Environmental Science

UCAS code: F750

Here's what University of Northampton says about its Environmental Science course.

Why choose this course?

Environmental Science is a broad field that encompasses aspects of ecology and physical science to evaluate environmental issues and propose appropriate solutions. If you have an interest in the environment and in applying scientific principles to help solve environmental problems this course is for you.

This flexible, interdisciplinary course allows you to follow a programme with modules drawn from across the subject of environmental science. You are then able to specialise in particular areas of interest in the second and third year or continue to study a more varied programme.

We use field and lab based activities to ensure that you develop a range of scientific concepts and theories that are transferable and sought after in a variety of employment areas.

You will have various opportunities for visits and for fieldwork and there is an opportunity in the second year to undertake an optional residential field trip overseas.

UON’s Environmental Sciences subject area was ranked 10th based on overall student positivity out of all universities in England, according to the latest 2025 National Student Survey (NSS)*

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026**.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop*** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

The Northampton Employment Promise

In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

? Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score across all NSS questions for this subject area across all modes and levels at UK Universities ?? eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information ??? eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

Stage 1:

• Introduction to Ecology (compulsory) • The Physical Environment (compulsory) • Lab and Field Skills (compulsory) • Geohazards (compulsory) • A Sustainable Community (compulsory) • Environmental Pollution (compulsory)

Stage 2:

• Data Technologies (compulsory) • Environmental Law and Justice (compulsory) • Fieldwork Module (compulsory) • Impacts of Pollution (compulsory) • Biogeography (designated) • Weather and Climate (designated) • Landscape Processes (designated) • Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems (designated)

Stage 3:

• Research Project and Dissertation in the Environmental Sciences (compulsory) • Glacial Environments (compulsory) • Pollution Monitoring and Control (compulsory) • Biodiversity and Conservation (designated) • Water Resource Management (designated) • Communicating Climate Change (designated) • Monitoring The Earth's Surface (designated)

Module information is quoted for 2025 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

A wide range of assessment is used including:

• field surveys

• reports

• oral presentations

• field reports

• time constrained tests

• end of year examinations.