Environmental Sciences with a Year in Industry

The BSc Environmental Sciences with a Year in Industry at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive understanding of the natural environment and the complex interactions within it. This innovative program combines core theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates to address pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource management. Throughout the course, students explore key areas including ecology, geosciences, atmospheric sciences, environmental policy, and sustainable development. The curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking, research capabilities, and innovative problem-solving skills, enabling students to analyze environmental data and develop effective solutions for real-world issues.

One of the distinctive features of this program is the Year in Industry, providing students with valuable work experience in environmental sectors such as conservation, consulting, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private industries. This year-long placement allows students to apply academic concepts in practical settings, develop professional networks, and gain insights into career opportunities. It also enhances employability and ensures graduates are well-equipped to enter the environmental workforce with relevant skills and experience.

The program’s teaching methods include lectures, practical sessions, fieldwork, group projects, and independent research. Field trips and site visits to local environmental projects and natural habitats are integral to the learning experience, fostering hands-on understanding and appreciation of real-world environmental issues. Students also have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, supporting advanced analytical and experimental work.

Furthermore, the university encourages critical engagement with current environmental debates through seminars, guest lectures, and interdisciplinary modules. Students are supported by dedicated academic staff experienced in environmental research and consultancy. The program also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to work together with peers from related disciplines such as geography, biology, and earth sciences.

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in environmental consultancy, conservation organizations, government agencies, research institutions, and other sectors focused on environmental management and sustainability. Alternatively, graduates often proceed to postgraduate study, including MSc or PhD research, further specializing in areas of interest within environmental sciences. With its combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and industry placement, the BSc Environmental Sciences with a Year in Industry at the University of East Anglia aims to develop highly employable professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to the preservation and sustainable management of the environment worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

Year 1

This year is designed to demonstrate that the major global environmental challenges facing mankind can be understood and managed only with a broad foundation extending across the physical, biological and social sciences. This multi-subject approach will be an opportunity for you to sample new subjects, to help you decide which topics to pursue later in your degree. It will also develop your scientific and numerical skills.

Year 2

You will have considerable flexibility to tailor your degree according to your interests. You will choose from the substantial range of modules that are spread across thematic areas, including: Earth Sciences and Natural Hazards; Atmospheric and Marine Pollution; Ecology and Conservation; Environmental Management.
Please note that the Year Abroad and Year in Industry are taken between years 2 and 3.

Year 3

Those students on the BSc programme will carry out some original research involving fieldwork into an environmental topic of their choice, under the supervision of a faculty member who will be an expert in your specialist area of the environmental sciences. This can be one of the most exciting and challenging parts of your degree.

Year 4 (MSci only)

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

• Exploring consequences of biochar incorporation into agricultural soils
• Examining risk communication strategies for natural disasters
• Examining the effects of climate change on coastal biodiversity.

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 spending a Year in Industry as part of their degree will pay a reduced tuition fee for that year, currently £900 (2012 figures). 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
• 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, Economics, 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 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 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.

Environmental Sciences with a Year in Industry at the University of East Anglia is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with a robust understanding of the environment and the scientific principles that underpin environmental processes. This course emphasizes the integration of scientific knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, conservation, policy-making, and research sectors. The program typically spans four years, with the third year dedicated to a paid industry placement, allowing students to gain valuable real-world experience, develop professional skills, and establish industry contacts.

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including ecology, geology, atmospheric science, oceanography, environmental chemistry, and sustainable development. In the first year, students are introduced to fundamental concepts in environmental science, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. The second year deepens understanding through specialized modules such as environmental management, GIS applications, and environmental legislation. During the year abroad or year in industry, students undertake a placement in an environmental organization, governmental agency, or private sector company, applying their academic knowledge to practical issues, solving real-world problems, and understanding the operational aspects of environmental work.

The university provides extensive support for students undertaking placements, including dedicated placement coordinators, workshops on professional development, and networks with industry partners. The course aims to develop not only scientific expertise but also critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills essential for addressing environmental challenges. Students also have opportunities to participate in fieldwork, research projects, and sustainability initiatives on campus.

Graduates of this program have gone on to work in environmental consultancy firms, government agencies, research institutes, and NGOs, or pursued further studies at postgraduate level. The combination of academic rigor, practical experience through the Year in Industry, and supportive learning environment at the University of East Anglia makes this program highly regarded for those interested in making a positive impact on the environment and sustainability initiatives.