EnvironmentalScienceBSc Honours

UCAS code F8503 Years

www.ncl.ac.uk/ug/F850Printed from the web page above on 05/06/2018

Take a virtual tour at www.ncl.ac.uk/tour 2

EnvironmentalScienceBSc HonoursUCAS code F8503 Years

Environmental science is the study of thewhole environment. It covers biologicalorganisms, our physical environment, and theinteractions between them. This wide-rangingdegree also includes topics such asenvironmental law.

Biology and geography are an important part of this degree,to help you to understand the processes within ecosystemsand how we can manage our natural resources effectively.

You will also study chemistry, physics and geology asapplied to the study of the environment.

Topics cover a wide range of subjects, from plant biologyand ecology, to sustainability and environmental law.

You'll learn about the role of social and economic factors,ethics and public perception in environmental management.

You'll benefit from expertise at our Centre for RuralEconomy, recipient of the Queen's Anniversary Prize forHigher and Further Education 2014.

Highlights of this degreeQuality and ranking• top 10 in the UK – The Times/Sunday Times Good

University Guide 2018 (Geography and EnvironmentalScience category)

• 92% overall student satisfaction score – NationalStudent Survey 2017 (Physical Geography andEnvironmental Science category)

• top 150 – Environmental Sciences category – QS WorldUniversity Rankings by Subject 2018

Flexible degree structureWe offer several Environmental Science degrees including athree-year BSc degree and a suite of four-year MEnvScidegrees.

We understand that you might not be sure which area ofenvironmental science you want to specialise in, or whetheryou want to study to BSc or MEnvSci level.

All our students, regardless of which degree they areregistered on, study the same modules for the first threeyears. This means you can transfer between degreeprogrammes up until the end of Stage 2 if you want to.

Transfer from our BSc to an MEnvSci degree, and progressto Stage 4 of an MEnvSci degree, is subject to you meetingthe appropriate academic standard.

Study abroad (optional)You may choose to undertake an optional work placementabroad, through the Erasmus scheme. You will gain aninternational perspective on your studies and seeenvironmental science practice in another country.

We have well-established exchanges with many EuropeanUniversities, including in:

• France• Spain• Germany• the Netherlands• Hungary• Estonia

Find out more about international opportunities on our studyabroad pages.

Fieldwork and practical skillsThroughout your degree you will have opportunities todevelop practical skills and enhance your employability.

In Stage 1, we introduce you to basic field skills through avariety of field visits to the surrounding countryside,including the Northumberland coast and the Cheviot Hills.

In Stage 2, a field-based module trains you in fieldtechniques, providing you with practice in designing andplanning an investigation and testing of hypotheses, as wellas skills in environmental monitoring.

In Stage 3, you take part in a week-long residential fieldcourse, which develops your ecological research skills andprofessional skills in writing and presenting reports.

Facilities and supportThis degree is run by the School of Natural andEnvironmental Sciences.

FacilitiesYou'll have access to:

• an experimental station providing field laboratories forevaluation and testing of ecologically friendly pesticidesand biocontrol agents

• well-equipped modern laboratories• two University farms, used for research, teaching and

demonstration: The Farms and NU-Farms Research

SupportYou'll have an academic member of staff as a personaltutor throughout your degree, who can help with academicand personal issues.

The student-staff committee gives you a say in how yourdegree works.

You'll have access to a peer mentor in your first year – afellow student who can help you settle in and answer anyquestions you have.

Social activitiesYou will join a friendly cohort of students and can take partin regular social events organised by the student-led AgricSociety.

Take a virtual tour at www.ncl.ac.uk/tour 3

Course Details

Modules for 2018 entry

Please noteThe module and/or programme information below isfor 2018 entry. Our teaching is informed by research andmodules change periodically to reflect developments inthe discipline, the requirements of external bodies andpartners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers ofstudents interested (in an optional module). To find outmore read our terms and conditions.Module/programme information for 2019 entry will bepublished here as soon as it is available (end of May2019).Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts foran academic year and you need to complete modulestotalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Furtherinformation, including the credit value of the module, isavailable in each of the module descriptions below.

