Environmental Science BSc (Hons)
Why choose this course?
We're facing huge environmental challenges such as climate change, development pressures, resource use and pollution. Are you interested in working to find sustainable solutions to these challenges? If you are, this degree could be ideal.
You'll gain the skills to investigate, monitor, evaluate and understand environmental systems and to predict and respond to environmental challenges.
The course is highly practical. You'll continually apply your studies to real-life situations through fieldwork and paid work placement opportunities.
| Qualification | Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | 3 years full time | F900 | 2023 |
| BSc (Hons) | 4 years full time including sandwich year | F901 | 2023 |
| BSc (Hons) | 4 years full time including foundation year | F908 | 2023 |
| BSc (Hons) | 6 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2023 |
| Degree Apprenticeship | 5 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2023 |
| Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This course is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).
- You'll put your theory into practice through fieldwork in the UK and overseas.
- There's the opportunity for a year's paid work placement. This will give you valuable experience and help prepare you for a career in an environmental role.
Studying at the Department of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Dr Stuart Downward talks about what you can expect from studying here:
Accreditation
This course is accredited by Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). IEMA is the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability. This course entitles students to FREE student membership for the duration of the course and on successful completion you qualify for GradIEMA. Graduate membership is a launchpad for future leaders within environment and sustainability and offers a range of benefits to support you throughout your career. You can then "Fast track" to Practitioner Membership.
The degree apprenticeship route is accredited by the IEMA.
What you will study
Year 1
Year 2
Optional sandwich year
Year 3/4
Year 1 introduces key environmental science concepts and methods of scientific investigation. You will learn in a variety of environments including the classroom and laboratory and develop fundamental fieldwork skills. You will study environmental systems and the nature and consequences associated with environmental change. You will investigate how people interact with their environment and examine sustainability challenges. You will learn to make accurate observations of environmental phenomena in the field and the laboratory, and evaluate your findings.
Core modules
Introduction to Physical Geography and Environmental Hazards
30 credits
This is a Level 4 module for Geography and Environmental Science students. Core lectures introduce key fundamental topics in physical geography, overviewing the various spheres of the Earth, associated processes and interaction.
Themes are presented systematically as a cross-section of the Earth's physical structure: geological underpinning, Earth surface processes (introducing geomorphology, the pedosphere and hydrosphere), the atmosphere, and the biosphere. Interwoven within these topics will be lectures on associated environmental hazards, including geophysical hazards (e.g. volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis), atmospheric hazards (including hurricanes and tornadoes) and environmental and ecological hazards (including oil spills, mine contamination and wildfires). The processes behind these major natural and man-made environmental hazards will be described, with reasons provided for their occurrence and global spatial distribution. Detailed case studies will be provided for each hazard, from a variety of geographical regions, in order to build a portfolio of examples, enhancing your knowledge of the processes, impacts and means of forecasting and mitigating against the hazards becoming disasters.
The module is a pre-requisite for Level 5 environmental and geographical modules: Geomorphology and Geophysical Hazards; Land Water and the Environment; Ecology and Conservation. The module introduces you to the application of geophysical knowledge and skills and potential discipline-related employment opportunities and alerts you to a range of transferable employability skills that will be developed throughout the module. These include discipline-based skills by identifying applications of geophysical knowledge to real world challenges and transferable skills developed in the learning activities and related assessments.
Digital Earth and Spatial Analysis
30 credits
Digital Earth: Spatial Analysis introduces and develops the fundamental geographical skills of data collection, analysis and presentation and the solving of spatial problems using GIS. It concerns data types, representations of reality and key spatial analysis techniques. GIS-based skills are important employability skills for geography and environment students with many course-relevant employers requiring a working knowledge of GIS and the application of GIS to solve real world geographical and environmental challenges. Digital literacy employability skills will be introduced and developed in this module and the module will provide a baseline for those taking GG5155 Cartography, Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis at Level 5 and GG6140 GIS: Transforming Geography and Environment at Level 6.
