Environmental Science (with integrated year in industry

Why study Environmental Science with integrated year in industry at Aberystwyth University?

Become a student in a University where the student experience is exceptional and memorable. Immerse yourself in a department that informs all students of the innovating research that has impact locally, nationally and internationally. 

• We offer you a detailed insight into key themes in geography, biology and environmental studies
• We help you develop a deeper understanding of the most significant environmental challenges of our time, including climate change and biodiversity loss
• We provide insight into mass extinctions and what they can tell us about human environment relations today
• We offer a diverse range of modules which include sustainable development policy, geohazards, wildlife management, and marine biology
• The course offers flexibility in the modules you choose and the themes that you specialize in
• We provide a diverse range of fieldwork opportunities
• Our facilities are recognised by NERC (Natural Environment Research Council)
• Gain valuable work skills and experience with the integrated year in industry

Want to study in Welsh?

The Department offers a number of modules taught through the medium of Welsh. Check out the module tab for more information.

Our Staff

Department of Geography and Earth Science: lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.

Employability is embedded within all our courses and your year in industry will give you a head start when entering the job market. Our degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of careers across a range of sectors. In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.

The skill sets include: 

• utilise problem-solving skills in a variety of situations
• design and carry out theoretically and methodologically-sound and clearly-defined research assignments and projects
• manage time effectively and to operate within deadlines
• develop transferable skills of reading, analysing and critical evaluation of sources
• respond positively to constructive feedback and criticism and to be sensitive in offering feedback and criticism to others
• utilise information technology skills
• utilise bibliographic and research skills, including the use of libraries and archives
• use field skills to collect environmental data
• use laboratory skills in analysing environmental data

What can I do with a degree in Environmental Sciences?

Our graduates have found employment as environmental consultants, planners, civil servants, surveyors, and in education, to name a few.

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four-year degree scheme.

In your first year you will explore:

• physical, chemical and biological nature of the Earth
• global ecology
• soil systems
• Earth surface environments
• microbial diversity
• the atmosphere and the water cycle
• vegetation and ecosystems

In your second year you will discover:

• monitoring the environment and environmental management
• ecological surveying
• freshwater biology
• hydrochemistry
• catchment systems
• marine biology
• geohazards
• climate change and sustainability

You will also take part in a week long residential field course to develop your practical Environmental skills.

Your third year will be spent undertaking a paid or voluntary work experience placement in an industry related to this subject area. 

In your final year you will undertake:

• a research project or dissertation involving the collection, analysis and interpretation of primary data
• environmental law
• communicating research and threats to natural ecosystems
• ecology
• conservations
• environmental geochemistry
• environmental change
• palaeoglaciology
• dynamic biogeography

How will I be taught?

Our courses are taught through lectures, seminars and laboratory or computer practical, small group tutorials, field courses and individual supervision of project work.

How will I be assessed?

We assess our students through a different range of methods. Some modules are assessed in part through traditional exams, but some have elements of coursework. We also have some modules that may require the student to produce practical reports, oral presentations, the design of web pages, production of short films, or contribution to online discussion forums. Some modules, notably the tutorials and field courses are assessed entirely through coursework.