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BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (with a placement year)

Understand and manage human impacts on the environment using a multidisciplinary approach

Year of entry: 2024/25

UCAS code

F901

Institution code

Y50

Length

4 years full-time

Typical offer

ABB (full entry requirements)

Start date

September 2024 (semester dates)

UK (home) fees

£9,250 per year

International and EU fees

£28,800 per year

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Discover York

There has never been a greater need for scientists who understand how the Earth system functions and responds to human activities. You'll learn how to apply this knowledge in the broader social and economic context of managing the environment to ensure a sustainable future.

Research-led teaching with a multidisciplinary focus will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex environmental problems such as climate change, air pollution and energy transitions.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

Working together

Our staff collaborate with a broad range of private and public organisations including United Nations Environment Programme, Defra, Forestry Commission, Natural England, Overseas Development Institute and Willis Global Insurance Broker.

Strong links

Our Department has strong links to global policy makers including UNEP and the World Health Organization.

Course content

You'll build a strong foundation in the physical sciences, providing the background knowledge you need to make informed judgements about environmental issues. You will also study the broader social, political and economic aspects of managing the environment. 

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

Year 1

The first year modules give you an introduction to the fundamentals of environmental science, providing you with a foundation for more advanced material in the following years. 

Core modules

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

Year 2

You'll take a range of core modules to develop your knowledge of environmental science. You can then begin to tailor your degree to your own interests with a choice of option modules.

Core modules

Option modules

You will also study two option modules. Examples may include:

Year 3

Your placement year will start in June or July and will run for nine to twelve months. You'll be paid at a rate typical of the industry hosting the placement.

  • You'll have a supervisor in the department who will maintain links with you throughout the placement 
  • You'll write two 2000-word reflective report on your experience
  • University fees are significantly reduced for the placement year

You'll be guided through the process of finding a placement by a dedicated member of staff. You'll be expected to perform well throughout the application process so that you secure the placement: helping you get practical experience that will be invaluable after graduation.

Placements can be found throughout industry, including environmental consultancy, government agencies, political bodies, construction, conservation and ecological charities (subject to availability). All placements will be subject to the University placement approval process and must meet the Placement Criteria.

Year 4

You specialise further in Year 4 with your independent research project, and a range of core and option modules.

Core modules

Option modules

You will also study two option modules. Examples may include:

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.

Learning by design

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

  • Debate, interpret and explain current and emerging issues in environmental science occurring on a range of scales using appropriate methods and norms, and engage critically with best evidence on the impacts and management of climate, environmental and land use change, pollution and development [Knowledgeable and Aware]
  • Obtain, synthesise and critically evaluate complex information on environmental science and related areas from a wide range of reliable sources [Independent learner]
  • Cut across disciplinary boundaries to link knowledge and experience from a wide range of natural, physical and social sciences to understand the complex interactions occurring within and between natural and human environments [Interdisciplinary thinker]
  • Plan, design and execute research as an individual or as part of a team to address environmental questions and problems using critically-selected field, survey and laboratory methods at appropriate temporal and spatial scales [Creator of new knowledge]
  • Critically analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate scientific and technological information and tools such as geographical information systems (GIS) and statistical packages to draw meaningful conclusions from research in the field of environmental science [Analytical]
  • Effectively communicate knowledge, complex ideas and persuasive arguments to professional and non-specialist audiences using verbal, written, visual and digital media [Effective communicator]
  • Recommend sustainable solutions to environmental problems that consider the broader social, political and environmental contexts, and the ethical implications of their application by applying knowledge, theories and approaches from environmental science and related disciplines [Problem solver]
  • Work responsibly as part of a team or as a team-leader to set challenging yet attainable goals and make an important contribution to defining the way in which our environment functions, understanding how it will respond to human activities and developing sustainable solutions [Team player]

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

UK (home) International and EU
£9,250 £28,800

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Additional costs

Field work is integral to your course and comprises both residential and day trips. In year 1 and 2 there are core residential and day field trips. The travel and accommodation costs of these trips are included in your student fees.* Optional field trips are not paid for, and you will be asked to contribute to the cost of these. The destination of our residential field trips are changing. In the first and third year they will be based in the UK; the second year trip will be at an international location. Previous locations include Newcastle, Whitby, Tenerife, Prague, Iceland and Austria.

