Environmental Science (with a year in industry) BSc (Hons)

What is special about this course?

Do you feel passionate about understanding the processes that shape our natural environment? Are you keen to develop your scientific and analytical skills in a supportive educational setting, but would also really value the opportunity to gain industry experience as part of the package? 

Join our 5-year BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (with a year in industry) and spend 1 year working alongside industry professionals, developing invaluable expertise, adding to your CV, and improving your career prospects ready for graduation. Expand your knowledge and key skills through course work in campus laboratories, access specialist analytical equipment across the university network, and make the most of opportunities to undertake a residential field module each year at locations throughout the region, as well as an international field module in your second year. 

You won’t find a better classroom than the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, where we have undeniably one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’ in the spectacular natural surroundings of the Scottish Highlands. Develop crucial field skills, a key part of this student-centred course, all against the backdrop of some of Scotland and Iceland's most outstanding habitats.

Special features

• Study in one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’
• Undertake a residential field module each year at locations throughout the region and a fieldtrip to Iceland in year 2
• Have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience by spending a year working in industry
• Practical lab and field work is a key part of the course

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above (these must include science at grade C or above) OR
• 2 A levels at grade C or above (these must include science at grade C or above)
• PLUS National 5, Standard Grade Credit, or Intermediate 2 Chemistry at grade C or above, or equivalent
• Alternatively, Foundation Apprenticeship Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills) PLUS an additional Scottish Higher at Grade C or above and National 5 in Chemistry at Grade C or above (or equivalent)
• We also accept candidates without the standard entry requirements, but with considerable professional experience in science-based employment
• This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/units, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional modules/units, but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage

Advanced entry to year 2 may be available with:

• HNC Applied Sciences
• HNC Bioscience
• HNC Horticulture
• HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management

Advanced entry to year 3 may be available with:

• HND Horticulture
• HND Wildlife and Conservation Management

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Collecting and analysing data
• Ecological principles: biodiversity and ID skills (including a 2-day residential)
• Fundamental chemistry
• Introduction to global environmental issues
• Principles of biology
• Science lab skills

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Environmental processes
• Introduction to geographic information systems
• Marine environments
• Practical skills in field ecology

You will also study 2 of the following optional modules:

• Environmental conservation
• Freshwater environments
• Sustainable development approaches in an international context (fieldtrip)

Year 3 - BSc

You will study the following core modules:

• Climate change
• Environmental monitoring
• Field course
• Introduction to data science and modelling
• Research skills project

You will also study 1 of the following optional modules:

• Assessment of the environmental impact of development                    
• Management of the marine resource

Year 4 - Year in industry

You may have the opportunity to undertake an optional year-long work placement between your BSc and BSc (Hons) years. We will support you to find a suitable placement, however if a placement is not found, you will have the opportunity to transfer to the standard four year course.

Year 5 - BSc (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Collecting and analysing data
• Ecological principles: biodiversity and ID skills (including a 2-day residential)
• Fundamental chemistry
• Introduction to global environmental issues
• Principles of biology
• Science lab skills

Fees

Fees to be confirmed.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

This course includes several field trips, including residentials and an optional international trip to Iceland. You will be required to cover the travel cost to and from your place of work during your year out in industry, and to pay a contribution towards the cost of the residentials and international trips. Further information is available upon request.