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Environmental Science BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): F750 / F751
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Three years full-time or four years with placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Brackenhurst Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
This multidisciplinary course includes the scientific study of the physical, chemical and biological processes operating on and within the Earth. It is fully accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. You will explore environmental issues including natural resources, waste management, conservation and sustainability. Other areas of focus include climate change, renewable energies, environmental hazard management, and law and policy.
You'll be based at our Brackenhurst Campus – the perfect place to put theory into practice. From geographical information system (GIS) mapping and renewable energy solutions to conservation methods and weather monitoring, there's a huge range of professional tools, technology and facilities on your doorstep.
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This degree is fully accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. -
Study at one of the UK's most environmentally friendly universities – NTU has achieved the EcoCampus Platinum award and invested in many environmental-impact innovations. -
100% of our Environmental Science graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20). -
We're in the top 5 in the UK for student satisfaction in Environmental Sciences subjects (National Student Survey, 2022).
What you’ll study
This multidisciplinary course includes the scientific study of the physical, chemical and biological processes operating on and within the Earth. You’ll develop awareness and understanding of global and local earth systems.
Principles of Environmental Science
Gain an introduction to key laboratory and field techniques associated with environmental scientific procedures and research.
Principles of Ecology
Study the interaction of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors in relation to the distribution of populations and communities within ecosystems.
Biodiversity Conservation
Explore the biological diversity on Earth, focusing on the abundance and distribution of species. Investigate the theories of evolution, causes of mass extinctions, and conservation of species.
Global Environmental Issues
Study contemporary global environmental issues and their underlying causes, including how humans impact the environment and how the natural environment impacts human society.
Earth Systems
Learn about the Earth’s surface systems, processes and geology and develop your understanding of how the physical landscape is shaped.
Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
Explore the Earth's climate system, weather patterns and the ways in which these are being altered by human activity to cause the global climate emergency.
Experimental Design and Analysis
Cultivate an understanding of research methodology, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis, and data presentation.
Law and Policy
Investigate the development, implementation and impact of environmental policies and laws. Explore the important theme of protecting the environment via environmental politics and policies, and the ever-increasing issue of securing sustainability.
Environmental Monitoring and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Study the mapping and analytical techniques used in GIS. Explore the applications of technology across a wide range of topic areas.
Technical Skills
Gain a grounding in the principles, methods and applications of modern analytical laboratory and field techniques. This module also includes a residential overseas field trip currently to Spain.
Sustainability
Appraise the contrasting theories, explanations of, and approaches to sustainability. Review the barriers between the theory and the practice of sustainable development.
Global Climate Emergency
Study the science of climate change, consider the ethical conflict, analyse political arguments, and apply reasoning to the resolution of this pressing environmental problem.
Placement year for students on the four-year course.
Dissertation
Undertake independent research, under supervision. Focus on your own area of interest within environmental science.
Frontiers in Environmental Biogeochemistry
Learn about the latest developments and applications in biochemistry within the secondary environment, including its effects on, and implications for, humans.
Energy for a Low Carbon Future
Investigate how to harness and distribute safe, clean energy from sources that do not deplete with use. Consider the depletion of fossil fuels and the increasing demand for energy and evaluate the choices available for the future.
Natural Resource Management
Explore the principles underlying the exploitation of natural resources, and cultivate a critical awareness of the social, economic and political importance of natural resource management. You will also evaluate the complex nature of managing natural resources.
Optional modules (choose one of the following):
Water Resources
Study the process by which water and solutes move through a drainage basin, alongside basin management, land use management, and water quality issues. You’ll also look at sustainable drainage basin management for supplying drinking water, covering current national and international concerns in water resources.
Applications of Remote Sensing
This module will build on your knowledge of managing geographical information learnt in your first and second year. You’ll learn how to process, analyse and interpret information from a range of existing remote sensing techniques. You'll also obtain information for mapping and spatial analysis using data from both historical and the very latest high-resolution sensors.
Marine and Freshwater Ecology
You will be introduced to the structure and function of different marine and freshwater habitats, particularly the organisms that inhabit them, and their ecological interactions.
Video Gallery
How you’re taught
You will be taught through a variety of methods including group seminars, lectures, practical sessions and fieldwork. You'll also get the chance to take part in a residential field trip in year two, currently to Spain.
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Contact hours
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (26%), independent study (74%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (26%), independent study (74%)
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (21%), independent study (79%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
How you’re assessed
- Year 1 coursework (50%), written exam (50%)
- Year 2 coursework (83%), written exam (17%)
- Year 3 coursework (100%)
Careers and employability
Your future career
As one of our graduates, you will possess a wide range of academic and transferable skills, including research methodology, problem-solving and attention to detail, in addition to the specific knowledge and skills relevant to an Environmental Science degree.
The skills and knowledge acquired will equip you to pursue a career within organisations concerned with sustainable energy use and generation, the protection of natural resources, and environmental conservation.
Our graduates have gone on to work for many different employers such as:
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Environment Agency
- local government
- environmental consultancies
- conservation agencies
- private companies.
You could also progress on to postgraduate study.
Placement opportunities
You can choose to take an optional placement year in industry at the end of your second year of study. This work experience will enable you to develop your skills and put your knowledge into practice in a working environment. This experience is highly valued by future employers.
Previous students have undertaken placements in organisations such as:
- Environment Agency
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Severn Trent Water
- British Geological Survey
- Wildlife Trusts.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Where will I study?
Study takes place at Brackenhurst Campus, a 200-hectare rural teaching estate 14 miles from Nottingham near the idyllic market town of Southwell. The combined benefits of modern teaching, computing and accommodation facilities with natural woodland, wetland and farming estate provides the perfect learning centre for the study of environmental sciences. Our outdoor classroom enables students to test their knowledge and the physical application of their studies.
We have a lively community of students at Brackenhurst supported by:
- modern accommodation
- a Students' Union and bar
- sports pitches
- a library.
However, if you prefer city living you can commute from Nottingham in 45 minutes by bus. Study BSc Environmental Science at NTU and you can split your time between our stunning Brackenhurst Campus and the vibrant city of Nottingham. Live on campus or in the city – it’s your experience, your choice.
Find out more about the facilities at Brackenhurst Campus.
Entry requirements
- 104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Human Biology and Physics.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Access to Higher Education courses
If you’re aged 19+ and don’t have the qualifications to meet the entry criteria, you can study an Access to HE course right here at NTU. These one-year courses are designed specifically as an alternative route to university.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Human Biology and Physics.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons and waterproof trousers and coat.
Tuition fees for September 2023 entry
Mode of study | International tuition fee |
Full-time | £16,500 |
Full-time with placement | £16,500 + £1,850 (placement year) |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons and waterproof trousers and coat.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Advice on writing a good personal statement
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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