(Full time) 2022 start
Environmental Science (International) MEnv, BSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Environmental Science is at the forefront tackling global challenges, from the conservation of species and combatting climate change, to developing renewable technologies and creating a sustainable future.
Our Environmental Science (International) MEnv, BSc is a four-year Integrated Masters degree with a year spent in Australia, Canada or the USA. The programme offers a thorough understanding of the fundamental physics, chemistry and biology of the Earth’s environmental systems across a range of scales and will equip you with the knowledge and tools required to identify and solve the key environmental issues facing mankind.
Our wide range of expertise allows us to offer interdisciplinary insights into real-world environmental problems.
You’ll be trained in field and laboratory skills, including data collection and analysis. You will be taught by practicing experts and will get the opportunity to engage in frontier science through an independent research project during your final year.
Our graduates are well placed to enter employment or postgraduate education, with deep knowledge and valuable transferable and environmental skills.
Course highlights
Spend a year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions, before returning to Leeds to complete Masters-level modules in your final year.
You’ll join a large and vibrant school, which brings together expertise ranging from environmental science, meteorology and climate science, paleobiology, geology and geophysics to environmental social science.
The content of your course is shaped by our world-leading research.
Field work is a key part of all our degrees, where you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience.
Our theoretical modules are supported by extensive practical sessions in the laboratory, which are designed to reinforce the material taught to you in lectures.
Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.
Programme team
Dr Alex Dunhill is Programme Leader for Environmental Science and a lecturer in Palaeobiology in the School of Earth and Environment. His research focuses on large scale macroevolutionary and macroecological processes through deep time with a particular emphasis on late Palaeozoic and early Mesozoic mass extinction events and the accuracy of biodiversity data obtained from the fossil record. He is also a member of the Earth Surface Science Institute and the Palaeo@Leeds Research Group.
The wider programme team is made up of academics and researchers from across the School of Earth and Environment, who work within the School’s research institutes and groups.
Specialist facilities
You’ll benefit from excellent teaching facilities including extensive lab space and equipment such as in our Earth Visualisation Lab which is home to 85 polarising microscopes for rock analysis, a number of binocular stereo zoom microscopes for micropalaeontology and ore genesis work and the extra-deep desks are suitable for laying out large geological maps for teaching 3D thinking skills.
Find out more about our facilities.
Course content
Our modules cover a broad range of environmental issues, covering the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests.
Year one
You’ll explore all the principles that underpin the broad subject matter of the environmental sciences. The core level one environmental science modules will form the basis of your degree studies and cover the fundamentals of the biosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere and the geosphere and how society interacts with each.
Alongside these core topical modules, you will also undertake training in academic and fieldwork skills, which includes academic writing, presentation, experimental design and coding skills. You will also undertake fieldwork in every year of your study at Leeds.
Year two
You will continue to develop your key academic skills with the continuation of the fieldwork and tutorials modules as well as further honing your skills via core modules focusing on environmental measurements in the field and data analysis and visualisation using computer coding and GIS.
The second year gives you a greater degree of freedom when it comes to topical modules. At this point you can choose to specialise in one of two broad areas for the rest of your studies; Applied Environmental Science or Earth System Science.
Applied Environmental Science focuses on regional scale issues of human interaction with the environment with a clear solutions-based approach to dealing with land contamination and remediation as well as atmospheric pollution and managing biodiversity.
The Earth System Science pathway focuses on the Earth’s natural cycles and how humans influence them on a global scale. You will cover topics from climate change and meteorology to oceanography. The modules from each pathway are not mutually exclusive and it is possible to pick and choose from each pathway.
Year three
You will spend your third year studying abroad at one of partner universities. The marks you receive are translated to Leeds equivalents and count towards your final degree classification.
A year in the USA, Canada or Australia can add real value to your degree, broadening your academic horizons and demonstrating a high degree of independence - attributes highly valued by prospective employers.
Year four
You will return to Leeds to complete your studies in your fourth year. The only core module focuses on a continuation of your academic and field skills. You can then choose from a range of optional modules covering subjects from all sectors of school from volcanic processes to environment and development.
You will undertake independent research and you will become a full member of one of the research groups in the School of Earth and Environment. You will be given the freedom to select a topic that interests you and devise a research project in collaboration with an academic expert within the School who will act as your mentor and supervisor.
As the School of Earth and Environment is such a large department with such a broad and diverse range of expertise within it, we are sure you will find a like-minded supervisor, whatever your interests.
Fieldwork
Ask any of our students and they will tell you that taking part in field trips is one of the most enjoyable and memorable aspects of the programmes in the School of Earth and Environment at Leeds.
