BSc (Hons) Environmental Science at Bath Spa University

Climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, environmental mismanagement, energy use, waste management, sustainability, and protection of natural systems are among the planet’s most pressing problems.

We’ll help you understand these issues and develop the skills to do something about them. Expect to ‘get your hands dirty’. We get you out of the classroom and into the environment as much as possible, so that you’ll develop the practical skills that employers look for.

This course will give you knowledge of Environmental Science from biological and geographical perspectives. You can design a programme of study to suit your interests and career aspirations.

You have the option to specialise in such areas as aquatic environments, environmental protection and conservation, science communication, and earth systems. Optional topics include marine biology, climatology, sustainable development, river and coastal management, environmental hazards, environmental consultancy, and biodiversity assessment.

You can pick which of these topics you’ll study, alongside core topics such as ecology, environmental management and sustainability.

Work placements, industry links and internships

Short-term work experience is available in the Second Year optional Work Placement module. A year-long placement in professional practice is available within our sandwich degree. Our students have worked with organisations such as Somerset Earth Science Centre, Ecosulis ecological consultancy, county Wildlife Trusts, and Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa.

Careers

Students have gone into roles including: Assistant Ecological Consultant; Land Management and Conservation Adviser; Policy Adviser at Defra; and Waste Awareness Officer. Example employers include:

• Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
• Bath and North East Somerset Council
• Ecosulis ecological consultancy
• Soil Association
• The Environment Agency
• Natural England
• Ministry of Defence
• Office for National Statistics
• Natural Environment Research Council [NERC]

Many graduates have gone on to postgraduate programmes, leading to a teaching qualification (PGCE), MSc or PhD.