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BSc (Hons) - Environmental Science

Take your passion for the planet to make a real difference as you embark on a dynamic expedition into Environmental Science, where the challenge lies in harmonising human existence with our planet's delicate ecosystems.

You will be immersed in extensive fieldwork and hands-on practical experiences, using the diverse array of environments on your doorstep. From rural and urban landscapes to protected and designated sites, there are a wide range of spaces waiting to be explored.

Take advantage of our industry-standard laboratories to hone your practical skills where you can develop not only your scientific skills but also learn project management and teamwork to give you the tools you need for a wide range of careers.

You will benefit from personal support from expert academics and will be guided by tutors who share your passion for the environment and have made it their mission to research, educate and protect our planet.

Register Interest


Course Overview

Our Environmental Science degree is designed for the next generation of environmental practitioners – those ready to tackle today’s challenges and shape a more sustainable future.

Developed in consultation with industry employers and aligned with subject benchmark statements, this course equips you with the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed for a wide range of careers in environmental science.

You’ll explore how to assess, monitor and manage environmental issues, learning how to develop sustainable solutions and contribute to long-term environmental protection. From climate change and pollution to conservation and resource management, you’ll gain a detailed understanding of the science behind the challenges facing our planet.

With a clear focus on practical learning, you’ll take part in extensive laboratory and field work throughout your degree, including a residential field trip. A unique feature of our course is the multi-year practical monitoring project, giving you the chance to apply your theoretical learning to real-world environmental data over time – mirroring the kind of long-term work carried out by professionals in the field.

On this course you will...

  • Be equipped you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the environment around you, contemporary environmental problems, and technological and socio-economic solutions.
  • Develop as an ‘environmental practitioner’, gaining the employment skills needed to pursue an exciting environmental career or further academic study.
  • Benefit from field and laboratory work embedded throughout, blending theory with practice to develop the applied knowledge and understanding needed as an environmental practitioner.
  • Enjoy easy access to environments local to Carlisle and Cumbria providing a unique blend of urban, rural, protected, and designated sites to explore. Experience the diversity of environmental challenges first-hand.
  • Take part in a large-scale, problem-based practical project where you will work with a team to develop your project management and leadership skills, as well as synthesising knowledge, in a practical and data driven setting.
  • Take part in residential field studies, an intensive period of emersion in environmental study which provides the opportunity for you to explore different cultural and contextual perspectives and environmental challenges.

Course Structure

What you will learn

Our programme is purpose built for the modern environmental scientist and centred around the learner as the 'environmental practitioner'. You will develop an understanding of the science of the environment, contemporary environmental issues, and sustainable solutions to current and future environmental challenges.

Theory will be put into practice with field and laboratory practical sessions as well as external visits allowing practical skills to be developed. Environmental practitioner modules will combine theory and practical skills acquired throughout other modules and will focus on the skills needed for employment as an environmental scientist, such as use of appropriate software and knowledge of relevant theories.

Year one

The theme for your first year will be to develop your understanding of the Science of the Environment, from the origins of the earth to studying the systems operating within the earth’s environment.

You will develop the underpinning scientific knowledge and skills needed to understand environmental concepts and the collection and analysis of environmental data.

  • Earth Origins
    Develop an understanding of the formation of the Earth and its present-day composition, using a holistic approach to understand past and present dynamics of the Earth system.
  • Terrestrial Systems
    Develop an understanding of the composition, structure, and properties of the rocks and soil that make up our land, and how rocks and soil are involved in biogeochemical cycles.
  • Aquatic Systems
    Explore the properties of water and ice, and the processes within natural water and ice reserves and how these play a part in biogeochemical cycles.
  • Atmospheric Systems
    Learn about the structure of the Earth’s atmosphere, processes occurring within the atmosphere, and how these play a part in biogeochemical cycles.
  • Ecology and the Environment
    Examine the interacting components of ecosystems and their temporal and spatial dynamics. You will explore the processes by which populations evolve, how communities develop and maintained, the modern challenges our ecosystems face, and how we can use the scientific method to test hypotheses.
  • Environmental Practice
    Develop the fundamental skills of an environmental practitioner.
Year two

In the second year, you will develop an understanding around environmental issues and environmental assessment. You will continue to build your skills with increasingly complex and diverse challenges while you develop the knowledge to identify and assess contemporary environmental challenges.

Learning at this level is again supported with practical and fieldwork activities, including a weeklong residential fieldtrip.

  • Exploring Contemporary Environmental Challenges
    A residential fieldtrip-based module which will enable first-hand experience dealing with a range of environmental challenges. Explore the complexity and interconnectedness of environmental issues while developing an ability for environmental research design.
  • Pollution and Monitoring
    Gain an understanding of how pollutants are released, interact with environment, and effect environmental receptors.
  • Natural Resource Use
    Explore how human needs lead to natural resource use and the impacts of this on the environment.
  • Environmental Legislation and Regulation
    Develop your understanding of how legislation and regulation play a part in protecting the environment and the role of individuals and organisations.
  • Exploring Research
    Learn the skills required to conceive, design, conduct, and interpret scientific research.
  • Environmental Assessment
    Explore environmental and ecological assessments and assessment techniques, and gain experience with sampling design, analysis, and interpretation.
Year three

In your final year, you will investigate, discuss and debate sustainable solutions to environmental issues, helping you to develop skills in environmental problem solving and undertake a scientific research project.

When you complete the year you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to act as a career-ready, independent environmental practitioner able to evaluate complex environmental scenarios and offer sustainable solutions.

  • Managing Waste and Pollution
    Explore the technological and socio-economic solutions available to deal with a range of environmental challenges and risks. Draw upon your understanding of the nature and impact of pollutants gained in earlier modules to develop appropriate solutions.
  • Energy and Water Resource Sustainability
    Develop your understanding of current strategies for sustainable harnessing, use, and management of energy and water. You will learn to evaluate technologies and management strategies in terms of environment impact and wider commercial and social implications.
  • Land Use and Biodiversity Conservation
    Evaluate issues and solutions related to land use and the conservation of biodiversity at landscape scales (local, regional, national and global contexts).
  • Environmental Management and Solutions
    Build the skills and knowledge that allow the determination of suitable management, strategies and solutions in environmental contexts.
  • Dissertation
    Undertake an independent piece of in-depth research into a topic of your choice. Develop your research skills and gain valuable experience in project management.

Attend an Open Day at Cumbria

An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.

Take the next step towards achieving your dreams.
A student stands in front of a wall splattered with paint.