Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

We're facing huge environmental challenges such as climate change, development pressures, resource use and pollution. Are you interested in working to find sustainable solutions to these challenges? If you are, this degree could be ideal.

You'll gain the skills to investigate, monitor, evaluate and understand environmental systems and to predict and respond to environmental challenges.

The course is highly practical. You'll continually apply your studies to real-life situations through fieldwork and paid work placement opportunities.

Qualification Attendance UCAS code/apply Year of entry
BSc (Hons) 3 years full time F900 2023 (Clearing)
2024
BSc (Hons) 4 years full time including sandwich year F901 2023 (Clearing)
2024
BSc (Hons) 4 years full time including foundation year F908 2023 (Clearing)
2024
BSc (Hons) 6 years part time Apply direct to the University 2023 (Clearing)
2024
Degree Apprenticeship 5 years part time Apply direct to the University 2023 (Clearing)
2024
Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This course is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).
  • You'll put your theory into practice through fieldwork in the UK and overseas.
  • There's the opportunity for a year's paid work placement. This will give you valuable experience and help prepare you for a career in an environmental role.
  • 100% of students thought staff were good at explaining things and felt the course has developed the skills they need for the future (NSS 2023).

Studying at the Department of Geography, Geology and the Environment

Dr Stuart Downward talks about what you can expect from studying here:

Accreditation

This course is accredited by  Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). IEMA is the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability. This course entitles students to FREE student membership for the duration of the course and on successful completion you qualify for GradIEMA. Graduate membership is a launchpad for future leaders within environment and sustainability and offers a range of benefits to support you throughout your career. You can then "Fast track" to Practitioner Membership.

The degree apprenticeship route is accredited by the IEMA.

What you will study

Year 1

Year 2

Optional sandwich year

Year 3/4

Year 1 introduces key environmental science concepts and methods of scientific investigation. You will learn in a variety of environments including the classroom and laboratory and develop fundamental fieldwork skills. You will study environmental systems and the nature and consequences associated with environmental change. You will investigate how people interact with their environment and examine sustainability challenges. You will learn to make accurate observations of environmental phenomena in the field and the laboratory, and evaluate your findings.

Core modules

Our Dynamic Earth

30 credits

This module introduces key fundamental topics in physical geography, overviewing the various spheres of the Earth, associated processes and interaction. Themes are presented systematically as a cross-section of the Earth's physical structure: geological underpinning, Earth surface processes (introducing geomorphology, the pedosphere and hydrosphere), the atmosphere, and the biosphere.

Interwoven within these topics are lectures on associated environmental hazards, including geophysical hazards (e.g., volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis), atmospheric hazards (including hurricanes and tornadoes) and environmental and ecological hazards (including oil spills, and wildfires).

Processes behind these major natural and man-made environmental hazards will be described, with reasons provided for their occurrence and global spatial distribution. Detailed case studies from a variety of geographical regions will help to build a portfolio of examples, enhancing student knowledge of the processes, impacts and means of forecasting and mitigating against hazards becoming disasters.

The module introduces students to the application of environmental and geophysical knowledge and skills to real world challenges and potential discipline-related employment opportunities.

Introduction to Environmental Science

30 credits

This module introduces the basic principles of environmental science, including environmental chemistry, water quality analysis/assessment, environmental pollution, and ecology. The module will investigate basic environmental principles to help students understand how physical and human processes can promote change in environmental systems at a range of spatial and temporal scales.

Students will investigate the impacts of environmental change, understand their significance, and show how this knowledge can be applied to the management of environmental challenges. The importance of a holistic approach to problem solving in the environmental sciences will be introduced along with material on key underpinning scientific disciplines including environmental chemistry and ecology through the investigation of global habitats.

Digital Mapping

15 credits

Maps are tools for visualising spatial information to communicate pattern, processes, and the results of geographical analysis. This module explores the principles and practice of map design and production using Geographical Information System (GIS) software. GIS are introduced, including representations of reality, data types, data management, data quality, and simple analytical operations.

The cartographic design process will be explained including graphic design principles and different modes of delivery (hardcopy/web map/3D) and contrasted to ‘traditional' manual map-making. Legal and ethical issues relating to copyright and attribution of data and media are explained.

Research and Fieldwork Methods

15 credits

This module introduces students to a range of research methods that form the basis of successful investigations in their subject discipline areas, including research design, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and analysis interpretation.

