Environmental Science
Environmental science takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the natural systems that sustain life on Earth and the pressures that human activity places upon them. It draws on biology, chemistry, physics, geology and the social sciences to address questions about climate, biodiversity, pollution, land use, water resources and the policy frameworks through which environmental challenges are managed. In an era of accelerating ecological change, the knowledge and skills that environmental science provides are both intellectually important and practically urgent.
At Newcastle University, this three-year full-time programme is particularly strong on practical and international experience. It includes a sandwich year for extended professional placement, a year abroad at a partner institution overseas, and work placement experience built into the programme. You will study ecology, environmental chemistry, atmospheric science, geographic information systems, environmental impact assessment and environmental policy, developing both the scientific understanding to analyse environmental systems and the professional capabilities to work on environmental problems in real organisational contexts.
Newcastle's location near some of the most distinctive environmental landscapes in England, from the upland moors and coastlines of the North East to the urban environment of the Tyne corridor, provides a rich fieldwork context.
Graduates work in environmental consultancies, government environmental agencies, conservation organisations, local authorities, the water and energy sectors, international development organisations and academic research. Roles in environmental assessment, ecological surveying, sustainability management, climate analysis and policy development all provide career routes. The combination of scientific depth, practical experience and international exposure that this programme provides is particularly attractive to employers in a sector where graduate skills are in growing demand.
Postgraduate study in environmental science, ecology, sustainability or climate policy is a natural route for those who wish to specialise further.