Environmental Science (MEnvSci)

You'll take both core modules in environmental science and specialist modules related to your chosen pathway.

Your specialist pathways options are:

• Aquatic Environments and Resources - exploring how humans, water and aquatic ecosystems interact

• Environmental Change - studying past and present environmental change, both locally and globally

• Biodiversity and Conservation - focus on the diversity of living organisms and their relationship with the environment

• Sustainable Environmental Management - discover the scientific principles, theories and methods used to resolve environmental problems in sustainable ways

In your third and fourth years, you'll specialise with more optional modules, a work placement and research projects.

Year 1 overview

All students will take core modules and learn:

• the principles of environmental science

• quantitative research methods

• practical skills needed for fieldwork

Your remaining modules will depend on your chosen pathway. They include:

• marine ecology

• dynamic landscapes

• ecology and evolution

• earth systems

You'll also take a residential trip to boost your knowledge and critical skills, and help you bond with other students.

You can choose to change your specialism pathway at the end of the first year.

Year 2 overview

All students will take core modules and study:

• pollution

• how to assess environmental impact

• geographic information systems (GIS)

• sustainability

For your specialist pathway module, you'll look at one of these topics:

• population ecology

• freshwater ecosystems

• impact of global climate change

• geohazards and earth resources

You'll choose your remaining modules from a wide range of options.

Year 3 overview

You'll complete a research project, with support from a supervisor in your chosen area. Previous projects have included:

• the conservation of turtles in Mexico

• the environmental impact of warfare in sub-Saharan Africa

• flood control in Gloucestershire

You'll study environmental law and management, and learn advanced quantitative methods.

You'll also choose modules from a wide range of options, with topics like:

• marine fisheries

• human-caused global change

• glaciers and glaciation

• sustainability as a profession

Year 4 overview

You'll also complete a work placement of at least 4 weeks, where you'll work with professional environmental practitioners. Recent placements have included NGOs such as WWF, and businesses such as Ramboll.

The experience will show you how to apply the theory you've learnt in your first 3 years. The timing of the placement is flexible.

You'll complete an advanced research project, and receive training in how to design, implement and report a substantial piece of research.

This will give you transferable skills in:

• experimental design and development

• laboratory and fieldwork

• data analysis and interpretation

• technical writing and reporting

You'll also choose advanced optional modules to develop your knowledge in your specialist area.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Katherine Parks is the course leader.

As an MEnvSci in Environmental Science graduate, you'll have many career fields available, these could include:

• carbon management

• biodiversity

• water management

• environmental consultancy

• sustainability strategy and policy

• nature conservation

• waste management

Recent Environmental Science graduates are employed at organisations including:

• AECOM

• BP

• DEFRA

• Environment Agency

• Natural England

• WWF

Throughout your degree, you'll benefit from guest speakers from industry, government and environment groups. We have connections with many organisations such as the Environment Agency, DEFRA, AECOM and The Wildlife Trust. Together we will help you build your networks and prepare you for your next steps after graduation.

Our students play an important part in Southampton University's award-winning Enactus society. It is a global nonprofit organisation that helps improve the lives of people around the world.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes

• CV and interview skills and workshops

• networking events

• careers fairs attended by top employers

• a wealth of volunteering opportunities

• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

This degree includes a placement with an environmental organisation between the third and fourth year.

However, you can also boost your employability by spending a paid year in employment in the industry of your choice between years 2 and 3, or between years 3 and 4.

This is a great opportunity to:

• apply your skills and knowledge in a real industry setting

• try out a potential career

• demonstrate personal development to future employers

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £22,760.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: F902
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2021 entry now

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000