Our Environmental Science MSci, built around our impressive research record, will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of the Earth’s most complex environmental problems.

We will give you the knowledge and skills you need to help resolve the world’s most pressing problems in a sustainable way.

There is a growing need for graduates with a strong scientific background but who are also able to apply their knowledge to environmental management and protection globally.

The Environmental Science MSci degree is designed around three key themes – understanding environmental processes and systems; investigating changes and impacts; and enabling their prediction and mitigation.

This programme has been designed to provide choice and flexibility whilst ensuring that you develop appropriate skills with a sound scientific foundation. The course includes both core modules taken by all Environmental Science students, and selected optional modules which allow you to concentrate on themes which are of particular interest to you.

Our MSci Environmental Science programme offers the opportunity for you to follow your interest in the area more fully, and to develop key skills for career development. The MSci uses the same modules as the BSc degree for the first three years, followed by an additional specialist fourth year.

 

Why Study this Course?

There are plenty of reasons to study Environmental Science MSci at Newcastle:

  • Employability – Our Earth and Environmental Science graduates are highly employable with 100% in jobs or further study within six months of graduation
  • Accreditation – Our programmes are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) highlighting our academic excellence and our programmes’ professional relevance and applicability to the workplace.
  • UK top 10 for Geography and Environmental Studies inThe Times Good University Guide 2019
  • Fieldwork – (as above). Recent destinations have included the Peak District, Tenerife, and Wales. The costs of travel and accommodation on all compulsory field courses will be covered by the University.
  • Facilities – State-of-the-art laboratories including an ‘eco lab’ for the study of river systems, soon to open its doors.
  • Research projects – we have extensive links with industry including Public Health England, the Environment Agency and the Wildlife Trusts. These links provide opportunities for our students’ individual research projects.

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

Environmental Science MSci (Hons)

Course Level:

Undergraduate, Joint Honours combined

Credits 

120

Course

CODE U481

How long it takes:

Undergraduate (4 years)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$20,220

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

First year

Compulsory modules

  • From Molecules to Materials: Deconstructing the Environment
  • Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences
  • Global Environmental Issues
  • Environmental Science Research Frontiers
  • Research Methods in Environmental Science
  • Widening Horizons Module
  • Statistical Methods and Applied Geographical Information Systems
  • Tutorials and study skills for Environmental Sciences
  • Research Methods in Environmental Science

Second year

Compulsory modules

  • Advanced Research Methods in Environmental Science
  • Statistical Methods and Applied Geographical Information Systems
  • Research Labs and Fieldwork: Theory and Practice – Physical Geography and Environmental Science

Optional modules – Example optional modules may include:

  • Environmental Pollution
  • Hydroclimatology: Climate and Water
  • Ecological Systems
  • Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems
  • Plant Sciences: From Cells to Environment
  • Geomorphology and Palaeoenvironments
  • Catchment Water and Soil Management

Third year

Compulsory modules

  • Environmental Science Research

Optional modules – Example optional modules may include:

  • Advanced Fieldwork Research
  • Environmental Management: Theory, Policy and Practice
  • Environment and Landscape Change
  • Landscape and Urban Ecology
  • Adaptation to Changing Environments
  • Geological Natural Hazards
  • Restoration of Freshwater Ecosystems
  • Biodiversity and Conservation Management
  • Professional Placement for Environmental Scientists
  • Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
  • Remote Sensing of the Cryosphere
  • Climate Change in the Earth System
  • Pollution Impacts and Waste Management
  • Applied Micrometeorology
  • Weather, Climate and Society
  • Environmental Governance
  • River Processes, Deposits and Environments
  • Wetland Environments
  • Understanding Nature-Society Relations: the Ecological Century
  • Enterprise Consultancy Challenge
  • Restoration of Freshwater Systems
  • Adaptation to Changing Environments  

Fourth year

Compulsory modules

  • Project
  • Advanced Geographical and Environmental Research

Optional modules – Example optional modules may include:

  • River Restoration
  • Environmental Analysis and Modelling
  • Biogeochemical Cycling
  • River Ecology
  • Adaptation to Changing Environments
  • Chemical and Biological Incident Management
  • Air Pollution Chemistry
  • Air Quality Management
  • Carbon Management
  • Causes and Effects of Air Pollution
  • Meteorological Applications and Services
  • Atmospheric Observations
  • Biogeochemical Cycling
  • River Habitats and Biogeochemistry 

Entry requirements

 

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

  • A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
  • A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
  • An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level

If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

If you intend to become a Solicitor

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.

See further details of our English Language requirement

USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)

£8,500

International students starting 2019/20 (per year)

£13,100

 

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

By developing your understanding of the interactions between physical, chemical and biological processes in the environment, we will give you the knowledge and skills you need to help resolve the world’s most pressing problems in a sustainable way.

You will be well placed to develop a career within the growing environmental science field, either in the public or private sector. In both areas, the demand for qualified graduates is growing as society strives to promote sustainable development, meet the requirements of more stringent environmental controls, and address the problems caused by issues such as climate change, air and water pollution, and contaminated land. 

   

Where could a degree in Environmental Science take you?

Recent Earth and Environmental Sciences graduates have found employment in a wide range of fields. Our most recent student survey showed that a high proportion of our alumni were working or in further study six months after graduation. Many students were engaged in work or study directly related to their first degree, with the remainder choosing career paths in areas outside of the subject where the transferable skills gained on the programme prove invaluable. 

Graduates have found employment within the scientific civil service (e.g. Environment Agency), local government, environmental consultancies, conservation organisations and environmental education, as well as in the media, education, finance, sales, IT and law. Other graduates go into teaching at all levels, from primary schools right through to higher education.

Around a quarter of Earth and Environmental Sciences graduates go on to further study at Masters and PhD level, to develop further research identified in different aspects of our programme, including Environmental Management Systems, Water Resources Technology and Air Pollution Management.