Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,415 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
Course summary
- Develop your practical skills in the laboratory and through fieldwork.
- Apply your learning to real-world problems throughout your course and during optional placement opportunities.
- Prepare for a successful future career by developing your employability skills alongside your environmental knowledge.
On this course, you’ll have opportunities to apply your learning in the real world — in the laboratory, on field trips and during project work. You’ll develop your knowledge and skills, helping you to prepare for a wide range of future careers.
Student View
Watch student Eleanor Savage talk about what it’s like to study on this course.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Our enthusiastic staff have all worked or researched in the field of environmental science. We’re experts in our field, and we’ll support you to become an active, self-directed learner and member of the community. We do this by using applied learning methods that connect theory to practice in a range of learning environments – both in-person and online. So when it’s time to graduate, you’ll be prepared for whatever future you choose.
You learn through
- fieldwork and field visits
- laboratory classes
- practical IT classes
- lectures and seminars
- workshops and tutorials
- independent study
- a professional experience project
- an independent research project
Course leaders and tutors
Natasha Dowey
Senior Lecturer in Physical GeographyDr Natasha Dowey is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography at Sheffield Hallam University.
Applied learning
Work placements
Gain real-world experience by undertaking a work placement between your second and final years. Not only will you develop your skills – you’ll build a valuable professional network.
You may also be able to work or study abroad with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing scheme. We have an array of exciting international study exchange agreements in countries such as Australia, Canada, Finland, Italy and Norway.
Field trips
Fieldwork is an integral part of your degree, helping you learn new skills and apply your knowledge in different environments. These opportunities are embedded in modules across all three years of your course. You may explore urban environments, for example, measuring air quality, investigating urban greenspace, and observing environmental infrastructure in Sheffield City Centre. You may visit local parks, gardens, woodland and rivers, learning about these environments before undertaking your own practical activities. You may visit the Peak District, learning about conservation ecology, habitat management, hydrology and managing protected landscapes.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend residential field trips which focus on different environmental themes. Recent destinations include Amsterdam (sustainable cities and urban ecology), Iceland (glaciology and hydrology), the Lake District (landscape monitoring and management), and Snowdonia (managing natural environments).
Networking opportunities
Throughout your degree, you’ll work with and learn from a wide range of professionals and graduates. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with external organisations throughout your degree, including during your ‘professional experience’ project. The course also connects with the professional world through the course accreditations.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a wide range of careers in areas including:
- environmental and ecological consultancies
- water, energy and other utility companies
- geographical information systems (GIS)
- local and national government
- international organisations
- education
- further study and research
Recent graduates have successfully gained employment in specific roles such as:
- ecological consultant
- environmental advisor
- environmental sustainability manager
- geo-environmental consultant
- geography teacher
- graduate environmental consultant
- graduate GIS consultant
- green Infrastructure and biodiversity consultant
- health and safety consultant
- hydrologist
- planning and development officer
- recycling officer
- self-employed digital marketing consultant
- strategic drainage planner
- sustainability consultant
Accreditation
This course is accredited by both the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and the Landscape Institute.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of online lessons and face-to-face teaching with access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you may work with
- a range of field equipment used for surveying, hydrological studies, measuring air and water quality, soil & water sampling, peat & lake sediment corers, quadrats & identification guides, and a ground-penetrating radar
- a variety of laboratory equipment used for water sample analysis, microscopic analyses of plants, animals & sediments, magnetic susceptibility analysis, and soil analysis
- various software packages including geographical information systems
- a hydraulic flume
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 112
This must include at least 64 points from two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:
- BBC at A Level.
- DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS Levels, EPQ and general studies.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
- Mathematics at grade C or 4
• Access - at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.
We may consider advanced entry HND/HNC students for direct entry to year two.
We consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience are also considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.
Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these are considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Environmental Protection | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Fieldwork And Professional Skills In Environmental Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Introduction To Environmental Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Introduction To Physical Geography | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Life On Earth | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Development And Sustainability | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foreign Language | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: International Field Work | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Professional Experience | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Research Methods In Environmental, Geographical And Social Sciences | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Conservation Ecology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Energy, Waste And Resources | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Fluvial Geomorphology And Hydrology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foreign Language | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Geographical Information Systems | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Glaciers And Glaciation | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Outdoor Learning For The Environment And Geography | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Sustainable Settlements | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Placement | Credits: - |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Dissertation (Geography, Environment And Planning) | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Advanced Field Research | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Advanced Gis | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Atmospheric And Water Quality | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Conservation And Habitat Management | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Contaminated Land And Remediation | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Environmental Impact Assessment & Management Systems | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foreign Language | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Natural Hazards | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Past Environmental Change | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: People And The Natural Environment | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/23 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2021/22 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,415 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Non-repayable grant of £3,000 per year for three years
Offering four scholarships for undergraduate students joining the department in September 2019 on an eligible course.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Geography and environment courses (PDF, 747.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
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Find out how you can update the information on this page.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