Understanding the Environment
30 credits
This is a Level 4 module for Environment Science students. The module will investigate basic environmental principles, introduce environmental systems and identify and understand how physical and human processes can promote change in environmental systems at a range of spatial and temporal scales. Students will investigate the impacts of environmental change, understand their significance and show how this knowledge can be applied to the management of environmental challenges. The importance of a holistic approach to problem solving in the environmental sciences will be introduced along with material on key underpinning scientific disciplines including environmental chemistry and ecology through the investigation of global habitats. Environmental sustainability will be examined and debated within a broader sustainable development setting and students will define and debate anticipated 21st Century environmental challenges and the application of Environmental Science to these challenges. A range of employability skills will be emphasised throughout the module curriculum and students will be challenged to consider and articulate how their environmental knowledge and skills learning development can be applied to real world environmental problems.
Research and Fieldwork Methods
30 credits
This is a module for all Level 4 Geography and Environmental Science students. The module introduces a range of generic and discipline specific research and fieldwork methods. Students are introduced to their course learning aims and identify their learning targets from Induction to graduation and their alignment to their learning pathway. Students are tutored in a range of learning techniques (e.g. critical thinking and communication skills) and are introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of their learning journey. Students are introduced to a range of research methods that form the basis of successful investigations in their subject areas, including research design, information acquisition, qualitative and quantitative analysis and critical interpretation.
Year 2 builds knowledge of environmental systems and develops your analytical science skills portfolio through the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental data. You will develop your practical skills such as environmental project management, cartography and Geographic Information Science. You will also learn to design and manage an environmental research project in the UK and develop your fieldwork skills with a European field trip.
Core modules
Rivers, Oceans and Atmospheres
30 credits
This module explores the physical science of Earth's hydrosphere and the atmosphere, key processes and principles, and associated hazards. Through a sculpted narrative, the module will take students on an explorative journey of physical processes, from the source of river systems, through the upper, middle and lower river courses, to the varied river mouth environments and out onto the continental shelf and deep oceans. After learning about the deep oceans, ocean circulation and ocean heat transport, the curriculum will transition naturally into learning about the atmosphere, atmospheric heat transport, wind patterns and how oceanic and atmospheric processes are coupled.
Land, Water and the Environment
30 credits
First, an understanding of the fundamental principles of soil science is developed whereby the various soil properties and processes, including storage and transport of water in soil, are explained. This provides a good underpinning to developing an understanding of hydrology. Core principles of hydrology are explored both as theoretical physical science of hydrology and practical hydrological skills, which you will gain through hands-on experience and investigations. This knowledge of soil and water sciences forms the essential base for introducing and explaining environmental pollution, including the impact of pollutants on environmental systems (soil, water, plants and air) and human health. It also discusses pollution mitigation and control strategies. Core learning material is provided via Canvas VLE with lectures that are designed to explain fundamental principles and concepts. Employability skills are embedded within the module and specifically include field and laboratory skills that are designed to develop surveying, recording, measuring, sampling, laboratory testing, data analysis, data interpretation and presentational skills.
Ecology and conservation
30 credits
This is a core module for the Environmental Science course and builds upon the foundation of Level 4 GG4080 Introduction to Physical Geography and Environmental Hazards. Ecological concepts are explained using a hierarchical approach: population, community and ecosystem levels of ecology are explored, highlighting the interactions between humans and nature. A research-led approach is used to emphasise the models by which ecologists attempt to explain complex biological systems. Current issues in biodiversity and conservation are explored through a lecture and seminar programme. The lectures are supported through fieldwork and field-based investigations. Core knowledge is provided with keynote lectures used to explain concepts. The fieldwork elements are designed to develop observing, recording, data analysis, data interpretation and presentation skills. The module provides a bridge to students wishing to develop their ecological knowledge and skills at Level 6, in particular GG6400 Research Project and GG6140 GIS: Transforming Geography and the Environment.
Design and Management of Environmental Projects
30 credits
This module is core for all Level 5 Environmental Science students and forms a bridge between Level 4 GG4090 Research and Fieldwork Methods and Level 6 GG6400 Research Project.
1) Students design, manage and execute an environmental science or environmental hazards research project in a 'real-life' field-based setting. Students are tutored in aspects of research design: defining research questions, research philosophy and appropriate methodologies. Students learn practical aspects of research design such as logistical considerations of time and budget limitations as well as data archiving (including digital and mobile technology) and location-based analysis. They will design and manage a field-based research project in a UK and/or overseas setting.
