Environmental Science MEnvSci

About This Course

There has never been a better time to study our Environmental Science degree. The world is facing hugely important environmental issues, and the need to solve these will bring considerable opportunities, as well as challenges. Completing this degree will give you a high-level Masters qualification in this topic, which will put you in a very select group of people.

Environmental Science brings together a number of disciplines to look at these environmental issues in a comprehensive way, and explores how technology, research, behavioural change, regulations and a robust scientific approach can be brought together to find solutions.

This degree covers biology (giving you an understanding of organisms, their environments and their communities), chemistry (providing an understanding of many natural environmental processes and pollution), earth science (giving you a background in global processes), and land and water resource management. This combination of subject areas, combined with many practical sessions and field trips, creates a degree that is both fascinating and rewarding.

Bangor has to be one of the best-placed universities for you to study Environmental Science. We have access to a wide range of natural environments ranging from the coast, to the varied landscape of Snowdonia National Park with its long history of multiple land use, mining and quarrying. Field trips are central throughout this degree. As well as local trips, we have residential trips further afield.

We have close links with local, national and international organisations that employ environmental scientists, helping us to ensure that our degree is relevant and up to date.

For this 4-year Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSci) degree, Years 1 and 2 are the same as the BSc degree; but you won’t undertake an Honours Project in Year 3 - instead you’ll choose more optional modules. You will complete a Masters-level independent research project on a topic of your choice. You will undertake a work placement of at least 4 weeks at a location of your choice. You will also undertake modules which focus on the importance of environmental sustainability for modern business and Strategic Environmental Management, which will give you professionally recognised skills.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• Steve Backshall the TV presenter is now part of our teaching team.
• Many of our staff have received awards to acknowledge their contributions to teaching and pastoral support 
• This degree draws on our strengths in biological sciences, ocean sciences and chemistry. 
• Our location makes this an ideal place to study environmental science as we have a natural laboratory on our doorstep. From the coast to the varied landscape of the Snowdonia National Park with its long history of multiple land use, mining and quarrying.
• Field trips are a key element of this degree.
• Many staff recognised by various awards for their enthusiasm and expertise in teaching.

Course Content

Our wide variety of teaching methods include lectures, practicals, fieldwork, seminars and tutorials. Between them, they will give you theoretical and practical skills that employers look for in graduate Environmental Scientists. You will finish the degree with a deep understanding of the subject area, and be able to bring together relevant information from a range of different disciplines to tackle environmental issues and explore environmental gains. We integrate the latest findings from our own research and that of others into the course, as well as the latest from policy and legislation; ensuring that your course is always fresh and current. Throughout the degree, the relaxed and informal atmosphere also encourages lively discussion of current environmental issues so that you and your peers will very much be part of the teaching.

You will study 120 credits in each year, through a range of modules. Some modules are compulsory, others are optional, allowing you to expand your studies into new areas or develop specialisms that interest you.

Courses are assessed using a variety of methods, with an average split of 60% coursework and 40% examination. In the final year, it is almost all assessed via coursework. We develop your skills in crucial areas such as presentations, report-writing, and interviews; helping to prepare you for employment. We regularly invite guest speakers to give lectures, and you will also meet potential employers during fieldtrips.