The module, importantly, also introduces fieldwork as a key investigative element of both environmental and geographical study, and the module incorporates the core Level 4 fieldwork, developing both generic fieldwork skills (e.g., pre-field trip reconnaissance using a range of secondary data sources and remote sensing, field safety risk assessments, safety in the field, and ethical considerations) and discipline specific site investigations (e.g., field observations, triangulation for map location and geometrical data collection using compass-clinometers, surveying techniques and GPS location, water quality surveys, analyses of archival data, and questionnaires and interviews).

Developing Academic Skills

15 credits

Students are introduced to their course learning aims and consider their anticipated learning targets from induction to graduation. Students are guided to identify and take ownership of their personal academic journey through the development and application of academic skills aligned to KU Graduate Attributes and their discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes.

Students are tutored in a range of learning to learn techniques and are introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of their learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in the KU Navigate Programme enabling students to understand and begin to develop a design thinking approach to Future Skills development.

Sustainability for Professional Practice

15 credits

This module will explore the global environmental, economic, and social problems that society faces and encourage students to find and create sustainable innovative solutions.

The students will be introduced to the complex societal problems and current challenges associated with social justice, cultural inequalities, ethics, and climate change emergencies, this will enable them to reflect on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The students will be immersed in a culture of education that provides knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills and encourages them to think about possible solutions seeking to balance economic, environmental, and social objectives set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), and the challenges in achieving those goals.

Students will be able to develop knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills associated with systems thinking and integrated problem-solving within the context of environmental systems and processes and the built environment. This will encourage students to critically address ways to mitigate and solve complex global societal problems addressed by the UNSDGs.

Working in teams, students will explore, and debate: to evaluate the interconnectivity between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), collaborate and co-design practical and equitable strategic solutions to Net Zero carbon (positive), and evaluate sustainability-related global challenges (e.g., the climate emergency) while developing critical thinking and self-awareness

Year 2 builds knowledge of environmental systems and develops your analytical science skills portfolio through the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental data. You will develop your practical skills such as environmental project management, cartography and Geographic Information Science. You will also learn to design and manage an environmental research project in the UK and develop your fieldwork skills with a European field trip.

Core modules

Rivers, Oceans and the Atmosphere

30 credits

This module explores the physical science of Earth's hydrosphere and the atmosphere, key processes and principles, and associated hazards. Through a sculpted narrative, the module curriculum will take students on an investigative journey to explore land, ocean and atmosphere environments and their interactions, with a persistent focus on the impact of climate change on these systems.

The narrative will follow the water cycle, starting with precipitation on land and a study of drainage basins, followed by investigations of rivers, estuaries and coasts, then on to the ocean and ocean circulation, and finally the atmosphere. Hydrological and sedimentological processes will be considered, following a source to sink approach.

A variety of hydrospheric and atmospheric hazards will be considered throughout the module, including riverine and coastal flooding, sea-level rise, and severe weather hazards associated with ENSO, the Indian Ocean Dipole and the SE Asian Monsoon System. Fieldwork, GIS and remote sensing practicals will be integral to this module, providing real-world skills and training relevant to a wide variety of environmental science, hazards and geography careers.

Principles of Ecology and Conservation

15 credits

Ecological concepts are explained using a hierarchical approach: population, community and ecosystem levels of ecology are explored, highlighting the interactions between man and nature. A research-led approach is used to emphasise the models by which ecologists attempt to explain complex biological systems. Core factual material is provided using keynote lectures to explain concepts. The practical and fieldwork elements are designed to develop observing, recording, data analysis, data interpretation and presentation skills.

Contaminated Land, Assessment and Remediation

15 credits

This module has three key components. First, an understanding of the fundamental principles of soil science is developed whereby the various soil properties and processes, including storage/retention and transport of water and chemicals in soil, are explained. This provides a good support to developing an understanding of soil and hydrological interactions with soil nutrients and contaminants. This knowledge of soil and water environmental interaction forms the essential base for introducing and explaining soil pollution, including the impact of pollutants on environmental systems (soil, water, plants and air) and human health. It also discusses pollution mitigation and control/remediation strategies.

Advanced Research Methods and Statistics

30 credits

Students will design, manage and execute an environmental science research project in a ‘real-life' field-based setting. Students are tutored in aspects of research design: defining research questions, research philosophy and appropriate methodologies. Students learn practical aspects of research design such as logistical considerations of time and budget limitations, as well as data archiving . Students will be trained in quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Students will learn how to collect, manipulate, and interpret statistical environmental and geographical data and apply this learning to their project-based investigations.

Understanding our World with GIS

15 credits

With the increasing focus on data science and big data, data literacy and the ability to develop and implement analytical workflows have become essential transferrable skills. This module is concerned with how to obtain, process, integrate, analyse, visualise, and analyse geographical data within GIS software to discover and quantify spatial patterns. It offers the means to critically evaluate data, analytical approaches, and the outcomes in relation to the principles of information and cartographic design.

