Making a difference.

From the impacts of our changing climate, the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink, to the challenges of dealing with our waste and meeting the competing demands on our natural spaces, environmental issues impact on us all.

This highly current degree examines topics such as ecology and conservation; sustainable development; resources, energy and waste management and pollution control in both developing and developed countries. You will combine theory, leading edge research and practical experience in order to find workable solutions to current and future environmental problems.

Why choose Northumbria to study Environmental Science BSc (Hons)?

• 92% of students studying Environmental Sciences at Northumbria believed that their course had the right balance of direct and independent study and that they were able to develop knowledge and skills needed for their future (NSS, 2023).
• Geography and Environmental Studies at Northumbria is ranked 2nd for research power in the UK. This is a rise of 39 places compared to 2014.
• Geography & Environmental Science is ranked Top 40 in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2024.
• Geography & Environmental Science at Northumbria is ranked top 20 in the UK for Teaching Quality & Student Experience (Times Good University Guide, 2024)

How will I learn on this course?

You will be able to apply the theory you have learnt in lectures and tutorials in hands-on laboratory practicals, cementing your practical and professional skills. Taking your learning outside the classroom you will get your hands dirty on local and residential field trips including on a trip to Tenerife and you will get the opportunity to see environmental science in action on a range of site visits.

Our department has an excellent reputation for student support and teaching innovation. This starts from the very first week where we support your transition to university with a project and skills development week.

Who teaches the Environmental Science BSc course?

You will learn from research active staff who will inspire you in their subject, and who truly believe in working to provide solutions to the environmental problems that are affecting our planet. You will be learning from those at the forefront of the subject.

The teaching team includes staff with previous experience working in industry, consultancy and for high profile organisations in both teaching and research positions. Staff specialisms cover all areas of environmental science including pollution monitoring and control, environmental management and law, ecology and conservation, climate adaptation and  renewable energy technologies, disaster management and resilience building.

Where will I study during my time at Northumbria?

You will learn in state-of-the-art facilities where you can take part in practical experiments in our research laboratories with access to industry standard field and laboratory equipment. Our extensive field equipment includes a range of portable monitoring and analytical instrumentation (e.g. for soil, water and air pollution monitoring) whilst specialist IT software, including GIS and ecological statistical packages, allow you to analyse and model your findings. Our estates also include social spaces for our student community.

You will examine current natural world and urban case studies in order to apply what you have learnt to real world examples and you can further enhance  your employability with the opportunity for a semester-based or year long placement or period of study abroad.

Working as a team with your peers, you will liaise with external partners to solve a current sustainability or environmental problem. You can also tailor your final year dissertation to examine a research area that affects an external organisation.

Supporting your future.

With environmental issues a key topic across the world, there is a demand for those with the environmental science knowledge and experience this course provides, making this Environmental Science BSc an ideal springboard to a career in this arena.

Not only will you graduate from this accredited degree with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, but with solid research skills, and transferable skills such as independent learning, team working and current experience.

You will be able to hit the ground running in careers such as environmental management, waste management, pollution control, urban regeneration, conservation, overseas development or environmental education.