* The Department covers the costs of flights up to a maximum based on typical flight costs from regional airports bought in good time

 

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2024/25 throughout the year.

Living costs

You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

£12.5m facilities

Our superb state-of-the-art building contains purpose-built labs, lecture theatres and seminar rooms and features a spectacular living wall.

Committed to equality

We are proud to hold an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of the work we do to support gender equality.

Accreditation

Our BSc and MEnv courses are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences, in recognition of the quality of our teaching.

Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award

Gold-standard education

Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).

Why we’re gold-rated

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

You'll be taught through a combination of field-based learning, research-led teaching and a more traditional combination of lectures, tutorials, and seminars. Practical work is a key feature, both in individual projects and in groups.

Field work is integral to your course and comprises both residential and day trips. In year 1 and 2 there are core residential and day field trips. The destination of our residential field trips are changing. In the first and third year they will be based in the UK; the second year trip will be at an international location. Previous locations include Newcastle, Whitby, Tenerife, Prague, Iceland and Austria.

For the Placement Year, a dedicated member of staff will guide you through the process of finding a placement. You will be assigned a supervisor for your placement and be expected to contribute academic work based on your experience. Placements can be local, national or international.

Timetabled activities

In your first year, you can expect:

Lectures4-6 hours per week
Seminars1-2 hours per week
Workshops2-4 hours per week
Practicals2-4 hours per week
Field trips1 week

These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.

Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Facilities

 

Our bespoke building contains purpose-built labs, lecture theatres and seminar rooms.

Teaching location

You will be based in the Department of Environment and Geography, which is based on Campus West.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

Each module will be assessed either by coursework, closed or open examination, or a combination of both. Coursework can include:

  • podcasts
  • policy briefings
  • practical write-ups
  • reports
  • reflective exercises
  • oral presentations
  • portfolios
  • essays

In your final year, you'll complete an independent research project based on your interests and career aspirations.

Careers and skills

The BSc in Environmental Science will equip you with practical, applied skills for both environment-related employment and more general career opportunities. The department has a track record of providing a springboard to a wide range of careers and postgraduate research. Find out more about careers and employability.

Career opportunities

  • Environmental conservationist
  • Graduate policy analyst
  • Flood risk officer
  • Graduate environmental consultant
  • Environmental engineer
  • Oil and gas analyst

Example employers

  • Network Rail
  • Environment Agency
  • Anglian Water
  • Atkins
  • Department for International Development
  • WSP│Parsons Brinckerhoff Consultancy
  • Defra

Transferable skills

  • Project management
  • Feasibility studies
  • Data analysis
  • Research skills
  • Time management
Having a supervisor at York was invaluable. The pastoral care that the University offers helps with applications and interview skills. York also allows you to be independent and work at your own pace, which really helps when you start doing your own projects in a work environment.
Carmel Parry
Network Asset Strategy Planner
Yorkshire Water

Entry requirements

Typical offer
A levels

ABB including two of the following science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences

Access to Higher Education Diploma 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher including Science-related units.
BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM. Please contact us at ug-admissions@york.ac.uk for details on whether your BTEC will be considered for entry.
Cambridge Pre-U D3, M2, M2 including two of the following science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences
European Baccalaureate 75% overall including two of the following science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences
International Baccalaureate 34 points including two of the following science subjects at Higher Level: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences
T levels We will consider a range of T Level qualifications for entry. Please visit our dedicated T Levels page for a full list of accepted T Levels.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Advanced Highers - BB in two of the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology plus Scottish Highers - BC

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
International foundation programme Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Additional requirements

You should also have GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent.

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to three A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities, YESS, YorWay to York. More about widening participation.
Contextual offers If you have experience of local authority care or live in an area with low progression to university, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about contextual offers.
EPQ If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.
Core Maths If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Cambridge CEFR 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
Oxford ELLT 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
Duolingo 120, minimum 105 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
KITE 459 Main Flight score with 426 in each component
Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
PTE Academic 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
TOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
Trinity ISE III Merit in all components

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Applying

To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

All applications must be made through UCAS. There are no formal interviews. Students who are offered a place are encouraged to attend one of the departmental visit days held during the Spring Term.

Next steps

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Department of Environment and Geography

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