Environmental Geoscience, BSc (Hons), with industry placement

Course summary

Interdisciplinary scientists play a vital role in addressing critical environmental challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation. This degree combines an understanding of earth materials and planetary change on geological timescales with environmental science concepts. You will explore complex issues around the transition to a low carbon economy, zero waste construction, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable development.

• Develop a range of knowledge and skills essential to a range of careers in the Earth and environmental sectors.

• Our approachable staff share their cutting-edge research and expertise through varied teaching practices in lectures, tutorials, practical classes and field courses.

• Learn to apply the latest techniques in the field and laboratory. Our substantial fieldwork programme provides opportunities in a variety of UK and overseas locations including Death Valley USA, Spain and Sicily.

• Improve your skills in our open access laboratory, LABplus.

• Develop your confidence with your personal tutor, providing you with regular guidance throughout your degree.

• Get support from students in the year ahead via our PALS mentoring scheme.

• Live and study close to the sea, Dartmoor and two geological UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Receive free essential field safety equipment as part of your welcome package.

• Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the Geological Society, the world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology, helps you to gain the required experience.

• Take the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.

• Laying the foundations with modules that build core knowledge, your first year provides you with an introduction to essential laboratory and field skills. You'll learn about key Earth processes, take a practical approach to the study of minerals and rocks, develop your understanding of core concepts in sustainable geoscience. Our tutorials will help you gain effective study techniques and computing skills with a personal tutor, providing you with weekly guidance throughout your first year.

• Year 2 consolidates the knowledge and skills developed in year one, with an emphasis on practical skills. You'll develop observational, analytical and interpretive skills and the ability to use them to answer fundamental questions. You'll also learn how to use a GIS and develop new field skills during a field course in the UK. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our direct exchange, Erasmus or ISEP programmes.

• Take advantage of our optional placement year, giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in the workplace gaining valuable experience. Find your perfect placement with the help of our employability service and benefit from specialist workshops and tutorials in your second year, helping you prepare for your year in industry.

• Your third year gives you the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge and skills through selecting optional modules from the Earth and environmental science courses. Optional modules include engineering geology, global environmental solutions, climate change: adaptation and mitigation. You may also undertake advanced fieldwork and will complete an independent research project, which will develop your professional skills.