Course summary

This flexible programme draws from a wide range of scientific disciplines to build a degree that matches your interests and career aspirations. Within your degree you will learn about the individual components of the Earth system, including the atmosphere, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and the role of living organisms within the biosphere, alongside how these individual components interact with each other. Your studies will focus on natural environments and also on how human society has modified the Earth system. Throughout your degree you will be taught by internationally-renowned academics, and will have access to our state-of-the-art laboratories which offer excellent facilities for practical work. In your first year, you will address many of the fundamental themes of environmental science, from understanding hydrology and flood risk to learning about weather and climate. In your second year you will build on themes introduced in Year 1, whilst also applying your knowledge in a residential fieldwork module at Carrock Fell in the Lake District World Heritage Site. This week-long module allows you to learn about the environment first-hand in an informal and practical setting. Additionally, you also have the opportunity to participate in other exciting fieldwork opportunities throughout your degree, from learning about hydrological processes in Devon to the management of alpine environments in Switzerland. In your second year, the topics you study will build upon themes from Year 1 core modules. You will also undertake a careers focused module to help plan and prepare you for graduation. You will spend your third year studying at one of our overseas partner universities building your global outlook and connectivity. Returning to Lancaster for your final year you will continue to study advanced level modules and complete a dissertation project. This is an opportunity to research a subject that really interests you. You may choose a project with a substantial fieldwork component or, alternatively, conduct laboratory-based research or computer modelling. Throughout your degree, considerable weight is placed upon the transferable skills that are highly valued by potential employers. For example, in addition to your subject knowledge, you will also gain communication and information technology skills and will become familiar with data handling and environmental sampling and analysis. Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules which contribute credit to your Lancaster degree. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year or term abroad.