We offer local day trip and longer residential fieldwork opportunities at each level of study and they provide a great opportunity to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University. In year one you will use Leeds as your ‘laboratory’, carrying out group work around the city you live in and in years two and four you will have the option to undertake international and local field work.
During field trips you will learn essential fieldwork and team working skills and transferable skills that will prove invaluable to your future career.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Natural Hazards 10 credits
- Sustainable Development 10 credits
- Ecology 10 credits
- Atmosphere 10 credits
- Weather 10 credits
- Water 10 credits
- Fieldwork and Tutorials 1 10 credits
- Earth 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Foundation Chemistry 10 credits
- Advanced Mathematics 1 10 credits
- Foundation Mathematics 1 10 credits
- Foundation Physics 10 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- GIS for Geoscientists 10 credits
- Fieldwork and Tutorials 2 20 credits
- Environmental Measurements 20 credits
- Data Analysis and Visualisation 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Meteorology 10 credits
- Introductory Oceanography 10 credits
- Climate Change: Science and Impacts 10 credits
- Entry error 20 credits
- Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales 10 credits
- Managing Biodiversity 10 credits
Year 3
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Management of Wilderness Environments 10 credits
- Independent study project 20 credits
- Earth System Science: Biogeochemical Cycles 10 credits
- Environmental Risk: Science, Policy and Management 10 credits
- Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes 10 credits
- Ice in the Earth System 10 credits
- Oceanography in the Earth System 10 credits
- Study Year Abroad 120 credits
- Study Semester Abroad 60 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Advanced Environmental Science Field and Research Skills 15 credits
- Environmental Research Project 45 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Environmental Assessment 15 credits
- Biogeochemical Cycles of the Earth System 15 credits
- Isotope Geochemistry 15 credits
- Critical Perspectives in Environment and Development 15 credits
- Ice in the Earth System 15 credits
- Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation 15 credits
- Oceanography in the Earth System 15 credits
- Volcanic Processes 15 credits
- Past Global Environmental Systems 15 credits
- Weather, Climate and Air Quality 30 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Most modules combine lectures with practicals, workshops or seminars, depending on the subject. These are enhanced with skill focused classes, fieldtrips and small group academic tutorials. You can expect to study in a variety of settings, from large lecture theatres to computer clusters, seminar rooms, tutorials, laboratories and out in the field. Our School is in the centre of the campus and provides an ideal working environment, and offers quiet study and coffee areas when you are not in class.
We offer research-led teaching across the breadth of our environment and natural science disciplines, from specialists in their field. As Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group University, you’ll be studying amongst staff who are at the cutting edge of research world-wide, and who will incorporate this expertise into their teaching.
You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You will have fortnightly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester. In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries. You will also receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.
Watch our taster lecture to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, specifically designed to help students learn, whatever their preferred learning style. We use both coursework and exams, but with a general progression from an emphasis on exams in year 1 towards an emphasis on coursework in your final year.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA including two from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, one of which must be in mathematics or a science subject.
Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ taken with A-Levels, for example, could be AAB with an A in the EPQ.
GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an equivalent English language or Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
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BTEC
D*DD in Extended Diploma/3 Subsidiary Diplomas in two relevant subjects. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact our Admissions Team for further information.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 17 points at higher level to include 5 points in two relevant subjects, one of which must be in mathematics or a science subject.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
AAAAAA/H2H2H2H2H2H2 in two relevant subjects
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAABB overall with AA in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AAAAAA To include 2 relevant subjects one of which must be in mathematics or a science subject.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.
For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.
Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Visit Days
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our visit days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £25,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time students starting in 2022, the fee for 2022/23 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Additional cost information
<p>Because we recognise the value of field experience, the school heavily subsidises or covers transport and accommodation costs for compulsory taught field courses and many optional field trips. You will have to supplement the cost of some optional field trips.</p>There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.
University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers’ Research.
Studying Environmental Science at Leeds opens the door to a wide range of careers. The solid science basis of the programme and the fieldwork associated with it add value to your degree in areas including environmental monitoring, consultancy, land remediation and environmental protection. The transferable skills you gain will also help you to succeed in the wider graduate employment market.
Our graduates have secured positions including:
Air Quality Consultant, TRL Ltd
Operational Meteorologist, Met Office
Environment Officer, Environmental Agency
Research Scientist, ITM Power
Our strong research tradition means that our graduates are also found working as researchers in government organisations and universities around the world.
If you wish to continue with further study, you could enhance your employment prospects even further by taking a vocational MSc degree in Leeds – with industry sponsored scholarships and other funds available.
Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.
Careers support
At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.
You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course, the study abroad year replaces the third year of your degree (it does not add an additional year to your studies). During the year, you will follow the environmental science course at your host institution and will return to Leeds to complete the final year of study at masters level.