Environmental Geophysics with a Year in Industry

Program Title: Environmental Geophysics with a Year in Industry
Institution: University of East Anglia

Overview:
The Environmental Geophysics with a Year in Industry program at the University of East Anglia is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in geophysical techniques applied to environmental investigations. This innovative program combines core principles of geoscience with specialized training in geophysical survey methods, data interpretation, and environmental management. The inclusion of a year in industry provides students with invaluable real-world experience, fostering professional development and enhancing employability upon graduation.

Course Content:
Throughout the course, students explore topics such as geophysical survey techniques including seismic, magnetic, gravitational, electrical, and electromagnetic methods. They develop expertise in the use of state-of-the-art equipment and software for data collection and analysis. The program emphasizes practical, field-based learning through regular excursions, fieldwork placements, and project work, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real environmental challenges. Core modules cover environmental geology, climate change, human impact assessment, and sustainable resource management, providing a holistic understanding of contemporary environmental issues.

Year in Industry:
The year in industry component offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working within the geoscience and environmental sectors. Partnering with industry leaders, students undertake a placement that enhances their technical skills, work ethic, and professional networks. This year allows students to apply classroom learning in practical contexts, develop industry-specific competencies, and better understand the dynamics of the employment market. The industry placement is supported by university career services, ensuring tailored guidance and support throughout the year.

Skills and Employability:
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in environmental consultancy, natural resource management, civil engineering, disaster risk assessment, and environmental policy. They acquire a range of transferable skills including data analysis, problem-solving, project management, teamwork, and effective communication. The program’s strong emphasis on practical skills, combined with industry exposure, enhances graduate employability and readiness to tackle complex environmental challenges.

Learning Environment:
The University of East Anglia provides state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratory spaces, geophysical equipment, and dedicated fieldwork areas. Students benefit from close interactions with experienced staff, engaging in research projects and collaborative activities. The program fosters a proactive learning environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking, and sustainability.

Career Prospects:
Graduates from the Environmental Geophysics with a Year in Industry program are highly sought after by employers in academia, government agencies, environmental consultancies, and industry sectors. The combination of technical expertise and practical experience opens diverse career pathways in environmental assessment, site investigation, mineral and energy exploration, and environmental monitoring. Many alumni progress to postgraduate study or leadership roles within their organizations.

Admission Requirements:
Typical entry requirements include A-levels or equivalent qualifications with a strong background in science subjects such as Geography, Physics, or Environmental Science. Specific grade requirements may apply, and relevant work experience or a demonstrated interest in geosciences can enhance applications.

In summary, the Environmental Geophysics with a Year in Industry program at the University of East Anglia offers a rigorous, practical, and industry-focussed education, preparing students for successful careers in the vital field of environmental and geophysical sciences.

Detailed Course Facts

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

UK/EU £9,000; International £14,900

• English

Course Content

Example Course Modules

Year 1 compulsory

• Understanding the Dynamic Planet
• Sustainability in Society and Biodiversity in a Changing World
• Earths Chemical Processes and Atmosphere and Oceans
• Global Environmental Challenges
• Numerical Skills for Scientists.

Year 2 optional

• Ocean Circulation
• Meteorology
• Aquatic Ecology
• Environmental Politics and Policy Making
• Hydrology and Hydrogeology.

Year 3 compulsory

• Global Environmental Change
• Research and Field Skills
• Independent Project (BSc only)

Year 3 optional

• Biological Oceanography and Marine Ecology
• Field Course to East Africa
• Earthquake and Volcanic Hazards
• Fossil Fuels.

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.

For the latest on financial arrangements for our Year in Industry students please visit the UEA Finance webpage.

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 (including A level Mathematics)
• International Baccalaureate: 32 (incl 3 HL subjects at grade 5 to include HL Maths)
• Scottish Highers: AABBB (including Maths)
• Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB (including Maths)
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB (including Maths)
• Access Course: See below
• European Baccalaureate: 75% overall (including Maths)

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

A level Mathematics or equivalent.
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 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 Maths 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 Environmental Geophysics with a Year in Industry at the University of East Anglia offers a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of geophysics applied to environmental problems. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in geophysical surveying techniques, data analysis, and interpretation, as well as an understanding of environmental processes and issues. Throughout the course, students develop practical skills in fieldwork, employing methods such as seismic, magnetic, electrical, and ground-penetrating radar surveys to investigate subsurface features. The inclusion of a Year in Industry allows students to gain valuable real-world experience by working in professional environments related to geophysics, environmental consultancy, or related sectors. This placement helps students to apply their academic knowledge in practical contexts, develop professional skills, and build industry contacts, enhancing their employability after graduation. The program combines taught modules, laboratory sessions, and extensive fieldwork, ensuring that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain hands-on experience. The curriculum covers topics such as geophysical data processing, environmental monitoring, climate change impacts, and sustainable resource management, reflecting current industry and societal priorities. Graduates of this course are equipped to pursue careers in environmental consultancy, geophysical surveying, natural resource management, hydrogeology, and environmental protection agencies. They are also prepared for further study in postgraduate research in geophysics or environmental science. The university’s facilities include modern laboratories, geophysical equipment, and access to extensive fieldwork sites, supporting a rich learning environment. The program emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and teamwork, preparing students to address complex environmental challenges through scientific approaches. Overall, the Environmental Geophysics with a Year in Industry at UEA offers an excellent blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and industry engagement, aimed at developing highly employable graduates ready to contribute to solutions for environmental and geophysical issues worldwide.