Environmental Science

study environmental science and graduate with a university degree

www.sbes.stir.ac.uk

Environmental Science students carrying out fieldwork outdoors by mountains

The world’s growing population places great pressure on environmental resources. How do we meet our needs for food, clean air and water, energy and materials, whilst safeguarding resources for future generations?

Environmental Science makes a vital contribution to these questions by advancing our understanding of natural processes and how they are affected by humans. As a result, environmental scientists are at the forefront in tackling issues such as global climate change, pollution, and the degradation of soils, aquatic resources and wildlife habitats.

We were one of the first UK degrees in Environmental Science: our teaching gives a solid grounding in science disciplines and integrates subject specific and transferable skills. This focus creates genuine career opportunities with consultancies, water authorities, research institutes, conservation bodies, businesses, NGOs, local authorities and government agencies.

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

UCAS Code F900

Entrance Requirements

Year 1
Highers BBCC.
A-levels CCD or a combination of A2 and AS levels, VCE and VDA.

IB Diploma with a total of 26 points.

HNC or HND with Bs in Graded Unit(s).

Access courses and other UK/EU and international qualifications are also welcomed.

Year 2
A-levels or Advanced Highers BBB to include one of Geography/Geology/Environmental Science and Biology.
HND with BB in Graded Units in relevant HNDs.

General Entrance Requirements apply.

International students can study our Undergraduate Certificate if they do not possess the necessary entrance requirements to be admitted directly to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme.

Required Subjects

One of Geology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics at Higher (B), A-level (D), IB Higher Level at 4; HNC or HND in relevant subject.

Other qualifications not mentioned above must include science-based subjects.

Mathematics Standard Grade (2), Intermediate 2 (C), GCSE (C) or equivalent.

English Standard Grade (2), Intermediate 2 (C), GCSE (C) or equivalent. Applicants with English Standard Grade (3) will also be considered, although alternative entry conditions may be made in this case.

Modes of Study

Full-time (3 modules per semester).
Part-time (1 or 2 modules per semester).
February entry also available.

Study Abroad

You can study abroad for a semester or a year.

	Programme Contact
	Dr Carol Salt University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA Scotland UK
	Tel: + 44 (0) 1786 467852
	Email: c.a.salt@stir.ac.uk
	Web: www.sbes.stir.ac.uk/degree/envsci.html

Degree Programme

Semesters 1 - 4
The first year core programme explores the science and policy behind global problems and provides training in laboratory and field skills. This is followed in second year by studies of environmental processes and training in data analysis.

All students take seven core modules:

People and the Environment
Global Environmental Issues
Practical Skills I and II
Earth and Landscape Evolution
The Biosphere
Environmental Techniques

A further four modules are chosen from the diverse range of subjects across the University. Environmental History, Aquatic Environments and Biology are popular choices since they offer the flexibility to change into other natural science degrees.

Semesters 5 - 6

In Year 3, you will take six advanced modules which currently include:

Drainage Basins
Environmental Hazards
Environmental Policy and Management
Field and Laboratory Techniques
Field Class in Spain
Soils, Sediments and Landscape History
Soil Quality and Protection

Semesters 7 - 8

In your final year you will develop your skills through an independent research project and a choice of six advanced modules from a range of options which include:

Agriculture and Food Security
Geographical Information Systems
Reconstructing Quaternary Environments
Paleoecology
Sustainable Development
Conservation Management
Restoration Ecology
Conservation Biology
Conservation Genetics

Teaching and Assessment

Our teaching methods include lectures, field and laboratory practical exercises, tutorials and group projects. A wide range of natural and human landscapes in the Stirling area are used for field teaching. Residential field classes are currently held in Year 1 in the Scottish Highlands and in Year 3 in southern Spain. Modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams.

Study Abroad Opportunities

As well as the exchange opportunities available to all Stirling students, Environmental Science has a wellestablished programme with the University of Guelph in Canada. You can spend either one or two semesters here during your third year. Here you study courses equivalent to those taken at Stirling and have the opportunity to broaden your environmental and cultural experience.

Career Opportunities

Many graduates directly gain employment in research institutes, environmental consultancies, environmental protection agencies, water authorities and conservation bodies. Others take a route via postgraduate study, for example, in environmental management, education, information technology, remote sensing and waste management or research towards the award of a PhD. See the career profiles of some of our graduates at www.sbes.stir.ac.uk/degree/careers/profiles.html

We place great importance on teaching subject-specific and transferable skills that enhance your employability. Regular careers sessions are embedded into the core teaching. Our alumni contribute to this, as invited speakers and discussion partners. Students in their third year of study have the opportunity to take part in our e-mentoring scheme where you are mentored by a graduate in employment for one semester.

Combined Honours Degrees

The degrees in Environmental Geography and Environmental Geography with Professional Education are integrated programmes which combine Environmental Science modules with human and social sciences.

Environmental Geography with Professional Education allows you to directly enter teaching at secondary level in Scotland. Other integrated programmes include Conservation Management, and Environmental Science and Outdoor Education. Combined Honours degrees allow Environmental Science to be studied alongside other related subjects.

Environmental Science can be studied with:
Programme	UCAS Code
Biology	CF19
Computing Science	FG94
Economics	FL91
Film & Media	FP93
Management Science	FN92
Mathematics	F9G1
Politics	FL92
Professional Education (Primary) with specialism in the Environment	XC11

(For a Combined Honours degree the higher entrance requirements of the subjects usually apply.)