2) A Personal Tutorial System (PTS) will run in parallel to the taught elements of the module whereby students will integrate and develop their learning from this module to the wider academic and professional/workplace context. The PTS will emphasise key employability skills that will be acquired through the production of the research projects and their relationship to employability skills in other Level 5 modules. This will assist those students wishing to take a sandwich year and prepare those students and provide a development platform for the production of an independent research proposal. On completion of this module, students will have gained first-hand experience of research project design and management as a pre-cursor to their Level 6 Independent Research Project and/or work placement
3) Students will learn how to collect, manipulate and interpret statistical environmental data and apply this learning to their project-based investigations.
The optional sandwich year between Years 2 and 3 includes a work placement or international exchange. The work placement gives an opportunity for paid work and valuable experience in an environmental field. We will keep in touch with you throughout your placement, ensuring the skills and training you receive translate effectively into your studies and career aspirations.
Final year modules build on your environmental knowledge and skills delivered in Year 2, enabling you to apply your knowledge to investigate contemporary environmental science challenges. Your final year independent research project will reflect your personal environmental interests and help you develop your employability skills. You can also choose to apply your knowledge and skills in and overseas setting - currently in South Africa.
Core modules
GIS Transforming Geography and Environment
30 credits
This module has a twin focus on changes that have impacted on Geography and Environment over recent decades and how these have created opportunities for geographical and spatial investigation to address an expanding range of applications. Information technology, in particular GIS, is one of the major drivers of change and this module explores the application of GIS in a range of domains encompassing socio-demographic, economic, political, environmental, natural and anthropogenic hazard events.
Land and Water Resources Management
30 credits
The module examines the relationship between land and water management, global challenges associated with the management of land and water, and sustainable options to seek their resolution. The module will develop an understanding and critical evaluation of these challenges from several perspectives through the systematic investigation of land-use practices, the applications of soil science and linking practices to processes and patterns of land degradation, the interface between land management and water management, global concerns for water security, land use impacts on the wider environment, including climate, physical and socio-political drivers and an examination of the regional land-water management issues.
The Challenge of Climate Change
30 credits
This is a core Level 6 module for all Environmental Science and Environmental Science, Disasters and Management Students. This module tackles the key issues relating to climate change in the three main subject areas of science, policy and society. It aims to provide you with an understanding of the key concepts and processes of climate change and the various ways in which societies can respond. Core factual material is provided via Canvas with keynote lectures, seminars and workshops used to explain concepts. Fieldwork sessions are designed to complement the lecture series and give further practical demonstration of policy and practice complexities.
Research Project
30 credits
The module is core to those on the geographical and environmental courses. It provides experience in the design, execution and preparation of an independent but approved programme of research. Furthermore, through the Personal Tutorial System (PTS) it encourages you to employ reflective learning techniques and to develop a variety of level-appropriate employability skills by engaging with their research project as a piece of academic research with commercial, policy or political value which requires effective dissemination and communication to a range of suitable audiences. Employability skills developments are integral to the Research Project module. The specific nature of the research project chosen allows you to target specific skills you wish to develop in your learning pathway and the PTS will work closely with you to identify and articulate these skills through the associated module assessments.
Foundation year
If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.
Future Skills
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Teaching includes lectures, seminars and tutorials, practical classes and integrated fieldwork study. We place emphasis on learning through experiences and there is field work and practical classes at all stages of your learning, including UK, European and non-European field work.
Assessment is varied and your assignments may replicate tasks you are likely to face in the workplace. These include environmental report writing, role-playing exercises, presentations and environmental project exercises.
Who teaches this course
The course is taught by the Department of Geography, Geology and the Environment. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry informed ensuring you get the most relevant and up to date education possible.
The Department has invested substantially in the development of laboratories for teaching and research into subjects such as environmental monitoring, geology, geochemistry, mapping / GIS / computing facilities, and specialist instrumentation laboratories (e.g. nuclear metrology; laser Raman spectroscopy; 3D mapping).
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
- laboratories dedicated to environmental science learning and research
- computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance
- a fully integrated virtual learning environment (Canvas) so you can learn and interact with others on your course 24/7.
