Undergraduate study
The Environment Department at York focuses on research and learning of subjects related to the environment. Our Department provides a bridge across the three natural and social sciences and offers three distinct undergraduate degree programmes:
Download a copy of the Environment Department Brochure (PDF 
, 1,260kb)
Extended degrees
All three undergraduate degree programmes are available as extended degrees, with first year input from our colleagues at York College. The aim of this four-year degree pathway is to provide access to higher education for a wider section of society.
The content of the foundation year of the degree programmes has been designed by University and College staff to prepare students to continue on to one of the three degrees offered by Environment, providing that students satisfy the progression requirements.
Students pursuing the Extended Degree develop appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes as well as gaining an appreciation of the value of independent enquiry, thus enhancing the necessary skills for lifelong learning.
The first year of the Extended Degree (120 credits) has a modular structure and all modules are compulsory.
Topics include:
- Academic Skills
- Personal Development
- Maths and Stats
- Geographical Information Systems
- Environmental Chemistry
- Living Organisms and Environment
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography and Sustainability
- Individual Project
For further information on the Extended Degree, please contact:
Dr Samarthia Thankappan
Environment Department
University of York
York
YO10 5DD
United Kingdom
Teaching & assessment
The teaching and learning strategy within Environment is designed to provide students with opportunities to experience a wide range of learning environments and approaches. These include:
- lectures
- workshops
- laboratory practicals
- computer practicals
- a field course
- field trips
- and research projects
all of which vary in form and content. Applied field research is an important part of this course, and you undertake an environmental management research project each academic year. There is a mixture of independent and group-based work in each year of each of the degrees.
We use a diversity of assessment approaches to ensure that the skills and abilities of all student are properly captured. These approaches include written tests, field course reports, essays, practical and project reports, oral presentations and examinations.
The final degree classification award is based on the marks obtained in Year 2 and Year 3.
Study abroad
It may be possible to spend your second year studying in an environmental programme at one of the universities in North America with which the University of York has exchange agreements, where equivalent material is delivered by those institutions.
In addition. there is an opportunity to undertake your independent project work in the final year in Newfoundland, Canada, through the joint programmes between Environment and Memorial University at Corner Brook.
Previous students who have done this thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from their time overseas.
Admissions
Applicants are offered conditional or unconditional offers on the basis of their predicted or actual qualifications, respectively.
There are no formal interviews. We meet students at University Open Days and applicants to whom we have offered places are encouraged to attend one of the departmental open days held during the Spring term.
Mature students are particularly encouraged to apply and we welcome enquiries and prearranged visits from such applicants.
You@York
If you have received an offer from the University of York, you will be given access to your own personal space at You@York - your personal gateway to the information you will need when deciding if York is the university for you. You will receive your username and password when you receive your offer letter from the University of York.
Fees
Please visit the Student Financial Support Unit's web pages for detailed information on tuition costs, fees and other expenditure associated with undergraduate study at the University of York.