Environmental Geography and Climate Change

Description

There is a pressing need for people who understand both the environmental and social complexities of climate change. This new degree programme offers you the chance to study climate change from a unique multi-disciplinary perspective in one of the worlds leading university departments for the study of climate change.Why is climate change such a difficult problem to tackle?

This innovative undergraduate degree programme uses the insights, methods and skills of environmental geography and environmental social science to study the historical, environmental, social, economic and political dimensions of climate change. The programme allows students to understand the natural and human drivers of climate change and the varied responses of individuals and societies around the world to the challenges climate change raises. This requires a broad range of disciplinary perspectives and an ability to understand how different approaches for studying climate change complement each other. Although the emphasis is on the human dimensions of climate change, a solid grounding in the natural sciences is also an integral part of the degree programme. An undergraduate programme on climate change from such a strong multi-disciplinary perspective has not before been offered in the UK. This degree is also unique by being taught by some of the worlds leading academics who have studied climate change from this inter-disciplinary perspective.

This programme is offered by the School of Environmental Sciences and is co-ordinated by Professor Mike Hulme, a renowned geographer and climate change expert and founder of the Tyndall Centre. You will take core modules on the history of climate change science, climate politics, and climate change risk, communication and ethics and also be able to choose from a wide range of other modules to tailor this degree to meet your specific interests.

Study Environmental Geography and Climate Change at UEA and find out the answers to the following questions and many more...

• When did scientists first realise humans were altering climate?
• What is the role of population growth in climate change?
• Is it possible to prevent dangerous climate change?
• How do scientists communicate uncertainty about future climate predictions?
• Why has negotiating global climate treaties been so difficult?
• Have the media made it easier or harder for people to understand climate change?
• Do world religions have any part to play in managing climate change?
• Are proposed geoengineering solutions safe?
• Is it unethical to fly?
• Should people be labelled climate deniers?
• Why do people perceive the risks of climate change differently?
• How can Pacific islands adapt to sea-level rise?
• Are there technological solutions to climate change?
• What are the costs of climate change?
• Why are there controversies about climate change science?
• Should developing countries be paid to keep their forests intact?
• How can energy consumption in the western world be reduced?
• How are the risks of flooding reduced?

Projects and Seminars

Project based seminars will include topics such as the role of newspapers, films and books in communicating climate change, scientific controversies, what climate change means in developing countries, and how different societies adapt. Guided by a member of Faculty you will be able to complete your own projects in these areas and many others relating to your own interests in climate change.

Detailed Course Facts

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

UK/EU £9,000; International £14,900

• English

Course Content

Year 1

In the first year you will take a range of modules to introduce you to a variety of environmental and development issues. You will also gain essential scientific, numerical and analytical skills that will be built upon in the following years.

Year 2

You will continue to build upon the theme of natural and sustainable resources for development with the compulsory modules. You will also be able to choose modules from the substantial range that is available enabling you to specialise in one particular area or maintain a broad spectrum of interests.

Some options outside of the School can be taken, allowing you to explore your other interests, for example, a foreign language, politics or a biological subject.

Year 3

You will undertake an independent project in your final year and have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad, whilst doing this.

You will also continue to be able to choose from a range of optional modules on your return to UEA to complement this time away.

Study Abroad

All students have the opportunity to spend the autumn semester of the final year studying or working in the developing world, whilst simultaneously undertaking an independent research project. Study destinations include Fiji, Mauritius, Vietnam, India, Venezuela, Peru, Nicaragua, Mexico, Uganda, South Africa, Lebanon and Egypt.

Your time abroad will be spent studying in a related department on an established course of study at an institution recommended by UEA.

Alternatively you can gain first-hand work experience in the developing world by opting for our overseas work experience module.

You will be able to benefit from existing links within the School of International Development to arrange placements in teaching, conservation or community care in places such as Peru, Togo, Mongolia, Thailand, Nepal and Kenya.

If overseas experience isnt for you, the independent research project can be completed at UEA during the final year.

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: AAB
• International Baccalaureate: 33 (incl 3 HL subjects at grade 6)
• Scottish Highers: AAABB
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAB
• Access Course: See below

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, Economics, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics.
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

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 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.

Funding

The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.