This degree provides you with the opportunity to specialise in a range of scientific areas associated with Environmental Sciences. The continued pressure on energy resources and natural habitats from climate and land-use change has increased demand for graduates with environmental management skills.
This multidisciplinary course includes the scientific study of the physical, chemical and biological processes operating on and within the Earth. It is fully accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences, meaning you will graduate with a degree recognised and valued by the industry.
You will be introduced to analytical skills, discover how to conserve global biodiversity, and investigate environmental monitoring and pollution migration.
Why choose this course?
- Get the best of both worlds! Immerse yourself in the subject in our stunning outdoor classroom at Brackenhurst, but still be completely connected to student life and all the events, entertainment, clubs and societies that Nottingham has to offer.
- Explore over 200 hectares of farm and woodland estate on our Brackenhurst Campus, an ideal location to study Environmental Science.
- Study at one of the UK's most environmentally friendly universities – NTU has achieved the EcoCampus Platinum award and invested in many environmental-impact innovations.
- Put your learning into practice and boost your appeal to employers with a work placement.
- Be a part of Carbon Elephant – an NTU initiative which aims to get staff and students involved in the University's plans to reduce our carbon emissions.
- Benefit from free electronic access to the core text for each module.
- Take advantage of subsidised field trips as part of your course fee.
- This degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.
How you're taught
You will be taught through a variety of methods including group seminars, lectures and practical sessions.
Assessment methods
- Year 1 coursework (17%), written (66%) and practical (17%).
- Year 2 coursework (83%), written (17%) and practical (0%).
- Year 3 coursework (50%), written (50%) and practical (0%).
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (28%), independent study (72%) and placements (0%).
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (27%), independent study (73%) and placements (0%).
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (20%), independent study (80%) and placements (0%).
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
Careers and employability
Nottingham Trent University is one of the top ten UK universities for graduate employability. As one of our graduates, you will possess a wide range of academic and transferable skills, including research methodology, problem-solving and attention to detail, in addition to the specific knowledge and skills relevant to an Environmental Science degree.
The skills and knowledge acquired will equip you to pursue a career within organisations concerned with sustainable energy use and generation, the protection of natural resources, and environmental conservation.
Once you have graduated from this course, potential employers include:
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Environment Agency
- local government
- environmental consultancies
- conservation agencies
- private companies.
Possible roles you may consider include:
- energy management adviser
- sustainability officer
- environmental auditor
- water quality scientist
- conservation adviser
- recycling officer
- environmental consultant.
Placements
You can choose to take an optional paid placement year in industry at the end of your second year of study. This work experience will enable you to develop your skills and put your knowledge into practice in a working environment. This experience is highly valued by future employers.
Previous students have undertaken placements in organisations such as:
- Environment Agency
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Severn Trent Water
- British Geological Survey
- Wildlife Trusts.
Facilities
Where will I study?
Study takes place at Brackenhurst Campus, a 200-hectare rural teaching estate 14 miles from Nottingham near the idyllic market town of Southwell. The combined benefits of modern teaching, computing and accommodation facilities with natural woodland, wetland and farming estate provides the perfect learning centre for the study of environmental sciences. Our outdoor classroom enables students to test their knowledge and the physical application of their studies.
We have a lively community of students at Brackenhurst supported by:
- modern accommodation
- a Students' Union and bar
- sports pitches
- a library.
However, if you prefer city living you can commute from Nottingham in 45 minutes by bus. Study BSc Environmental Science at NTU and you can split your time between our stunning Brackenhurst Campus and the vibrant city of Nottingham. Live on campus or in the city – it's your experience, your choice.
Over the last decade, we have invested over £200 million in improving the facilities at the Brackenhurst Campus.
- Boasting a stunning 200-hectare estate of farmland, woodland and streams, NTU Brackenhurst provides the perfect outdoor classroom for fieldwork and research.
Eco-library
Our 1,000 square metre, £2.5 million pound campus library opened in 2013. The library building uses energy-efficient and low-carbon initiatives such as photovoltaic panels, LED lighting, intelligent lighting control, heat-reclaim ventilation during winter, renewable cladding materials, locally sourced materials and water-leak detection systems.
Our biodiversity analysis of the library site highlighted the need to check for protected species such as bats and great crested newts. We've created new ponds, fence-ringed areas and bespoke habitats as part of our mitigation strategy.
Wind turbines
The University is currently undertaking feasibility work to investigate installing wind turbines at Brackenhurst Campus.
Peregrine falcons – live streaming and archive footage
The Newton building at Nottingham Trent University has, for the last decade, been home to a breeding pair of peregrine falcons, who nest on an outside ledge near the top. Watch live footage or archive video of them nesting, laying eggs and rearing their chicks.
Green Flag status
Brackenhurst Campus has been awarded Green Flag status, a national award recognising green spaces throughout the country. We received the award along with other notable green spaces such as Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park and St James's Park.
Fairtrade
Nottingham Trent University has been awarded Fairtrade status. Fairtrade products are available in all campus shops, catering outlets and the Students' Union.