Stage 1

Compulsory modulesACE1008  Environment and Land ResourcesACE1040  Academic and Professional SkillsACE1041  Investigating Agri-food Systems from Farm toFolkACE1045  Investigating Rural LandscapesACE1046  Plants, Environment, AgricultureCEG1601  Earth Systems ScienceCEG1602  Earth Surface MaterialsCEG1702  Geographic Information Systems

Stage 2

Compulsory modulesACE2061  Environmental Management SkillsACE2066  Academic and Professional Skills 2ACE2074  Soils in Terrestrial EcosystemsBIO2018  Pollution of Air, Water & Soil 1CEG2609  Research Methods in Environmental PollutionOptional modulesYou take 40 credits from the following:ACE2003  Landscape, Culture and HeritageBIO2028  Biodiversity, Ecology and ConservationCEG2604  Global Element CyclingCEG2606  Geological ResourcesCEG2607  Geomicrobiology

Stage 2

LAW2053  Law and Land UseNCL2007  Career Development for Second YearStudentsNCL2100  Developing Enterprise, Entrepreneurship andEmployability

Stage 3

Compulsory modulesACE3080  Environmental Impact AssessmentACE3081 Ecology and Environment Research**ACE3207 Sustainable Development and EnvironmentalValuationACE3906  Research Review and Application**Field class component usually runs in the week beforestage 3 induction week.Optional modulesYou take 50 credits from the following:ACE3016  Countryside ManagementACE3017  Rural Planning, Politics and SocietyBIO3003  Ecological ModellingBIO3031  Pollution of Air, Water and Soil 2BIO3039  Biodiversity Science and ManagementCEG3707  Geohazards and Deformation of the EarthLAW3015  Environmental LawNCL3007 Career Development for Final Year Students

Teaching and assessment

Study at the cutting edgeResearch-informed teaching plays an important role atNewcastle, meaning you study the most up-to-date theoriesand discoveries in your subject. You will have theopportunity to conduct your own research through a specialstudy in Stage 3. This may be linked to a vacation project orwork placement.

Agriculture Research in the School of Natural andEnvironmental Sciences is organised into five researchgroups:

• Animal Sciences• Crop & Soil Sciences• Food Quality and Health• Food and Society• Rural Studies & Resource Economics

Teaching methodsIn Stages 1 and 2 just over half of your teaching time will bespent in classroom-based lectures or seminars. Theremainder will be made up of field classes, computerclasses, and practical lab work. In Stage 3 greater emphasisis placed on project work, culminating in a final-year projectbased on a topic of your choice.

Assessment methodsAssessment is based on a combination of:

Take a virtual tour at www.ncl.ac.uk/tour 4

• field assignments• group projects• oral presentations• essays• problem-based assignments• traditional examinations

Find out moreVisit our Teaching & Learning pages to read about theoutstanding learning experience available to all students atNewcastle University.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis.

If your qualifications are not listed here, please see ouradditional entry requirements web pages to find out whichother qualifications are considered.

The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.

A LevelsABB preferably including two science subjects from:Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography,Environmental Science, Psychology and Physics. ForBiology, Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require a passin the practical element. GCSE Mathematics (minimumgrade C or 4) required if not offered at a higher level.

Scottish QualificationsAABBB including at least two sciences from: Mathematics,Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Environmental Science,Psychology and Physics. Mathematics required at National5, minimum grade C (or Standard Grade or Intermediate 2equivalent) if not offered at Higher Grade. Combinations ofHighers and Advanced Highers accepted.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

International BaccalaureateA minimum of 34 points with at least one science subject atHigher Level grade 5 or above from: Mathematics,Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Environmental Science,Psychology and Physics. Mathematics or MathematicalStudies at Standard Level grade 4 or above if not offered atHigher Level.

Irish Leaving CertificateH1H1H2H2H3 at Higher Level, to include two sciencesubjects from: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology,Geography, Environmental Science, Psychology andPhysics.

Access Qualifications30 level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 level 3 credits atMerit. To include at least 30 level 3 credits in a sciencesubject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National ExtendedDiploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3Extended DiplomaIn a science-related subject at overall DDD, to includePhysical or Biological Sciences and Mathematics units.

Cambridge Pre-UD3, M2, M2 in Principal Subjects preferably including twoscience subjects from: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology,Geography, Environmental Science, Psychology andPhysics. GCSE Mathematics (minimum grade C or 4)required if not offered at a higher level.

Extended Project QualificationWe welcome applications from students offering anExtended Project and value the skills of research andindependent learning that it is designed to develop.  If youoffer an Extended Project, it will be taken into account aspart of your application profile, but we will not usuallyinclude it in offer conditions for this degree programme.

PARTNERS - A LevelsBBC preferably including two science subjects from:Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography,Environmental Science, Psychology and Physics. ForBiology, Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require a passin the practical element. GCSE Mathematics (minimumgrade C or 4) required if not offered at a higher level.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

PARTNERS - Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalExtended Diploma/OCR Cambridge TechnicalLevel 3 Extended DiplomaIn a science-related subject at overall MMP, to includePhysical or Biological Sciences and Mathematics units.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

English Language RequirementsApplicants whose first language is not English require aminimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you need help to meet our English Languagerequirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

Other International QualificationsABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry toan undergraduate course. You can check the equivalentgrades for qualifications offered in your country.

