Tuition Fee
Per course
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
36 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Environmental Sciences | Geoscience
Area of study
Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
About Program
Program Overview
The Environmental Geoscience BSc (Hons) at Birkbeck, University of London, equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges. Through research-led teaching, hands-on fieldwork, and industry-inspired learning, students develop expertise in geology, geomorphology, and ecology to investigate human impacts on Earth and apply geoscience to environmental problem-solving. The program emphasizes technical and problem-solving skills, preparing graduates for careers in environmental management, sustainability, and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to address today's environmental challenges.
- Develop expertise in geology, geomorphology, and ecology to investigate the impact of human activities on Earth.
- Train students in innovative applications of geoscience for resolving environmental challenges.
Description:
Taught by experts in the field of geology and planetary science, the Environmental Geoscience BSc (Hons) at Birkbeck provides a foundation for understanding Earth's interconnected environmental systems. By combining research-led teaching, hands-on fieldwork, and industry-inspired experiential learning, this program prepares graduates for careers in environmental management, sustainability, and related fields. The curriculum emphasizes technical and problem-solving skills alongside field and experimental data analysis. Students gain experience with advanced scientific instruments and methods commonly used in geoscience research and apply their newfound knowledge to real-world situations.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Geological processes and their connection to ecology and geomorphology.
- Impacts of human activities on the Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
- Application of geoscience in tackling environmental problems like resource extraction, renewable energy, climate change, and waste management.
- Development of analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills relevant to environmental stewardship.
Structure:
- Duration: 3 years full-time (on-campus) or 4 years part-time (on-campus)
- Combines lectures, practical sessions, problem-solving activities, fieldtrips, group-work, and online coursework options (specific format varies based on chosen modules)
- Includes compulsory modules along with a selection of optional modules to personalize your learning
- Culminates in a final year research project or a "Map and Thesis" project
Course Schedule:
- Full-time program: lectures typically in the evenings (6pm-9pm), occasional fieldtrips
- Part-time program: one to two evenings per week plus occasional fieldtrips
Modules:
- Level 1 (compulsory): Earth as a Planet, Introduction to Environmental Science, Introduction to Field Geology (two parts: traditional & virtual), Planetary Materials
- Level 2 (compulsory): Two modules from a selection like Field Mapping Training, Preparation for BSc Research Project/Map and Thesis (depending on chosen direction), or Virtual Field Mapping Training
- Level 2 (optional): Four or five modules from selected topics in climate, earth & environmental processes, resources & energy, or geological data analysis
- Level 3 (compulsory): One selection from options including "Geology and Geomorphology for the Low-Carbon Transition"
- Level 3 (optional): Two or three modules from selected advanced geoscience topics, ranging from climate science to resource recovery
- Final Year (capstone): BSc Research Project OR Map and Thesis project depending on your specialization
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Short written exercises
- Essays
- Quizzes
- Multiple-choice questionnaires
- Practical assessments
- Case studies
- Problem-solving
- Field-based activities
- Individual or group assignments
- Generally focuses on critical understanding, application of knowledge, analysis and problem-solving through the chosen format e.g. essays, assignments, projects
- Examines student comprehension of core concepts from lectures, independent coursework, and practical skills acquired throughout the program
Teaching:
Teaching Strategies:
- Lectures
- Practical classes
- Fieldwork & trips
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Online learning via virtual reality platforms/tools
- Research-led guidance (individual guidance may vary as faculty specialize in distinct geoscience fields)
- Interactive pedagogy - student engagement is encouraged (questions, discussions, problem-solving in groups as appropriate to module formats)
Faculty Expertise:
- Experienced in research-led teaching (active researchers on various Earth System-related topics)
- Expertise ranges across areas like planetary science, climate change, resource exploration, geochemistry, geological hazards (check departmental website or individual researchers' webpages for updated areas of specialization)
Teaching Features:
- Access to shared labs with UCL Earth Sciences, collaboration projects in research
- Virtual Fieldwork platform enables hands-on data collection from different global locations
- Birkbeck is ranked top 25 in UK 2021 Earth Systems/Envrionmental Science Research Excellence Framework
- Over 130 years of experience offering evening geology study
- Distance learning expertise over more than 20 years
Careers:
Career Options:
- Environmental consultancy or regulation
- Risk management in an environmental context
- Planning or development linked to environment
- Renewable energy production/resource usage strategies
- Climate mitigation & adaptation work
- Geological consulting for resource, hazard mitigation activities or research, museum, educational settings
Potential Employers:
- Environmental consultancies
- Governmental or policy institutions
- Energy firms
- Universities
- Non-profit organizations
- Resource & risk management companies
- Graduates may pursue further specialization with related MSc Programs at Birkbeck (e.g. Environment & Sustainability)
Other:
- Part-time applicants typically hold at least two A-levels
- Transferable skills emphasized: adaptability, teamwork, problem-solving, communication etc.