The principles and methods of digital data collection and post-processing are introduced (e.g., GPS, mobile apps, aerial and space-based survey, secondary data, APIs). Students will learn how to apply exploratory and basic analytical techniques (e.g., buffer, spatial join, overlay, surface and network analysis) to discover pattern. They are introduced to and gain practical experience of the relational database, and network and surface data models and their analytical use.

Project Management

15 credits

The optional sandwich year between Years 2 and 3 includes a work placement or international exchange. The work placement gives an opportunity for paid work and valuable experience in an environmental field. We will keep in touch with you throughout your placement, ensuring the skills and training you receive translate effectively into your studies and career aspirations.

Final year modules build on your environmental knowledge and skills delivered in Year 2, enabling you to apply your knowledge to investigate contemporary environmental science challenges. Your final year independent research project will reflect your personal environmental interests and help you develop your employability skills. You can also choose to apply your knowledge and skills in and overseas setting - currently in South Africa.

Core modules

Research Project

30 credits

This module provides students with experiences in the design, preparation and execution of an independent and supervised programme of research.

The module guides students to employ reflective learning techniques and to develop a variety of level-appropriate employability skills by engaging with their research project as academic research with commercial, policy or political value which requires effective dissemination and communication to a range of suitable audiences. Employability skills developments are integral to the Research Project module.

The specific nature of the research project chosen allows the students to target specific skills they wish to develop in their learning pathway and the project supervisors will work closely with the students to identify and articulate these skills and relate these to Future Skills.

Land and Water Resources Management

30 credits

This module examines the relationship between land and water management, global challenges associated with the management of land and water, and sustainable options to seek their resolution.

The module will develop an understanding and critical evaluation of these challenges from several perspectives through the systematic investigation of land-use practices, the applications of soil science and linking practices to processes and patterns of land degradation, the interface between land management and water management, global concerns for water security, land use impacts on the wider environment, including climate, physical and socio-political drivers and an examination of the regional land-water management issues.

The module will highlight a range of employability skills and challenge students to identify and value the transferability of these skills to the workplace. These will include assessment for learning activities that will develop fieldwork skills, problem solving and the communication of environmental knowledge.

The Science of Climate Change

15 credits

This module explores the science of climate change through an in-depth exploration of the components of the climate system and an examination of climate change indicators such as sea-level change and ocean acidification. The influence of human activities that contribute to climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation will be explored and future climate models and scenarios will be evaluated.

The module will highlight how recent climate change is predominantly due to anthropogenic forcing rather than natural climate drivers. Students will learn to critically evaluate and discuss models of future climate change and will produce their own climate projections for the UK based on real data.

The fieldwork programme will also provide students with an opportunity to enhance their understanding of climate change by seeing examples of past climate change in the local palaeo and geomorphic record. Examination of the palaeo record of past climate change will give context to the evaluation of future projected climate change scenarios.

Conservation, Theory and Practice

15 credits

The importance of historical and contemporary land use practices in shaping current biotic communities is discussed. Current issues in biodiversity conservation and biodiversity patterns influenced by anthropogenic climate change are explored through a lecture and seminar programme. Fieldwork supports the lectures and assignments which are designed to introduce students to important aspects of practical conservation work, such as global strategies for mitigating effects of biodiversity loss, writing funding bids, species conservation strategies, and communicating to non-specialists/decision makers.

Applying Professional Skills

15 credits

Students will demonstrate the ability to apply their developing professional skills competencies in their chosen area and will ensure they have a broad understanding of the business environment in which professional activities are undertaken. The module will develop the student's technical, management and interpersonal skills required to perform in a team environment and prepare the students for employment and entrepreneurship.

Students will participate in Kingston University's Bright Ideas competition where they will work together as a team to develop a business idea of their choice. To do this they will need to interact with relevant stakeholders outside the University.

Students will be guided to interact with professional and learning communities beyond the university and reflect on these interactions. This may include participation in co-curricular events such as subject-specific and career development events (e.g. talks, workshops, speed interviews), networking opportunities offered by the subject-specific professional bodies, exploring pathways to professional chartership/membership, leveraging interactions with professionals in the development of the final year research project and, reflecting on the co-benefits of these interactions.

Optional modules

Climate Change Hazards, Resilience and Solutions

15 credits

This module tackles the key issues relating to climate change in the three main subject areas of science, policy and society. The module presents a series of thematic taught sessions (classroom and field-based) overviewing: climate-related hazards and disasters; how climate change is impacting the level of risk associated with various hazards – for example, heatwaves, droughts and wildfires, flooding events, and geophysical hazards; and the ways in which impacts and risk associated with climate change can be lessened through mitigation and adaptation.

