of these places, even if you didn't apply to the university prior to the June deadline.

It also gives you a second chance to go to university if you didn't get the grades you needed for your firm and insurance offers.

How do I get in touch?

Our Clearing entry requirements may differ from those advertised; contacting our friendly advisers is the best way to find out if you’re eligible for a place.

You can get in touch through live chat or our hotlines. Call us on 0800 073 5050, or if you’re an international student calling from outside the UK, call: +44 191 222 5000.

Not available in Clearing

This course is not available in Clearing 2024.

This means there are no spaces available for Clearing 2024. If you can't find vacancies in your original course or subject area, try exploring other subjects in a related field.

Search our courses in Clearing

Course overview

To tackle environmental issues on both a local and global scale, we must understand the Earth system – our geology, ecosystems, atmosphere and oceans - and how human activities like natural resource use and intensive farming, influence this.

Our Environmental Science degree combines this knowledge with a strong focus on sustainability.

Our location near Northumberland provides the ideal setting for hands-on experience. You'll have access to forests and coasts combined with a rich industrial history.

You’ll be working on real-world problems with our industry partners and leading researchers collecting data in the field and laboratory. This will ensure you have the skills to thrive in your future environmental career.

Opportunities to put these skills into action are possible on our field course and in your own research project.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions

We introduce you to environmental science topics including geological, marine and ecological systems, concept and practice of sustainability, and field, laboratory and mapping methods

These lay the foundations for more specialised study in later stages.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Mapping the Earth: Location and Space	20
Sustainability in Practice	20
Academic and Professional Skills	20
Introduction to Sustainability	20
Plants, Environment, Agriculture	10
Environmental Science Field Course	10
Dynamic Earth	10
Introductory Oceanography	10

In this Stage you delve deeper into the subject. You study compulsory modules that cover the practice of environmental science, terrestrial ecosystems and pollution. You will also take part in a residential field course, developing your research and practical skills.

Optional modules allow you to specialise in areas such as the oceans, conservation or landscape and heritage. You will develop your professional skills with a focus on research skills, data analysis and career development.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Dissertation and Research Preparation	10
Soil and Ecosystem Science	10
Sustainable Solutions	10
International Earth and Environmental Science Fieldtrip	20
Research Methods in Environmental Pollution	20
Earth Surface Processes in a Changing Climate	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Law and Land Use	10
Landscape, Culture and Heritage	20
Site Management Planning	20
Pollution of Air, Water & Soil	10
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation	20
Oceans and Climate I	20

You'll work on your own research project, with the support of an academic supervisor, presenting your results to staff and students.

You will study environmental impact assessment, a key skill in environmental careers. You'll also choose from a range of optional modules covering areas such as biodiversity conservation or environmental law.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Sustainable Development and Environmental Valuation	10
Earth and Environmental Science Dissertation	30
Environmental Impact Assessment	20
Current Issues in Earth and Environmental Sciences	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Polar Environments	20
Mountain Environments	20
Past and Present Climates	20
Rivers and Deltas	20
Environmental Law	20
Career Development for final year students	20
Qualitative Research Methods	10
Pollution of Air, Water & Soil	10
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation	20
Oceans and Climate I	20
Your Future - occupational awareness	10
Countryside Management	20
Planning the Global Countryside	20
Geotechnical and Geophysical Investigations	10
Insight, Innovate, Impact	10
Biodiversity Science and Management	20

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2024-25.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

In stages 1 and 2, just over half of your teaching time will be spent in classroom-based lectures or seminars. The remainder will be made up of field classes, computer classes, and practical lab work. In Stage 3, greater emphasis is placed on project work, culminating in a final-year project based on a topic of your choice.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Group work

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

Skills and experience

Practical skills

Field trips will form an important part of your degree. They’re a great opportunity to apply your knowledge in a practical setting and learn how to design and plan an investigation.

You will gain sought-after laboratory and digital skills, including in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and environmental monitoring technologies.

