Environmental Science BSc (Hons)
Course code F900
What is special about this course?
If you are passionate about understanding the processes that shape our natural environment, and keen to develop the scientific and analytical skills required to work as an environmental scientist, then our BSc (Hons) Environmental Science is exactly what you are looking for.
You won’t find a better classroom in which to study than the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. We have, undeniably, one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’, in the spectacular natural habitats of the Scottish Highlands.
Here you will develop core scientific and analytical skills through course work in campus laboratories. You will have access to specialist analytical equipment across the university network, and the opportunity to undertake a residential field module each year at locations throughout the region, including an international field module in year 2. These modules are a key part of the course, allowing you to develop your field skills while working in some of the most outstanding habitats in Scotland and Iceland.
Special features
- Study in one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’
- Undertake a residential field module each year, at locations throughout the region and further afield (with an optional fieldtrip to Iceland in year 2)
- Study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances
- Study individual modules for personal or professional development
- Practical lab and field work is a key part of the course
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above (these must include science at grade C or above) OR
- 2 A levels at grade C or above (these must include science at grade C or above)
- PLUS National 5, Standard Grade Credit or Intermediate 2 Chemistry at grade C or above, or equivalent
- Alternatively, Foundation Apprenticeship Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills) PLUS an additional Scottish Higher at Grade C or above and National 5 in Chemistry at Grade C or above (or equivalent)
- We also accept candidates without the standard entry requirements, but with considerable professional experience in science-based employment
- This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/units, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional modules/units, but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
Advanced entry to year 2 may be available with:
- HNC Applied Sciences (120 credits/15 HN credits)
- HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management (120 credits/15 HN credits)
Advanced entry to year 3 may be available with:
Access routes
SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
Year 1 - CertHE
Modules may include:
- Collecting and analysing data
- Ecological principles: biodiversity and ID skills (including a 2-day residential)
- Fundamental chemistry
- Introduction to global environmental issues
- Principles of biology
- Science lab skills
Year 2 - DipHE
You will study the following core modules:
- Environmental processes
- Introduction to geographic information systems
- Marine environments
- Practical skills in field ecology
You will also study 2 of the following optional modules:
- Sustainable development approaches in an international context (fieldtrip)
- Environmental conservation
- Freshwater environments
Year 3 - BSc
Modules may include:
- Climate change
- Environmental analysis
- Field Course
- Introduction to data science and modelling
- Research skills project
Plus one optional module in semester 2 from:
- Management of the marine resource
- Strategic environmental monitoring
Year 4 - BSc (Hons)
You will study the following core modules:
- Natural hazards and mitigation
- Science and society
- Sustainable energy and waste minimisation
Plus one optional module in semester 2 from:
- Advanced monitoring techniques
- Climate and marine resource modelling
- Conservation of biodiversity
You will also complete a dissertation.
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Part-time modular (standalone modules)
- This course is mainly delivered online with scheduled sessions and tutorials
- You will also take be required to attend in person, on campus, to complete laboratory and field work
- All modules are supported with additional material which you will study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will take part in a mandatory induction, either in-person or online, in September
- You will have the opportunity to undertake an optional 1-year work placement in year 4. Those who don't complete the year in industry will undertake a mandatory 1-week work placement in year 4, on campus or in industry
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 37.5 hours per week
- Part-time: 6-8 years @ 19-25 hours per week
- Part-time modular: 12 weeks @ 200 hours per module
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Inverness
- North, West and Hebrides - Thurso
- Perth
Start date
- September
- January (part-time study only)
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
Study Mode | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
---|---|---|
Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:
Year | Level | 2023-24 Full-time | 2024-25 Full-time |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,250 |
Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
Year | Level | 2023-24 Full-time | With scholarship | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | CertHE | £15,360 | £11,360 | £15,996 | £11,996 |
Year 2 | DipHE | £15,360 | £11,360 | £15,996 | £11,996 |
Year 3 | Degree | £15,360 | £11,360 | £15,996 | £11,996 |
Year 4 | Honours | £15,360 | Free | £15,996 | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
Study Mode | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
---|---|---|
Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year | £15,360 | £15,996 |
Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £7,680 | £7,998 |
Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,560 | £2,666 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
Additional costs
This course includes several field trips, including residentials and an optional international trip to Iceland. You will be required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the residentials and international trips. Further information is available upon request.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed your BSc (Hons) Environmental Science course, you might like to consider a career with:
- Scottish Natural Heritage (area officer, research projects, interpretation)
- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (ecologists, soil or microbial scientists, hydrologists, marine scientists)
- Local authorities (biodiversity workers, environmental project work including flood alleviation, coastal zone protection, wildlife protection)
- Forestry Commission (biodiversity, native woodlands, species, GIS)
- Environmental consultancy work
- Industry - environmental management teams
- National (e.g. RSPB) or local (e.g. Scottish Wildlife Trust) NGOs and charities
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress from the BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degree to the following postgraduate courses:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I knew this was the right course for me as I could learn from fantastic lecturers in good laboratories with high-spec equipment. The practical skills taught during field trips have already secured me an industry placement. I learnt a lot about the sector I hope to work in once I graduate. My favourite thing about UHI is the people! It’s a tight-knit community, and you really get to know each other while studying. Being so close to nature and being able to stay close to family are also great things about living in the Highlands and Islands.
Hannah studied the BSc (Hons) Environmental Science at UHI Inverness.
Apply for Environmental Science BSc (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.