Environmental Science with Foundation Year BSc

Program Overview

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This Environmental Science program at the University of Leicester is intended for students lacking the usual entrance criteria. The foundation year prepares them for the BSc Environmental Science program, which combines theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences like fieldwork. Graduates gain valuable skills for careers in environmental conservation, natural resource management, and more, with high employability rates and support from the university's Careers and Employability Service.

Program Outline

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Environmental Science with Foundation Year BSc - University of Leicester

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Degree Overview:

This program is designed for students who wish to study Environmental Science but do not meet the traditional entry requirements. It offers a foundation year (Year 0) that prepares students for the BSc Environmental Science program.

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Objectives:

• To provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to progress onto the BSc Environmental Science program.
• To develop essential professional and personal skills required for academic success and beyond.

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Outline:

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Foundation Year (Year 0):

• Modules:
• Mathematics 1
• Scientific Computing
• Principles of Earth Science and Earth Systems
• Introductory Chemistry Practical
• Introductory Data Analysis
• Academic Support
• Introductory Earth and Environmental Science (double module)

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Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Evolution of the Earth System
• The Digital World
• The Contemporary Earth System
• Field and Laboratory Techniques
• Option Modules (Choose two):
• Micro to Macro
• Palaeobiology and the Stratigraphic Record
• Human Geography for a Globalised World
• Spanish Language (Beginners) (double module)
• French Language (Beginners) (double module)
• Chinese Language (Beginners) (double module)
• Option Modules (Choose one):
• Environment/Nature/Society
• Biodiversity and Behaviour

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Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Climate Change: Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation
• Research Design (Overseas Field Course)
• Option Modules (Choose four):
• Catchment Systems
• The Dynamic Biosphere
• Critical Geographies of Environment and Development
• Data Analysis
• Major Events in the History of Life
• Global Change Biology and Conservation
• Option Modules (Choose two):
• An Introduction to Past Global Climate Changes
• Geographical Information Science
• A Field Guide to Evolution

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Year 3 (Optional Year Abroad or in Industry):

• Year Abroad:
• Tuition fees are lower for a year abroad.
• Students may be eligible for a travel grant from Student Finance England.
• Places are offered on a competitive basis.
• Year in Industry:
• Students can choose to gain work experience in an industry or organization relevant to their career aspirations.
• Tuition fees are lower for a year in industry.
• Students will take a module to prepare them for their placement.

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Final Year (Year 4):

• Core Module:
• Dissertation
• Option Modules (Choose two):
• Californian Drylands
• Neotropical Rainforests
• Critical Digital Geographies
• Understanding Ecosystems and Environments of the Distant Past
• Water Quality Processes and Management
• Contemporary Environmental Challenges
• Environmental Geoscience
• Biodiversity in Practice
• Sustainability Enterprise Partnership Project
• Option Modules (Choose four):
• Remote Sensing of the Environment
• Stable Isotopes in the Environment
• Drylands: Landscapes, Ecosystems and People
• River Dynamics
• Ecology, Climate and Land-use processes of the Amazon Tropical Forests
• Research Communication
• Behavioural Ecology

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods include essays, learning diaries, oral and poster presentations, mock journal articles, popular science articles, and a final year individual dissertation project.
• Coursework is mainly undertaken on an individual basis, but some modules involve assessed group project work.

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, and fieldwork.
• All lecture material is available online through the University's virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
• Contact time typically averages around 11-13 hours per week.
• Residential field trips are run by academic staff throughout the degree and provide extended periods of small group teaching in field contexts.
• Teaching staff are experienced and their expertise is closely matched to the content of the modules.
• PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
• Teaching is informed by the research conducted by the faculty.

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Careers:

• Environmental Scientists are highly competitive in the job market.
• The program equips graduates with a range of subject-specific and transferable skills, including teamwork, communication, resilience, planning, problem-solving, data analysis, and data visualization.
• Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as conservation and biodiversity management/monitoring, natural resource management and exploration, and environmental consulting.
• Recent employers of Geography, Geology, and Environmental Science graduates include the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, Aon, National Library of Scotland, KPMG, NHS, Cabinet Office, Department of Work and Pensions, HSBC, and others.

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Other:

• The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants.
• Contextual offers are available to support students who may be impacted by their area of residence, personal circumstances, or who have completed one of the University's progression programs.
• The University offers a range of scholarships and funding options for both UK and international students.
• The University's Careers and Employability Service provides support to students throughout their studies and beyond graduation.
• The program offers flexibility in course transfer and a wide range of optionality, allowing students to shape their degree to fit their strengths and interests.
• The University has a range of UK and international field trip options throughout the degree, including destinations such as Devon and Spain in Years One and Two, and even the Amazon Rainforest in Year Three.
• The School of Geography, Geology, and the Environment has excellent graduate employability statistics.
• The University offers a Year in Industry option.

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• UK fees: £9,250 in your first year.
Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,385 for that year Year in Industry: your fee will be £1,850 for that year

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International Fees:

£20,250 per year Year Abroad: £5,062.50, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee Year in Industry: £3037.50 which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee