MSci Environmental Sciences
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Sciences
- UCAS Course Code
- F750
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Taught by world-leading researchers, this highly flexible degree programme will allow you to explore how the physical, chemical and biological components of the natural environment function and how they are impacted by, and affect, our society, politics and culture in this era of the Anthropocene.
How can we tackle the climate and biodiversity crises? What are the best strategies for achieving Net Zero? How are our oceans and rivers changing? What physical processes drive our weather? What happens inside an erupting volcano? How can we transform our energy systems and achieve greater sustainability in our lifestyles? If these are the sorts of questions that fascinate you, and if you want to study them to a high level with a view to possibly going on to a PhD, this advanced four-year integrated master's degree is for you.
The environment supports all aspects of our daily life but is also the source of some of the most complex and wide-ranging challenges facing human society and the planet’s stability. The need for environmental scientists who can help us respond to these challenges and ‘make a difference’ at local and global scales has never been greater. This degree will help you become one of these essential people.
Throughout your degree you'll have opportunities to embark on national and international fieldwork including Greece, Ireland and Swaziland or Peru, conduct experiments in our state-of-the-art laboratories, and develop highly valued transferable skills in data analysis, spatial visualisation and science communication. Upon graduating, you'll be a highly trained environmental scientist, well-equipped to take up positions across the public and private sectors where you can provide real world solutions to today’s environmental challenges.
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). Students enrolled on IES accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the Institution. Look for the CHES accreditation logo which provides a mark of quality and indicates that an educational institute is planning the career paths of its students.
After graduating, you may choose to progress to a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or Chartered Scientist (CSci) status. This will demonstrate to employers your ongoing commitment to developing the knowledge and skills gained in your degree.
Study and Modules
Structure
This four-year degree programme begins with a year of compulsory modules to establish your knowledge of essential topics.
We will introduce you to the general physical, chemical, and biological principles that govern our environment, key issues around sustainability and human society, and how they interact in some of the major global challenges facing us today. You’ll also develop skills in planning and carrying out research, working in the lab and in the field, and in statistics and mathematics at an appropriate level.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our teaching is modular. The standard pattern is three modules per semester, but with some variation to accommodate self-contained summer field courses or year-long modules. Typically, a module will include one or two lectures per week plus related practical or seminar sessions where you'll engage further with the material to deepen your understanding. Reading and assessment work outside class further supports your learning. Teaching and assessment styles will vary by module, including the use of digital tools and innovative classroom techniques.
Year 1 has two year-long skills modules plus four semester-based topic modules, ensuring applicants with a diverse range of entry qualifications can develop the knowledge and skills needed to support choice in years 2 and 3. Our flagship residential field course during the Easter break will allow you to broaden your disciplinary knowledge and develop field skills, as well as strengthening community within the course.
Assessment
We use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Aside from the independent projects, there is no structural difference in assessment across the academic years of the degree, with any variation stemming from your choice of modules.
Coursework assessment methods may include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year, and years 2, 3 and 4 are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final degree mark.
Structure
With a solid foundation built, you'll now enjoy the freedom to tailor your course around your own interests. You’ll learn from research leaders in a range of modules across the broad areas of earth sciences, atmospheres and oceans, ecology, energy and social sciences – as well as interdisciplinary and skills-based modules. You may also request to take a complementary module from another part of the university. In the latter part of the year, you'll begin conceptualising your independent third year project with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor, opening potential for summer data collection if appropriate.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Year 2 offers full choice across our modules, allowing you to build a degree appropriate to your interests and intended future path. Optional international field courses are available but if you prefer the low carbon options UK-based field courses are generally offered over Easter while other modules may include local half-day field excursions.
Assessment
We use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Aside from the independent projects, there is no structural difference in assessment across the academic years of the degree, with any variation stemming from your choice of modules.
Coursework assessment methods may include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year, and years 2, 3 and 4 are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final degree mark.
Structure
Your third year is partly devoted to your independent project, taking up the equivalent of a module per semester. As a student-led project, this allows you to develop highly desirable skills in project management as well as acquiring in-depth knowledge and, where relevant, field and lab skills, all with support from your academic supervisor. As with year 2, you have full choice for your remaining modules from a range that includes applied and interdisciplinary options such as environmental consultancy, biodiversity conservation and land and water processes. Within this you have the option of taking one second year module, if there was something you could not fit into the previous year, and again there is the option to request a relevant module in another school of study. Third-year field courses are self-contained and run in the summer before the academic year.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Year 3 is partly devoted to your independent project, taking up the equivalent of a module per semester. As a student-led project this allows you to develop highly desirable skills in project management as well as acquiring in-depth knowledge and, where relevant, field and lab skills, all with support from your academic supervisor. Many placement year students base a very successful project on an aspect of their placement. Like year 2, you have full choice for your remaining modules. Third-year field courses are self-contained and run in the summer either before or after your placement.
Assessment
We use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Aside from the independent projects, there is no structural difference in assessment across the academic years of the degree, with any variation stemming from your choice of modules.
Coursework assessment methods may include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year, and years 2, 3 and 4 are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final degree mark.
Structure
In your fourth year, you’ll undertake an individual research project investigating a specialist area in professional depth with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor. Alongside this, you’ll choose three modules from a range of topics such as environmental pollution, geoengineering the climate, and sustainable consumption.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Year 4 includes significant time on your second independent project, accounting for half of your credits this year. As with year 3, you have full choice for your remaining modules, although all must be at master’s level. Fourth-year field courses are self-contained and run in the summer before the academic year.
Assessment
We use various assessment methods across the different modules, contributing in various proportions towards your overall module mark. Aside from the independent projects, there is no structural difference in assessment across the academic years of the degree, with any variation stemming from your choice of modules.
Coursework assessment methods may include essays, projects, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, seminars, presentations, posters and blogs. We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
All module credits contribute equally towards the mark for the year, and years 2, 3 and 4 are weighted 20:30:50 to determine your final degree mark.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAB, including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A-Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are Design, surveying and planning for construction and Science
- BTEC
- DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
BBB, including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A-Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA, including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC, including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3, including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 in either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics
- International Baccalaureate
- 33 including HL5 in either Geography, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management.
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level in either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics OR DD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management plus B at A-Level.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A-Level to include either Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as -
Environmental Science with a Foundation Year
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International foundation in Mathematics and Acturaial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
The optional residential field courses in the second, third and fourth years require a student contribution. You can find details for individual field courses in the module information.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
Employability is embedded in our modules, helping you develop your career and skills throughout your course. We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service to help you track and reflect on your activities via the UEA Award, meet employers (including alumni), explore career options, speak to industry mentors, and apply for internships, volunteering, and graduate jobs.
Our degrees lead to a range of specialist environmental careers in areas such as sustainable environmental management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, carbon reduction, catchment management, weather forecasting, geophysics, natural hazard analysis, risk management, and teaching and education.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Environmental consultant
- Land surveyor
- Conservation officer
- Meteorologist
- Environmental policy advisor
- GIS technician
Discover more on our Careers webpages.