BSc Environmental Science

Environmental Science is a broad and multidisciplinary subject exploring processes that impact the wide range of habitats, ecosystems and environments on Earth. The course at Sheffield was one of the first degree programmes of its kind to be established in the subject. In recent years, awareness about the complexity of the natural environment and the impacts of human activity has accelerated. This has led to the growth of environmental science as a major international discipline helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our planet.

Environmental issues represent a pressing concern for global government, businesses and societies, and there is a high demand for environmental specialists in all these areas. Sheffield remains at the forefront of the discipline. This is demonstrated by our graduates who are pursuing careers in industry, research, conservation, ecology and many other sectors across the world.

This course is taught jointly by the Department of Geography and the School of Biosciences. Both departments undertake international research at the frontiers of the discipline, so you'll be taught by experts in their fields. You'll have the opportunity to tailor your degree to suit your interests and study modules that span the environmental sciences and focus on research specialisms such as global environmental change, biosciences, geoscience and environmental quality and technology.

The first year of the BSc includes modules in geography, earth science and biology. These modules explore the range of physical environments and ecosystems and provide the foundation for the rest of your course. In the second and third years, you'll build on what you've learned with more specialised study of environmental science.

Practical work and field classes are an essential part of the course. Third-year students typically carry out an extended research project in the lab or in the field.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES). The IES is the leading professional body for environmental science professionals in the UK. Accreditation confirms that this course is of high quality and provide excellent standards of professional development. Students on this course are eligible to become student members of the IES - the first step toward achieving Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status.