There has never been a better time to study our Environmental Science degree. The world is facing hugely important environmental issues, and the need to solve these will bring considerable opportunities, as well as challenges. Completing this degree will give you a high-level Masters qualification in this topic, which will put you in a very select group of people.

Environmental Science brings together a number of disciplines to look at these environmental issues in a comprehensive way, and explores how technology, research, behavioural change, regulations and a robust scientific approach can be brought together to find solutions.

This degree covers biology (giving you an understanding of organisms, their environments and their communities), chemistry (providing an understanding of many natural environmental processes and pollution), earth science (giving you a background in global processes), and land and water resource management. This combination of subject areas, combined with many practical sessions and field trips, creates a degree that is both fascinating and rewarding.

Bangor has to be one of the best-placed universities for you to study Environmental Science. We have access to a wide range of natural environments ranging from the coast, to the varied landscape of Snowdonia National Park with its long history of multiple land use, mining and quarrying. Field trips are central throughout this degree. As well as local trips, we have residential trips further afield.

We have close links with local, national and international organisations that employ environmental scientists, helping us to ensure that our degree is relevant and up to date.

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Science (IES). This will improve your employability and you will receive benefits such as a monthly newsletter and magazine with opportunities to publish articles current issues, news about jobs, and free or reduced entry to relevant events. It is also the first step on an environmental career path which could take you to Chartered Status.

For this 4-year Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSci) degree, Years 1 and 2 are the same as the BSc degree; but you won’t undertake an Honours Project in Year 3 - instead you’ll choose more optional modules. You will complete a Masters-level independent research project on a topic of your choice. You will undertake a work placement of at least 4 weeks at a location of your choice. You will also undertake modules which focus on the importance of environmental sustainability for modern business and Strategic Environmental Management, which will give you professionally recognised skills.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• Steve Backshall the TV presenter is now part of our teaching team.
• Many of our staff have received awards to acknowledge their contributions to teaching and pastoral support  
• This degree draws on our strengths in biological sciences, ocean sciences and chemistry.
• Our location makes this an ideal place to study environmental science as we have a natural laboratory on our doorstep.  From the coast to the varied landscape of the Snowdonia National Park with its long history of multiple land use, mining and quarrying.
• Field trips are a key element of this degree.
• Many staff recognised by various awards for their enthusiasm and expertise in teaching.
   

Our wide variety of teaching methods include lectures, practicals, fieldwork, seminars and tutorials. Between them, they will give you theoretical and practical skills that employers look for in graduate Environmental Scientists. You will finish the degree with a deep understanding of the subject area, and be able to bring together relevant information from a range of different disciplines to tackle environmental issues and explore environmental gains. We integrate the latest findings from our own research and that of others into the course, as well as the latest from policy and legislation; ensuring that your course is always fresh and current. Throughout the degree, the relaxed and informal atmosphere also encourages lively discussion of current environmental issues so that you and your peers will very much be part of the teaching.

You will study 120 credits in each year, through a range of modules. Some modules are compulsory, others are optional, allowing you to expand your studies into new areas or develop specialisms that interest you.

Courses are assessed using a variety of methods, with an average split of 60% coursework and 40% examination. In the final year, it is almost all assessed via coursework. We develop your skills in crucial areas such as presentations, report-writing, and interviews; helping to prepare you for employment. We regularly invite guest speakers to give lectures, and you will also meet potential employers during fieldtrips.

What will you study on this course?

Year 1 & 2

During this time, you will come to understand the foundations of Environmental Science, and deepen your understanding of the topic. A range of interesting and exciting modules will bring alive this fantastic topic for you! You will see and hear first-hand about world-leading research projects being conducted at our school as we integrate research into our teaching.

Year 3

As well as the compulsory modules, there is a very wide range of optional modules for you to choose, ensuring the degree is personal to you. These will enhance your skill-set and knowledge as an aspiring Environmental Scientist. The options include a field course to Tenerife, where we study the many different environmental pressures facing the island, and how they can be mitigated.

Year 4

In your final year, you will complete a Masters-level independent research project on a topic of your choice, giving you the chance to demonstrate your potential in delivering a quality piece of work, to a high level. You will undertake a relevant work placement of at least 4 weeks at a location of your choice, anywhere in the world. You will also undertake modules which focus on the importance of environmental sustainability for modern business and Strategic Environmental Management, which will give you professionally recognised skills.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Environmental Science Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

You will have access to fantastic facilities to support your learning:

• Our own University farm, Henfaes Research Centre, where we conduct fieldtrips and you can run your own large-scale experiment for your project
• Renovated, bespoke labs for teaching and research
• A very large range of analytical kit, so that you can learn how to analyse environmental samples both in the field and in the lab
• Our very own geology collection – regarded as one of the best in the country
• Computer laboratories for you to develop your skills in key areas such as digital mapping and environmental modelling
• One of our best facilities is the environment on our doorstep – you will get the chance to visit so many different places on our fieldtrips, which will cement your learning and understanding of topics.

Following this degree will give you what employers are looking for: excellence in a range of subject-specific and generic skills, and experience. Few students graduate with both, meaning that there will be considerable career opportunities. Your higher-level qualification will make you attractive to employers a wide range of advisory agencies, regulators, consultancies, local and national government, and in research and development, both locally and overseas. In terms of industries, the ‘green economy’ is rapidly growing, and there will be opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, nuclear, construction, agriculture, and transport. This course also provides a good basis for teaching and work in the media. Your higher-level qualification may consider postgraduate study e.g., a professional MSc course, or research leading to a PhD. There have never been so many job opportunities in Environmental Science - gaining this degree will put you in a good position to secure one of those.

Bangor is a great location for studying and researching environmental issues as we are minutes away from a huge diversity of landscapes and environments. You will benefit from first-hand interaction with staff that are at the forefront of their field.