We will also consider your application if you have lower ornon-standard qualifications.

Take a virtual tour at www.ncl.ac.uk/tour 5

International Foundation ProgrammesIf you are an international student and you do not meet theacademic and English language requirementsspecified above, you should consider a preparation courseat INTO Newcastle University, which will help to prepare youfor study on this degree course. INTO Newcastle Universityis based on the University campus and offers a range ofcourses including the International Foundation in PhysicalSciences and Engineering.

Undergraduate Admissions Policy

See our 2018 Admissions Policy (PDF: 185 KB).

See further policies related to admission.

Careers

Environmental Science careersThe environmental sector has grown rapidly over the lastdecade. Increasing environmental legislation means thereare many new employment areas in industry and the publicsector.

Our graduates have gone on to work for a wide range oforganisations including the European Parliament,Meteorological Office and Oxfam.

Our Countryside Management and Rural Studies graduatesmost commonly end up in land-based and environmentalcareers, such as:

• chartered surveying• as a rights of way officer• as part of a local conservation team working for local

authorities, charities and pressure groups

Additionally, government organisations and private firmsprovide openings for agricultural or environmental advisers.

Our environmental science graduates undertake roles suchas environmental consultancy and environmentalengineering, and find employment with:

• conservation bodies such as Natural England• the Environment Agency• water companies• local government environmental health departments• other environmental protection agencies

Our graduates have also successfully pursued careers inteaching, and non-environmental careers such asaccountancy, banking, retail and personnel management,the armed forces, the police force, the Inland Revenue andother Civil Service departments, journalism and publishing.

The scope and flexibility of our degrees means there arealso opportunities for postgraduate training at NewcastleUniversity and other research institutes.

Find out more about the career options for Environmentaland Rural Studies from Prospects: The UK's Official CareersWebsite.

What our graduates go on to do:employment and further studychoicesSee what our recent graduates went on to do and viewgraduate destinations statistics. These statistics are basedon what graduates were doing on a specific date,approximately six months after graduation. Take a look atthe most recent data available for our graduates.

The destination data is available in varying levels, beginningwith the University and moving through Faculty and Schooldown to individual course reports. This final level may giveyou some useful ideas about possible options after yourcourse or a course you are considering.

Careers and employability atNewcastleNewcastle University consistently has one of the bestrecords for graduate employment in the UK.

95% of our 2016 UK-domiciled graduates progressedto employment or further study within six months ofgraduating.

Of our graduates who entered employment more than threequarters (78%) achieved a professional or managerialposition.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to allstudents through an initiative called ncl+. This enables youto develop personal, employability and enterprise skills andto give you the edge in the employment market after yougraduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest andbest in the country, and we have strong links withemployers.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees (UK students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£9,250For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.

Take a virtual tour at www.ncl.ac.uk/tour 6

Tuition Fees (UK students)

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UKstudents is set by the UK government.As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (EU students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£9,250 in 2018-19For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (International students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£21,000 per year*Please note:You will be charged tuition fees for each year of yourdegree programme (unless you are on a shorterexchange programme).If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad aspart of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for thatyear.The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightlyyear on year as a result of inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.

Tuition Fees (International students)

**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Scholarships and Financial Support (UKstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support(International students)

We offer our Vice-Chancellor's InternationalScholarships and Vice-Chancellor's ExcellenceScholarships to eligible international students.We also offer International Family Discounts which areavailable for all international students with a close familymember who has graduated from or is now studying atNewcastle University.Some of our subject scholarships and sportsscholarships are also available for international students.

Apply

Applying to Newcastle Universitythrough UCASTo apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you mustuse the online application system managed by theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

• institution name - NEWC• institution code - N21

Take a virtual tour at www.ncl.ac.uk/tour 7

UCAS buzzwordAsk your teacher or adviser from your school or college forthe UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when youregister on the Apply system. This makes it clear whichschool or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU andinternational establishments are registered with UCAS.

If you are applying independently, or are applying from aschool or college which is not registered to manageapplications, you will still use the Apply system. You will notneed a buzzword.

Making your applicationOn the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates• offers and tracking your application

Application decisions and enquiriesFind out more about our admissions process and who tocontact if you need help with your application.

Newcastle's attractive city centre is just minutes fromcampus.