Course fees and funding
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
After you graduate
Careers and progression
We have excellent links with industry, business and environmental organisations. Graduates work as environmental consultants, analysts or technicians with local authorities, in waste management, wildlife conservation, and in teaching and administrative roles. Many progress to our MSc in Environmental Management.
What our students say
What our graduates say
Check out what our graduates have gone on to do and how studying at Kingston helped them achieve their goals.
Afua Yeboa-Henaku
Environmental Science graduate Afua Yeboa-Henaku talks about her time studying at Kingston University, and her current role as a Sustainable Behaviour Assistant at City University.
Sean Tuck
Environmental Science graduate Sean Tuck talks about his time studying at Kingston University, and his PhD at Oxford University.
Field trips
Fieldwork is an important component of our environment-based degrees. Studying issues in context brings them to life and deepens your understanding.
Below are the main field trips we run. During Years 2 and 3, many of the optional modules also include other trips and excursions. You might visit:
- Ashtead Common, a national nature reserve, close to Kingston
- the nearby North Downs
- the Sussex coast.
View our image gallery for an idea of what your fieldwork might involve.
Course leader Dr Stuart Downward talks about what students can expect from the field trips.
Year 1: Cornwall
In the second semester you go on a week long trip to Cornwall. Here you will:
- learn and develop a variety of environmental fieldwork skills;
- study a range of topics, such as water resources, tourism and mine waste;
- complete work suggested by lectures and individual projects; and
- research controversial environmental issues.
Year 2: Tenerife, Spain
In Year 2, you will participate in an overseas field trip to Tenerife. This gives you the chance to study an environment very different to that of the UK. The Tenerife environment is incredibly diverse, with huge contrasts in climate, soil types and ecology. You will focus on the island ecological diversity and develop a range of ecological techniques and design and manage a group-based ecological project.
Year 3: Western Cape, South Africa
In Year 3, you have the option of going on a non-European field trip, currently to the Western Cape in South Africa. The field trip provides an opportunity to apply your environmental knowledge and skills in a typically unfamiliar environment with distinctive challenges. In South Africa this includes:
- national park management;
- participation in project management exercises in informal communities; and
- learning in multiple environments: from the city (eg. Cape Town) to rural landscapes.
Work placement year
How you can work in industry during your course
Placements:
- provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
- improve your chances of graduating with a higher-grade degree
- enhance your CV
- lead to a graduate job
- enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
- help you to select your final-year project.
"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.
"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.
There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.
Examples of placements
Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:
| Construction-based placement employers | Construction-based placement roles |
|---|---|
| RG Group Multiplex Costain Willmott Dixon Fluor |
Assistant site manager Assistant trades package manager Assistant logistics manager Health and safety officer Construction engineer |
| Science-based placement employers | Science-based placement roles |
| Reckitt and Benckiser GSK Drug Control Centre Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd Various local and international hospitals |
Bioanalytical sciences Lab assistant Pharmacy assistant Sports coach |
| Engineering-based placement employers | Engineering-based placement roles |
| Airbus BAM Nuttall Nissan Bosch Wozair |
Analysis of aircraft structure Construction resources specialist Site engineer assistant |
| Computing and IS-based placement employers | Computing and IS-based placement roles |
| Disney Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe IBM McKinsey Intel |
Database coordinator Software developer Website developer App developer |
| Mathematics-based placement employers | Mathematics-based placement roles |
| Lloyds Banking Group AXA Allianz PAU Education, Spain |
Analyst Investment solutions Research analyst Accounts assistant |
Find out about studying this course part-time
The part-time course is half the workload of the full-time course, taking six years to complete rather than three. The course is flexible so you can switch to full-time study in Years 2 or 3 if you wish.
Before the course begins, you will meet with a tutor to discuss your time commitments. The course leaders will then try to let you know the timetable of lectures and seminar groups as soon as possible. On average, part-time students need to allow 10 hours a week to attend lectures and seminars, plus a further 10 to 15 hours for independent study, but this does vary.
Changes from 1 August 2022
Up until 31 July 2022, this course was taught in the Faculty of Science Engineering and Computing. For students enrolling from September 2022, the course will be delivered by the Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and the Environment. There will be no impact on the teaching or the award of the degree.
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