Human activities in developed and industrialised nations in regions such as Europe, North America and East Asia have largely caused the changes in atmospheric composition and the current climate crisis; but it is poorer less developed nations (especially in Africa, south-east Asia and the Pacific islands) that are often most at risk to the increase in climate-related hazards. Students will learn how to examine, interpret and evaluate international, national and local policies and practices responding to climate change, and have the opportunity to engage in role-play debates and oral presentations.

The production of a detailed and coherent stakeholder report will provide real-world learning skills relevant to the environmental sector and tackling climate change. The fieldwork programme will provide the students with the opportunity to enhance their understanding of climate-related societal issues and consider current case studies of adaptation and mitigation.

Solving Real World Data with GIS

15 credits

This module offers in-depth knowledge as well as hands-on skills for a series of spatial analytical and modelling approaches that can be used for solving real-world problems.

At the heart of this module will be the notion of spatial understanding of data science. This relates to the fundamental notion in geography and environmental science whereby spatial patterns and spatial inequity are rife in the real world (e.g., high property price in accessible and branded areas; persistence of crime hotspots; specific ecological habitats that exist for particular species; regions prone to a specific natural hazard such as hurricanes).

Offering solutions to these various challenges require a systematic and quantitative appreciation as well as suitable interpretation of the data, and this module is designed to offer the means to achieve this through a series of spatial analytical and spatial statistical methods, including point pattern analysis, spatial interpolation and spatial regression.

Foundation year

If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2023, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2024 entry only.

Typical offer 2024

UCAS tariff points: 96–120 for BSc (Hons); 64 for BSc (Hons) including foundation year.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma with grades MMM or BTEC Diploma with grades DD.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Degree apprenticeship route

Five GSCEs at grade C/4 including English and Mathematics. Sponsorship from an approved employer within the industry.

Typical offer 2023

UCAS tariff points: 96–120 for BSc (Hons); 32 for BSc (Hons) including foundation year.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma with grades MMM or BTEC Diploma with grades DD.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Degree apprenticeship route

Five GSCEs at grade C/4 including English and Mathematics. Sponsorship from an approved employer within the industry.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in Applied Science or Science,  which has been passed with 96 UCAS points.

Applications from those that have undertaken a Science foundation year will also be considered.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching includes lectures, seminars and tutorials, practical classes and integrated fieldwork study. We place emphasis on learning through experiences and there is field work and practical classes at all stages of your learning, including UK, European and non-European field work.

Assessment is varied and your assignments may replicate tasks you are likely to face in the workplace. These include environmental report writing, role-playing exercises, presentations and environmental project exercises.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 419 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 826 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 437 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 763 hours
Year 3
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 655 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1172 hours

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Coursework: 55%
  • Practical: 15%
  • Exams: 30%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 80%
  • Exams: 20%
Year 3
  • Coursework: 71%
  • Practical: 3%
  • Exams: 26%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 10 students and lecture sizes are normally 10­-50­.  However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course

The course is taught by the Department of Geography, Geology and the Environment. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry informed ensuring you get the most relevant and up to date education possible.

The Department has invested substantially in the development of laboratories for teaching and research into subjects such as environmental monitoring, geology, geochemistry, mapping / GIS / computing facilities, and specialist instrumentation laboratories (e.g. nuclear metrology; laser Raman spectroscopy; 3D mapping).

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:

  • laboratories dedicated to environmental science learning and research
  • computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance
  • a fully integrated virtual learning environment (Canvas) so you can learn and interact with others on your course 24/7.

Course fees and funding

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2023/24): £15,800
Year 2 (2024/25): £16,200
Year 3 (2025/26): £16,600
Year 4 (2026/27): £17,000

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Field trips

All compulsory residential field trips are paid for by Kingston University.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.

After you graduate

Careers and progression

We have excellent links with industry, business and environmental organisations. Graduates work as environmental consultants, analysts or technicians with local authorities, in waste management, wildlife conservation, and in teaching and administrative roles. Many progress to our MSc in Environmental Management.

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

  • placements;
  • working or studying abroad;
  • volunteering;
  • peer mentoring roles; and
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10 per cent discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni.

What our students say

The field trips have been excellent. That's where Kingston excels.  It does the practical stuff extremely well. The Spanish trip was especially good. We made so many connections, talked to so many interesting people and saw so many things.

