BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
University of Portsmouth
Key Information
Campus location
Southsea, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* for UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students/EU residents | £18,300/year: international students
Scholarships
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Introduction
Environmental scientists deal with the big questions facing humanity.
If you want to tackle climate change and preserve Earth's natural resources, this BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degree, accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), will prepare you for the challenges ahead.
Course highlights
- Work in our labs using the same technology as the world's leading environmental researchers – including plasma spectrometry and electron microscopy – and use teaching and research facilities at our internationally renowned Institute of Marine Sciences
- Take advantage of our waterside location, with boats available for marine excursions and the option to learn powerboating with the RYA or PADI-certified scientific and technical diving
- Have the chance to go on field trips to destinations such as Malta, Portugal, Belize and Malaysia
- Build experience on a one-year work placement in industry, or study abroad at one of our partner universities in Canada, Australia, Germany, Poland, Spain, Malta, Slovakia, Hungary or France
Accredited by:
This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Modules
Year 1
Core modules
- Ecology, Plants and Human Impact –20 credits
- Global Environmental Challenges –20 credits
- Introduction to Marine Ecology and Oceanography –20 credits
- Planet Earth –20 credits
- Quantitative Methods –20 credits
- Science for Earth Systems –20 credits
There are no optional modules this year.
Year 2
Core modules
- Research, Fieldwork and Professional Skills –40 credits
- Environmental Chemistry and Monitoring –20 credits
- GIS and Remote Sensing –20 credits
Optional modules
- Energy Resources and the Science of Zero Carbon –20 credits
- Environmental Change –20 credits
- Hydrology and Geoenvironmental Risk –20 credits
- Institution Wide Language Programme –20 credits
- Introduction to Teaching –20 credits
- Overseas Study –20 credits
- Practical Boating Skills –20 credits
- River Processes –20 credits
- Scientific and Technical Diving Techniques A –20 credits
- Scientific and Technical Diving Techniques B –20 credits
- Transport and Sustainability –20 credits
Placement year (optional)
In this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in the industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Year 3
Core modules
- Environmental Science Dissertation – 40 credits
- Environmental Audit and Assessment –20 credits
- Environmental Pollution and Waste Management –20 credits
Optional modules
- Analytical Methods for Earth and Environmental Sciences –20 credits
- European Study Tour –20 credits
- Tropical Study Tour –20 credits
- Conservation Biogeography –20 credits
- Climate Change –20 credits
- The Green Economy –20 credits
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry, and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Placement year
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.
You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, or you could go independent by setting up and running your own business with other students.
Students have completed work placements at top organisations, including:
- Leap Environmental
- Mott MacDonald
- Enitial
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
Study abroad
You’ll also have the chance to study abroad at one of our partner universities, including Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain), Universite du Havre, (Le Havre, France) and Adam Mickiewicz University (Poznan, Poland). Studying overseas is a fantastic opportunity to explore a new destination and experience the world as an international student.
Many of our students describe their time spent studying abroad as truly life-changing, as well as an excellent way to stand out to future employers.
Rankings
Earth systems and environmental sciences at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 4th of all post-1992 universities for research quality.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Career Opportunities
Environmental science is at the forefront of our efforts to preserve and protect the natural world. As our understanding of environmental cause and effect continues to develop, environmental scientists are in high demand, including within the many sectors and industries tasked with reducing their environmental footprint.
In the UK, the number of environmental jobs has increased by 91% compared to 2016, and those entering the environmental field can expect to earn at least 12% above the national average annual wage.
Tackling the environmental challenges our world faces
In this BSc Environmental Science, you’ll explore how the environment is changing and discover new ways to minimise our impact on the planet. You'll examine the physical and social aspects of environmental issues and develop practical skills to carry out your own environmental research, including analysing pollutants, soil structure and water quality.
Once you graduate, you'll be ready to go after jobs in academia, business or government in a wide range of environmental specialities, including conservation, pollution control, waste management, sustainability, climate change and energy resources.
You'll be able to apply for Associate Membership of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), and with more experience, you could work to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci) or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv). Chartered Membership of the IES is required in many environmental careers.
You could also continue your studies at the postgraduate level, such as on our MSc Geological and Environmental Hazards or MSc Environmental Geology and Land Contamination.
What jobs can you do with an environmental science degree?
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- environmental chemist
- environmental technician
- environment and sustainability coordinator
- geographic information scientist
- hydrologist
- climate change modeller
- chemical risk advisor
- marine scientist
- ecologist
- conservation officer
- environmental policy officer
- waste management manager
Graduate destinations
Organisations our graduates have gone on to work for include:
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)
- Alcatel Submarine Networks
- Rentokil Initial
- Eurofins
- Network Rail
- Portsmouth Water
Ongoing careers support
After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.
Facilities
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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