About This Course
Environmental Scientists are needed more than ever by industry, government and society. This environmental science degree course brings together information from a wide range of subjects to explore some of the most important environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, conservation, and food security.
The BSc Environmental Science with Foundation Year programme combines a foundation year with the three year Honours Degree to create an integrated four year programme. The programme provides an excellent introduction to studying a science subject at university and will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to study at degree-level. The with Foundation Year programme is ideal for applicants who do not quite meet the entry requirements for the three year degree or who would benefit from further a further year’s study in relation to studying a science subject.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year will see you progress to Year 1 of the Environmental Science programme.
As a Bangor University student, you will be taught by committed and enthusiastic staff and will have access to the University’s extensive student support network and facilities.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- The School Natural Sciences is internationally renowned for its work in the environmental sciences.
- Bangor's location makes it an ideal place to study your environmental science degree as there is access to a wide range of natural environments ranging from the coast to the varied landscape of the Snowdonia National Park with its long history of multiple land use, mining and quarrying. Field trips are central throughout our Environmental Science degrees.
- We have close links with local, national and international organisations that employ environmental scientists, helping us to ensure that our degree is relevant and up to date.
- Our environmental science degrees are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Science (IES). Following an accredited degree will make you more employable and you will get numerous benefits throughout your degree.
Course Content
Our aim is to provide you with a sound and broad-base of training in biology (giving you an understanding of organisms, their environments and their communities), chemistry (providing an understanding of many natural environmental processes and pollution), earth science (giving you a background in global processes), and land and water resource management. Throughout your degree you will study a range of modules and engage in a wide variety of different learning activities, which may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practicals. In addition, you will develop your knowledge and skills through undertaking a wide variety of assessments. We offer several opportunities to carry out field studies, both home and abroad, and to work in a research laboratory.
You will benefit from the proximity of an exceptional range of terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats where field work, which is an integral part of the degree is conducted. We are unusual among British universities in having our own Botanic Garden (at Treborth) and a working farm and Research Centre at Henfaes, both of which are used for practical classes. In addition, we benefit from being part of the Environment Centre Wales which is a partnership venture between Bangor University and the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH).
For more on studying degree courses see our Study at Bangor section.
What will you study on this course?
The Foundation Year component of the programme is designed to prepare you for degree-level study. You will study a range of modules focused on your developing your academic skills and subject-specific knowledge, ahead of progressing to Year 1 of the programme. You will complete modules focusing on IT and Communication Skills, Essential Mathematics and develop a range of skills through a subject specific research project. In addition, you will complete modules on Essential Biology and Essential Chemistry.
Year 1 and 2 of the programme aim to consolidate and deepen your knowledge and widen skills base. The aim of the third year is to further develop your critical understanding of the subject and to further enhance your employability.
Course Costs
Mandatory Costs:
Suitable clothing and equipment for fieldwork will be required e.g. walking boots and waterproofs, rucksack. The cost for these will vary. Approximate cost: £50-£80.
Appropriate stationary for note-taking during classes, e.g. notepad, pens and pencils. The cost for these will vary. Approximate cost: £5-£15.
Necessarily Incurred Costs:
Students are required to provide their own lunch and evening meals on the Year 2 residential fieldcourse. The cost for these will vary. Approximate total cost: £50-£70.
Materials for the preparation of academic poster for assessment. The cost and number of these will vary. Approximate cost: £10-£15.
Travel costs to undertake any fieldwork as part of Year 3 Honours Project research. The cost will vary by project (and may not even be incurred). Approximate cost for a UK-based project in a student’s home area: £15-£20.
Optional Costs:
Cost for optional residential Year 3 fieldcourse. The cost will vary by trip. Approximate cost £600.
Purchase of Wellington Boots for fieldwork. The cost for these will vary. Approximate cost: £10-£20.
Costs of any visas and vaccinations required if the student opts to undertake project work overseas. The cost for these will vary.
Notes:
Copies of all required reading materials are provided via the University Library.
Where required, laboratory coats are provided.
General University Costs
Home (UK) students
- The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,000 per year (2021/22 entry).
- More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.
International (including EU) students
Additional Costs
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:
- If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
- If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).
Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:
- Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
- Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
- Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.
Entry Requirements
For 2021 Entry:
GCSE: grade C/4 in Maths required. Typical offer is based on a minimum 48 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.
- A Levels (including: AS-levels, General Studies)
- International Baccalaureate
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- BTEC Diplomas and Certificate are accepted and Cambridge Technical Diplomas / Certificates
- Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Certificates
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Diplomas
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted
- Scottish Highers
- Irish Leaving Certificate is accepted
We also welcome applications from mature applicants. Mature students and/or those with other qualifications are considered on individual merit
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.
General University Requirements
To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com.
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see our Studying at Bangor section of the website.
EU and International Students' Entry Requirements
For detailed guidance on the entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
Careers
The broad base of the environmetal science degree provides considerable flexibility in terms of career opportunities. You can expect to find employment in industrial organisations, advisory agencies, local government, and in research and development, either within Europe or overseas. The course also provides a good basis for teaching and work in the media. You may consider postgraduate study e.g. a professional MSc course, or research leading to a PhD.
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Skills and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions.
The Bangor Employability Award (BEA)
With the BEA, you can gain recognition for your extra-curricular activities (e.g. volunteering, clubs and societies, part-time work, etc.)
Internships
Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.
Student Volunteering
Volunteering widens your experience and improves your employability. Find out more about the volunteering on the Students’ Union’s website.