I used to work as an insurance underwriter, but after working in the city for 11 years, I decided that I didn't want to be doing that job for the rest of my life.  However, I had left school at 17 and wasn't qualified for anything else. I wanted to be able to get a job that would allow me to work outdoors and outside London and so, after much consideration, I decided to study environmental science.

I feel that studying environmental science was an excellent decision for me.  I don't want to spend the next 40 years doing something I don't want to be doing. If you're not happy with what you do for a living, then you've got to do something about it.

Graham Lewis – Environmental Science BSc

I chose this degree because I thought it would be interesting and offer a wide range of career options in the future. I had heard about Kingston from friends, but decided to visit before making up my mind. I found the University provided an excellent study atmosphere and met friendly teaching staff.

I think the laboratory lessons have interested me most.  This is where you relate the theory into practice. The group projects help us learn to study independently and I've enjoyed the field trips. They offer the chance to get to know classmates and teachers better. This has made me much more confident in discussions and able to ask the teachers for help whenever I want.

Ying Tang – Environmental Science with Business BA/BSc(Hons)

What our graduates say

Check out what our graduates have gone on to do and how studying at Kingston helped them achieve their goals.

Afua Yeboa-Henaku

Environmental Science graduate Afua Yeboa-Henaku talks about her time studying at Kingston University, and her current role as a Sustainable Behaviour Assistant at City University.

Sean Tuck

Environmental Science graduate Sean Tuck talks about his time studying at Kingston University, and his PhD at Oxford University.

 

 

Field trips

Fieldwork is an important component of our environment-based degrees. Studying issues in context brings them to life and deepens your understanding.

Below are the main field trips we run. During Years 2 and 3, many of the optional modules also include other trips and excursions. You might visit:

  • Ashtead Common, a national nature reserve, close to Kingston
  • the nearby North Downs
  • the Sussex coast.

View our image gallery for an idea of what your fieldwork might involve.

Dr Stuart Downward talks about what students can expect from the field trips.

Year 1: Southern UK Based

In the first year you will do a UK-based, week-long trip to an area such as Cornwall. Here you will:

  • learn and develop a variety of environmental fieldwork skills;
  • study a range of topics, such as water resources, tourism and mine waste;
  • complete work suggested by lectures and individual projects; and
  • research controversial environmental issues.

Year 2: European based

In Year 2, you will participate in an overseas field trip to a location such as Tenerife. This gives you the chance to study an environment very different to that of the UK. The Tenerife environment is incredibly diverse, with huge contrasts in climate, soil types and ecology. You will focus on the island ecological diversity and develop a range of ecological techniques and design and manage a group-based ecological project.

Year 3: UK based

In Year 3, you have the option of going on further UK-based fieldwork trips, to locations such as Cumbria. The field trip provides an opportunity to apply your environmental knowledge and skills in a typically unfamiliar environment with distinctive challenges. This includes:

  • national park management;
  • participation in project management exercises in informal communities; and
  • learning in multiple environments: from the city to rural landscapes.

Work placement year

How you can work in industry during your course

Placements:

  • provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
  • improve your chances of graduating with a higher-grade degree
  • enhance your CV
  • lead to a graduate job
  • enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
  • help you to select your final-year project.

"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.

"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.

There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.

Examples of placements

Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:

Construction-based placement employersConstruction-based placement roles 
RG Group
Multiplex
Costain
Willmott Dixon
Fluor
Assistant site manager
Assistant trades package manager
Assistant logistics manager
Health and safety officer
Construction engineer
Science-based placement employers Science-based placement roles
Reckitt and Benckiser
GSK
Drug Control Centre
Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd
Various local and international hospitals
Bioanalytical sciences
Lab assistant
Pharmacy assistant
Sports coach
Engineering-based placement employers Engineering-based placement roles
Airbus
BAM Nuttall
Nissan
Bosch
Wozair
Analysis of aircraft structure
Construction resources specialist
Site engineer assistant
Computing and IS-based placement employersComputing and IS-based placement roles
Disney
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
IBM
McKinsey
Intel
Database coordinator
Software developer
Website developer
App developer
Mathematics-based placement employersMathematics-based placement roles
Lloyds Banking Group
AXA
Allianz
PAU Education, Spain
Analyst
Investment solutions
Research analyst
Accounts assistant

Find out about studying this course part-time

The part-time course is half the workload of the full-time course, taking six years to complete rather than three. The course is flexible so you can switch to full-time study in Years 2 or 3 if you wish.

Before the course begins, you will meet with a tutor to discuss your time commitments. The course leaders will then try to let you know the timetable of lectures and seminar groups as soon as possible. On average, part-time students need to allow 10 hours a week to attend lectures and seminars, plus a further 10 to 15 hours for independent study, but this does vary.

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.

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