Please Note:
- Some specifics like faculty names or exact module options were omitted as these require external searches during application stages or change from year to year.
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About University
Birkbeck University of London
Overview:
Birkbeck University of London is a public research university located in central London. It is known for its evening and weekend classes, catering to students who are working or have other commitments. Birkbeck is a member of the prestigious University of London and is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.
Services Offered:
Birkbeck offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Admissions:
Guidance on entry requirements, financial support, and application procedures.Student Services:
Support with academic and personal matters, including careers advice, financial aid, and disability services.Library:
Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources and study spaces.Business Services:
Support for businesses and entrepreneurs, including training, consultancy, and networking opportunities.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Birkbeck provides a vibrant and diverse student community with a strong focus on evening and weekend study. Students can expect:
Central London Location:
Access to the city's cultural and social attractions.Flexible Study Options:
Evening and weekend classes to accommodate working students.Supportive Environment:
Dedicated student support services and a welcoming community.Career Development:
Opportunities for career advancement through internships, networking events, and career advice.Key Reasons to Study There:
Prestigious University:
Part of the University of London, renowned for its academic excellence.Flexible Study Options:
Evening and weekend classes for working professionals.Central London Location:
Access to the city's cultural and social attractions.Research-Led Teaching:
High-quality teaching informed by cutting-edge research.Strong Career Support:
Dedicated career services to help students achieve their career goals.Academic Programs:
Birkbeck offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
History, English, Philosophy, Languages, and more.Sciences:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and more.Social Sciences:
Economics, Sociology, Politics, Law, and more.Business:
Management, Finance, Marketing, and more.Humanities:
History of Art, Music, Theatre, and more.Other:
Birkbeck is committed to public engagement and research with impact. The university actively promotes its research findings and engages with the public through events, lectures, and publications.
Total programs
410
Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements:
For UK students:
- Standard requirements: A minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.
- UCAS tariff points: 96-120 points (e.g., A-levels CCC-BBB) for the 3-year full-time program.
For EU home students:
- Entry requirements: Specific entry requirements for EU home students may vary.
For international students outside the EU:
- Academic qualifications: An equivalent qualification to a UK bachelor's degree, typically with a minimum grade of 60% or higher.
- English language proficiency:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of
- 6.5 , with no less than
- 6.0 in each sub-test.
- Other recognized English language tests may also be accepted.
- Visa requirements:
- Courses longer than six months: Student visa
- Courses shorter than six months: Standard Visitor visa
For all students:
- Portfolio: Students with relevant experience, such as work experience, volunteering, or personal projects, can submit a portfolio for consideration.
- Work experience: Relevant work experience in environmental geoscience or related fields may be considered.
- Interview: Applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
Additional notes:
- Applicants with non-traditional qualifications may be considered based on their individual circumstances.
- Birkbeck may waive formal entry requirements based on their assessment of academic potential.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test): 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each sub-test.
- Other recognized English language tests: Equivalent scores may be accepted.
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