COURSE CURRICULUM

The Environmental Science (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons) at Northumbria offers a structured four-year program that combines scientific knowledge with practical skills to address environmental challenges. The foundation year introduces students to environmental geography, post-industrial landscapes, sustainable development, earth system sciences, fieldwork, and effective communication of environmental issues, providing a broad grounding for further study. In Year 1, students develop academic skills, study living systems and physical environments, explore global and local environmental challenges, and gain experience in fieldwork and mapping environmental systems. Year 2 focuses on core ecological and environmental concepts, including fundamentals of ecology, biodiversity and climate change, ecosystem processes, earth observation, GIS, and applied research and fieldwork, with optional modules such as green cities, water resources, and past environments. Year 3 offers optional work placements or study abroad opportunities to enhance practical experience and employability. In Year 4, students undertake a dissertation and advanced modules including applied ecology, environmental policy, decision-making, and optional topics such as earth futures, environmental data analysis, public health, coasts, and geospatial applications. The course combines lectures, seminars, laboratories, and extensive fieldwork, equipping students with analytical, research, and practical skills needed for careers in conservation, environmental consultancy, policy, research, and sustainability, while fostering the ability to translate scientific knowledge into real-world solutions.