You'll also have access to Newcastle University Farms and marine facilities for research, teaching and demonstration.

The Dove Marine Laboratory is dedicated to the study of marine biology, oceanography, environmental science, and coastal processes.

State-of-the-art lab facilities will also be available on campus.

Research skills

In Stage 2 you'll take part in a week-long residential field course to develop your research skills. You'll explore environmental pollution, geology, ecology and more.

In Stage 3 you'll work independently, guided by an academic supervisor, to write a dissertation. This will give you the opportunity to plan and conduct a thorough investigation into a subject you're interested in, exploring current and future issues in environmental science.

Opportunities

Study abroad

Gain a global perspective, enhance your academic profile and open doors to exciting new experiences by studying abroad for one semester or a full academic year at one of our partner universities overseas. Study abroad usually takes place in stage 3 of your studies and extends your degree by one year.

You'll have the choice to study at a leading international university, including:

• Monash University 
• University of Hong Kong
• University of Pittsburgh

You can also opt for short-term global opportunities like summer schools, virtual exchanges or internships that usually take place over the summer months.

Work placement

During your degree you can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an industry placement, in the UK or abroad. Your work placement is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, acquire key business skills and make industry contacts. You’ll get University support from our dedicated team. Work placements usually take place between Stages 2 and 3 and extend your degree by a year.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You will be based on campus at the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. As a student of Environmental Sciences, you'll be taught in the unique, teaching space of the Houston Laboratory. Other facilities include the Geoscience laboratories which is a suite of 30 facilities located across the university. These facilities include:

• analytical labs for field sampling
• gas chromatography
• high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
• inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
• the Dove Marine Laboratory on the coast
• research vessel, The Princess Royal

You'll also have access to two commercial farms near Newcastle.

Our University farms, Cockle Park Farm and Nafferton Farm, will give you an insight into how real-world farms operate, so you're prepared for your future. Our farms are used for research, teaching and demonstration.

You will be taught in the new, and unique, teaching space of the Houston Laboratory: part of a £2 million redevelopment of Newcastle University’s Drummond Building.

You'll benefit from the Great North Museum on campus. It's home to over 9,000 geological and mineralogical specimens. The Mining Institute, with one of the world’s most comprehensive collections on mining engineering, is just a short walk away.

Support

We take your health and wellbeing seriously and are committed to supporting you throughout your studies so you can fulfil your potential at university. This support includes:

• a personal tutor who is an academic member of staff who can help you with academic and personal issues throughout your degree
• a peer mentor scheme which pairs you with a current student from your course to help you navigate your first year at university
• a staff-student committee, to give you an opportunity to have a say in how your degree works
• support, treatment and guidance on mental and physical health from our wellbeing team

Your future

The environmental sector has grown rapidly over the last decade. Increasing environmental legislation means there are many new employment areas in industry and the public sector.

Our graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of organisations including the European Parliament, Meteorological Office and Oxfam.

Graduates from our environmental science course have gone on to undertake roles such as environmental consultancy and environmental engineering, and find employment with:

• conservation bodies such as Natural England
• the Environment Agency
• water companies
• local government environmental health departments
• other environmental protection agencies

Sustainable solutions

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The Sustainable Solutions module at Newcastle University offers you the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals on projects that address real-world sustainability challenges. This hands-on experience enhances your problem-solving skills and prepares you for successful careers in sustainability-focused roles.

You'll have many opportunities to interact with industry through:

• guest speakers
• visits
• industry networking events
• opportunities to attend conferences

Careers support

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for academic year 2026-2027

The 2026 entry fees have not yet been confirmed.

Qualification: BSc Honours
Home students full time 3 years	Tuition fees (Year 1) Not set
International students full time 3 years	Tuition fees (Year 1) Not set

Home Fee Students

Home students starting in 2025 entry

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course. £9,535 is the maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students for the academic year 2025-26. This is set by the UK government. This fee has not yet been confirmed for 2026-27.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

International Fee Students

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages