BSc Hons Environmental Science

at University of Stirling

The environmental systems on which our society depends are complex and fragile. To understand these systems, environmental scientists need to take an interdisciplinary approach that combines knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological processes that shape our natural environment.
 

This course will equip you with the analytical, field and laboratory skills to understand the complex interactions between people and the environment. Research-led teaching ensures you are up-to-date with the latest knowledge.
 

Semesters 1-4 will explore the science behind the global physical, chemical and biological processes that shape our natural environment. We’ll also provide training in laboratory and field skills through a series of core and optional modules. This includes a residential fieldtrip to the Lake District.
 

Semesters 5-8 will provide specialist training in core modules, such as: Environmental Policy and Management; Geographical Information Systems; and Methods and Applications in Environmental Science.
 

Many students work closely with academics throughout their time and benefit from actively participating in research programmes.
 

Our alumni contribute to our teaching, as invited speakers and discussion partners. The Faculty also offers a competitive summer bursary programme to provide students with valuable work and research experience.
 

Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2021). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
 

Year 1, Semester 1

Compulsory module

• Building Planet Earth (ENVU1BP)    20 credits
• prior to 2021/2 ENVU1GE was taken instead
   

Option module
 

Select 40 credits from any module (environment programmes) list

• Accounting and Finance for Managers (ACCU7M1)    20 credits
• Our Blue Planet (AQUU1OP)    20 credits
• Introduction to Cell Biology (BIOU1CE)    20 credits
• Introduction to Computing Science (CSCU9P1)    20 credits
   

Year 1, Semester 2

Compulsory module

• Landscape Evolution (ENVU2LV)    20 credits
• prior to 2021/2 ENVULE was taken instead
   

Compulsory module

• Practical Science Skills II: Field Skills (SCIU2PS)    20 credits
• prior to 2021/2 SCIU2FS was taken instead
   

Option module
 

Select 20 credits from list

• Introduction to Management Accounting (ACCU9A2)    20 credits
• Our Thirsty Planet: Man and the Aquatic Environment (AQUU2TP)    20 credits
• Introduction to Physiology (BIOU2PH)    20 credits
• Making the Most of the World Wide Web (CSCU9F2)    20 credits
   

Year 2, Semester 1

Compulsory module

• Biogeography: An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach (GEOU3BE)    20 credits
• Prior to 2021/2 GEOU3BG was taken instead
   

Compulsory module

• Practical Science Skills I: Laboratory Skills (SCIU3LS)    20 credits
• up to 2019/0 SCIU1LS was taken in year 1, in 2020/1 an option is taken instead
   

Option module
 

Select 20 credits from any module (Environment degrees) list

• Accounting and Finance for Managers (ACCU7M1)    20 credits
• Our Blue Planet (AQUU1OP)    20 credits
• Introduction to Aquatic Environments (AQUU3AE)    20 credits
• Evolution and Genetics (BIOU3GE)    20 credits
   

Year 2, Semester 2

Compulsory module

• Statistical Techniques (SCIU4T4)    20 credits
   

Compulsory module

• The Biosphere (ENVU4E4)    20 credits
   

Option module
 

Select 20 credits from list

• Introduction to Management Accounting (ACCU9A2)    20 credits
• External Reporting (ACCU9A4)    20 credits
• Our Thirsty Planet: Man and the Aquatic Environment (AQUU2TP)    20 credits
• Science of Diving (AQUU4DS)    20 credits
   

Year 3, Semester 1

Compulsory module

• Environmental Policy and Management (ENVU5EP)    20 credits
• Prior to 2021/2 ENVU5A5 was taken instead
   

Compulsory module

• Geographical Information Systems (GEOU9SP)    20 credits
• Prior to 2021/2 GEOU9IS was taken instead
   

Option module
 

Select 20 credits from Year 3 Options for Environmental Science list

• Conservation Biology (BIOU7CB)    10 credits
• Population and Community Ecology (BIOU9PC)    20 credits
• Environmental Policy and Management (ENVU5EP)    20 credits
• Habitat Management and Restoration (ENVU9MR)    20 credits
   

Year 3, Semester 2

Compulsory module

• Methods and Applications in Environmental Sciences (ENVU6EA)    20 credits
   

Option module
 

Select 40 credits from Year 3 Options for Environmental Science list

• Plant Ecology (BIOU6PE)    20 credits
• Methods and Applications in Environmental Sciences (ENVU6EA)    20 credits
• Sustainable Landscapes Field Course (ENVU6SP)    20 credits
• Conservation Management (ENVU8CM)    10 credits
   

GEOU6EH is recommended
 

Year 4, Semester 1

Dissertation

• Environmental Science Honours Project (ENVU9PR)    60 credits
• Continued in spring
   

Option module
 

Select 30 to 50 credits from Year 4 Environmental Science list

• Conservation Biology (BIOU7CB)    10 credits
• Population and Community Ecology (BIOU9PC)    20 credits
• Environmental Policy and Management (ENVU5EP)    20 credits
• Habitat Management and Restoration (ENVU9MR)    20 credits
   

Students must select 60 credits of options across autumn and spring semesters. ENVU9WM, ENVU9MR or SCIU7SR are recommended
 

Year 4, Semester 2

Option module
 

Select 10 to 30 credits from Year 4 Environmental Science list

• Plant Ecology (BIOU6PE)    20 credits
• Methods and Applications in Environmental Sciences (ENVU6EA)    20 credits
• Sustainable Landscapes Field Course (ENVU6SP)    20 credits
• Conservation Management (ENVU8CM)    10 credits

English language requirements
 

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with 5.5 in each skill
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
• IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
• Trinity ISE II Pass overall and Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
• Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
• Duolingo 95 overall with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills
• LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator -  Pass with minimum 33 in each sub-skill
   

Undergraduate
 

Direct Entry to 1st Year:
 

Year 12 Grade – cumulative score of 65% and above from the following state boards:

• CBSE
• ISC/ICSE
• Metro state boards (Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal)
   

Students from other state boards will require Year 12 Grade – cumulative score of 75%.
 

Advanced Entry to 2nd Year:
 

Year 12 Grade – cumulative score of 75% and above from the following state boards:

• CBSE
• ISC/ICSE
• Metro state boards (Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal)
   

Advanced entry is possible on a range of courses. Student applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
 

Please note that advanced entry options for students who have scored 35 in the International Baccalaureate or GCE A-Levels ABB in one sitting will also be considered on a case by case basis.

Overseas students (non-EU)    

2022/23 - £18,800
2023/24 - £20,300
 

You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.

If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
 

Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
 

EU and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

We focus on scientific knowledge and technical training to create genuine career opportunities with a wide range of organisations, including water authorities, research institutes, renewable energy companies, conservation bodies, businesses, local authorities and government agencies.
 

Previous graduates have gone on to enjoy successful careers in areas such as environmental consultancy, transport planning, waste management, environmental protection agencies, education and ecotourism.
 

Others take a route via postgraduate study, for example, in environmental management, education, information technology, remote sensing and waste management or research towards the award of a PhD.
 

What jobs can you get with an Environmental Science degree?
 

An environmental science degree can lead to jobs such as:

• environmental consultant
• nature conservation officer
• recycling officer
• sustainability consultant
• environmental education officer
• environmental manager
• transport planner
• teacher
• ecotourist officer
• waste management officer
• water quality scientist