Environmental Earth Sciences with a Year in North America

The Bachelor's degree program in Environmental Earth Sciences at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's physical environment and the dynamic processes that shape our planet. Over the course of the program, students develop a solid foundation in geology, hydrology, climatology, and environmental science, enabling them to analyze and address complex environmental challenges. The program is designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, including fieldwork, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students will explore topics such as earth materials, sedimentology, environmental monitoring, and sustainable resource management, preparing them for careers in environmental consultancy, conservation, resource management, or further research. The program also emphasizes the importance of understanding human impacts on the Earth's systems and promotes sustainable solutions to environmental problems. Students have opportunities to participate in field trips and internships, gaining valuable real-world experience. The university’s modern laboratories and extensive research facilities support student learning and research activities. With a focus on critical thinking, environmental awareness, and scientific inquiry, this program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to make significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue postgraduate studies or enter employment sectors including environmental agencies, governmental organizations, and renewable energy industries. The program duration is typically four years, including a year abroad in North America, providing students with international experience and exposure to diverse environmental issues and perspectives.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

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

UK/EU £9,000; International £14,900

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time Intensity Flexible

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 Abroad

At the School of Environmental Sciences, UEA, Norwich we can offer you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spend a year of your studies abroad. The year abroad degree programmes are four years in duration. You will spend your first two years at UEA, Norwich. The third year is spent at a university (of your choice) abroad and the fourth and final year is spent back at UEA, Norwich. The overseas placement is subject to satisfactory academic performance during Years 1 and 2. Students on an exchange programme will be expected to pay 15% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year abroad and we will pay the overseas university.
The chance to spend a year abroad can be an experience of a lifetime as well as providing you with:

• Travel opportunities
• The opportunity to learn a second language
• The chance to experience different cultures
• The chance to study topics that we cannot provide here at UEA

Students on the North America exchange programme have the option to spend one year of their studies in either the USA or Canada. We currently exchange with a wide range of institutions (listed below). We will do our best to place you at the exchange university of your choice, however if the demand for a particular university exceeds the places available, you will be placed elsewhere.

• Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• University of British Columbia, Vancouver
• University of Alaska, Anchorage
• University of Colorado, Boulder
• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• University of Maine, Orono
• University of Miami, Florida
• Univerisity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• State University of New York, Plattsburgh
• University of California

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 78

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

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

• A Level: AAA
• International Baccalaureate: 34 (incl 3 HL subjects at grade 6)
• Scottish Highers: AAAAA
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAA
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAA
• Access Course: See below
• European Baccalaureate: 85% 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

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 Science Credits.

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.

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.

The BSc (Hons) in Environmental Earth Sciences at the University of East Anglia is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the Earth's physical processes and environmental systems. This course combines elements of geology, environmental science, and geography to equip students with the skills necessary to analyze and address real-world environmental challenges. Throughout the duration of the program, students engage with a broad range of topics, including mineralogy, petrology, geomorphology, hydrology, climate change, and environmental management. The course is structured to include both theoretical coursework and practical fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and project work, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings. The university's strong focus on research and its close ties with industry and environmental agencies ensure that students gain relevant, up-to-date knowledge and skills that are highly valued in the job market. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and field sites, and can participate in field trips and outdoor investigations, which are integral to understanding geological and environmental phenomena. The program also emphasizes the development of transferable skills, including data analysis, scientific writing, communication, and teamwork, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, resource management, conservation, and policy development. Graduates of this program have gone on to work in governmental agencies, environmental consultancies, research organizations, or pursued postgraduate studies. The university’s location provides an ideal environment for field-based learning, with access to diverse geological formations and ecosystems in the surrounding region. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects, which contribute significantly to their academic and professional development. Overall, the BSc in Environmental Earth Sciences offers a rigorous, engaging, and practically oriented education that prepares students to understand and tackle complex environmental issues at local, national, and global levels.