Course overview

Course overview

The world is under huge environmental threat. From global warming to loss of biodiversity - we need to find solutions to counter the devastating impact humans are having on the planet.

Our accredited Environmental Science BSc will enable you to explore the science behind the causes of environmental problems and to gain an awareness of the social, economic and ethical issues that underpin challenges such as water resource scarcity and conservation.

Year one

The first year of the programme is carefully designed to bring together the diverse learning experiences across the cohort. You will acquire a solid grounding in ecology, chemistry and geology (disciplines that underpin the field of environmental science) and develop an appreciation of the environmental issues faced by the world - such as climate change, environmental management and environmental chemistry. To ensure you have the appropriate skills to succeed on this programme, we embed a 'core skills' module into your first year. To support your theoretical learning you will gain general study skills and subject-specific practical skills - including statistics and fieldwork in both laboratory and field-based environments. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to choose optional modules that are aligned to your personal interests and career aspirations.

Year two

Year two builds on the information you have acquired in your first year and sets it in an applied context. From carrying out research in the real world through an Environmental Impact Assessment and fieldwork to spending time gaining work experience in a relevant industry - our curriculum offers multiple opportunities to apply your learning to environments similar to those you may encounter within your career.

Year three

Your studies will culminate with exploration of topics such as environmental monitoring, regulation and assessment regimes, the science of soil and an independent research project. You will also have the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of optional modules.

Independent research project

You will undertake an independent environment and sustainability research project and communicate your findings by working on a dissertation. This is a fantastic opportunity to integrate your passions within your studies and explore them from an environmental perspective. Throughout this project you will be supported and supervised by an academic who has expertise in your chosen area of study.

Examples of previous research projects include:

• Climate change impact on worms
• Carbon footprint of business travel
• Emissions from hybrid passenger cars
• Horse trial events and soil compaction
• Environmental attitudes to practitioners of free running

Fieldwork

From mapping habitats to sampling waters, soils and invertebrates, fieldwork is embedded into core modules throughout your studies to ensure you graduate with key environmental science observation and interpretation skills. Field courses in your second year of study will provide you with the opportunity to investigate environmental science and management issues and environmental change within an unfamiliar environment.

Fieldwork activities may include:

• Environmental survey design
• Plant and invertebrate identification
• Sample collection and preservation
• Social science research techniques
• Soil assessment
• Water quality assessment

Learn from our campus - our own 'living laboratory'

Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic experimentation environment to perform fieldwork, test new ideas and discover solutions to real-world problems. From our lake system and extensive woodlands to the mining and industrial heritage of the local area, there are many opportunities to study in an authentic environment whilst practicing sustainably.

Enhance your employability

Opportunities for you to enhance your employability is at the heart of our programme and we aim to equip you with the necessary theory and practice to support your graduate journey.

Our year two employability module offers a variety of work relevant experiences. From project-based learning to spending two weeks on a work placement - you will learn about and experience a variety of career paths and identify skills that are essential in these roles. Between years two and three of your degree, you can also spend a year gaining work experience with a related company or organisation. You will become familiar with the professional working environment and the opportunity to apply the skills and theories you have learnt.

Spend a year in industry

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. Between years two and three of your degree, you can choose to spend a year gaining practical experience with a environmentally-focused company or organisation. This will benefit you by providing familiarisation with the professional working environment and the opportunity to apply the skills and theories you have learnt.

International year

In between years two and three of your degree, you can choose to spend an additional year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity will enable you to experience different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Student support

We offer a multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters related to your course on a regular basis. You will also benefit from the support of an assigned academic mentor and access to Keele's Student Experience and Support team.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to environmental science is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.

Related Courses

This programme is available as either a Single Honours or Combined Honours degree.
If you're interested in the Combined Honours route through Environmental Science, you may also consider taking Environmental Science through our BSc/MSci Natural Sciences programme.
This allows you to combine your interests in environmental science, multiple additional sciences, and interdisciplinary practice within the structure of a Single Honours degree programme.