Environmental Earth Sciences with a Year in Industry

Environmental Earth Sciences with a Year in Industry at the University of East Anglia is an innovative and comprehensive degree programme designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the Earth's environmental systems and the scientific principles that underpin them. This course combines core knowledge in geology, geophysics, atmospheric sciences, and environmental management with practical industry experience, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in environmental consultancy, resource management, conservation, and sustainable development.

Throughout the programme, students explore key topics such as climate change, environmental monitoring, earth processes, natural hazards, and the impact of human activity on the planet. The curriculum incorporates both theoretical lectures and extensive laboratory, fieldwork, and computing exercises, enabling students to develop essential practical skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. A distinctive feature of this course is the Year in Industry, which offers a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience working with environmental consultancies, government agencies, or research organizations. During this year, students apply their academic knowledge in professional settings, develop industry contacts, and enhance their employability.

The programme emphasizes sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship, encouraging students to think critically about the scientific, social, and ethical dimensions of environmental issues. Students are also supported in developing transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, project management, and problem-solving. The University of East Anglia provides excellent facilities, including modern laboratories, field sites, and access to geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies.

Graduates of the Environmental Earth Sciences with Year in Industry degree are well-equipped to pursue careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and the renewable energy sector. Alternatively, they may choose to continue their education through postgraduate study or to engage in research projects addressing pressing global environmental challenges. The programme offers a rigorous and rewarding educational experience, blending scientific excellence with practical industry exposure, and preparing students to contribute effectively to sustainable solutions for our planet.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 17480 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £14,900

• English

Course Content

Year 1

You will develop your basic scientific skills with compulsory modules covering mathematics, research and field skills, in addition to Earth science, providing you with a solid foundation to the honours years of your degree.

Year 2

You will develop your Earth science skills through a compulsory research skills module. In addition, you will choose a number of optional modules from the range available. Some options outside the School may be taken, for example a foreign language or, international development studies. Please note that the Year Abroad and Year in Industry are taken between years 2 and 3

Year 3

In the third year you will undertake an independent project under the supervision of a member of faculty which will involve collecting and analysing data, collating and interpreting results and presenting them in oral and written form. Previous students have conducted projects on a vast range of different topics including, for example: volcanic ash, British beaches, earthquake hazard and risk assessment, sandstone variability, sedimentary geochemistry, hydrogeology, and palaeoclimatology. The transferable skills this develops is invaluable in future careers. Alongside this you will have the opportunity to choose modules in your preferred area of the environmental Earth sciences from the wide range available.

Year 4 (MSci only)

During the final year of the integrated Masters programme you will study advanced Masters level modules chosen from the optional range and undertake a substantial piece of independent research under the supervision of a research active member of faculty. MSci projects may include topics such as:

• Palaeohydrology of the Yare River Valley
• Relationships between land use, surface runoff and sediment transport in the Blackwater sub-catchment of the River Wensum
• Fracture patterns in lavas
• Seasonal variation in spring water chemistry
• Quantifying and explaining variation in chalk cliff erosion rates
• A sheet sandstone – record of a catastrophic Jurassic flood?
• Modelling volcanic dome collapse.

Please note that course profiles may be reviewed and changed for future years of study.

Year In Industry

Completion of a Year in Industry programme will ensure you graduate with relevant work experience, putting you one step ahead of other students. This exciting degree programme provides you with this opportunity.

There is no greater asset in today’s competitive job market than relevant work experience. A Year in Industry will give you first-hand knowledge of not only the mechanics of how your chosen field operates but it will also greatly improve your chances of progressing within that sector as you seal valuable contacts and insight. These courses will also enhance your studies as theory is transformed into reality in a context governed by very real, time and financial constraints.

Our Industrial Links

We have well-established commercial connections throughout the UK and beyond. Over 100 of our students have undertaken year-long placements as part of this programme. The fine work undertaken by the students leads to an ever growing network of employers who have experienced the positive benefits which come from offering a placement opportunity. We can help you to tap into this network and also provide other ideas of organisations who you might contact. Our students have worked in environmental roles within Local and National Government, in SMEs and Multinationals, for Environmental Consultancies and Research Institutes and with Conservation groups and NGOs.

Financial Benefits

A big attraction to this type of course, apart from the enhanced career prospects, is that students will pay much reduced tuition fees for that year (see fees and funding tab). In addition, of course, you are typically paid by the placement provider during the year, a great way to help fund your studies.

How it Works

The Year in Industry degree programmes are four years in length with the work placement taking place during your third year. Placements constitute a minimum of nine months full-time employment and a maximum of 14 months.

In Years 1 and 2, we will help you prepare for an industrial placement by running workshops to raise awareness of key issues and to encourage networking. We will make sure you are fully aware of all the organisations who have previously hosted our placement students. We will also advertise all current placement opportunities of which we are aware. Our Careers service will be on hand to help with your applications. With this support, you will take the lead in securing your own placement - not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field of Environmental Sciences, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. Throughout the work placement itself, you will keep in close contact with an assigned mentor at UEA and your mentor will also visit you in your place of work during the year. In your placement year you will also undertake a Work Based Learning module which will help you to reflect on and get the very most from the placement experience.

Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers and students will be expected to source these placements themselves. If you were unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year you will have the option to apply to be transferred onto the equivalent three-year degree programme without a Year in Industry.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 78

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A Level: ABB
• International Baccalaureate: 32 (incl 3 HL subjects at grade 5)
• Scottish Highers: AABBB
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB
• Access Course: See below
• European Baccalaureate: 75% overall

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

Applicants are asked to have at least one science based A2-level or equivalent. Acceptable science subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics.
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.

Environmental Earth Sciences with a Year in Industry at the University of East Anglia is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the Earth's physical and biological systems, as well as the environmental challenges facing our planet. The course blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, conservation, resource management, and policy development. Throughout the program, students explore topics such as geology, geomorphology, environmental chemistry, and geophysical methods, gaining insights into the processes that shape the Earth's surface and subsurface.

A distinctive feature of this degree is the inclusion of a Year in Industry, typically undertaken after the second year. During this year, students gain valuable hands-on experience working with leading organizations in the environmental sector, such as consulting firms, government agencies, or research institutions. This internship provides practical exposure to real-world environmental problems, enhances employability, and helps students develop professional skills, such as project management, report writing, and teamwork. The year in industry ensures that students graduate with not only academic knowledge but also significant industry experience, giving them a competitive advantage in the job market.

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, practical laboratory sessions, fieldwork, and team projects. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and field equipment, facilitating experiential learning and data collection. Field trips to various geological sites and environmental projects enable students to observe theoretical concepts in action and understand the complexities of environmental systems in different settings. The university’s strong links with industry and research institutions provide students with ongoing opportunities for networking, collaborative projects, and internships.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for professional careers or further postgraduate research. They may work in environmental consultancy, natural resource management, environmental policy, or academia. The program also emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking, scientific communication, and data analysis, which are highly valued across various employment sectors. The University of East Anglia's supportive academic community and dedicated career services further assist students in achieving their career goals and securing employment after graduation.