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Making a difference.

From the impacts of our changing climate, the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink, to the challenges of dealing with our waste and meeting the competing demands on our natural spaces, environmental issues impact on us all.

This highly current degree examines topics such as ecology and conservation; sustainable development; resources, energy and waste management and pollution control in both developing and developed countries. You will combine theory, leading edge research and practical experience in order to find workable solutions to current and future environmental problems.

Why choose Northumbria to study Environmental Science BSc (Hons)?

  • 92% of students studying Environmental Sciences at Northumbria believed that their course had the right balance of direct and independent study and that they were able to develop knowledge and skills needed for their future (NSS, 2023).
  • Geography and Environmental Studies at Northumbria is ranked 2nd for research power in the UK. This is a rise of 39 places compared to 2014.
  • Geography & Environmental Science is ranked Top 40 in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2024.
  • Geography & Environmental Science at Northumbria is ranked top 20 in the UK for Teaching Quality & Student Experience (Times Good University Guide, 2024)

 

 

 

Course Information

UCAS Code
F751

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department
Geography and Environmental Sciences

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

Department / Geography and Environmental Sciences

This department encompasses all of our work in cold and palaeo environments, social and cultural geographies, communities and resilience, environmental geochemistry and health, and ecology.

Geography and Environmental Sciences at Northumbria University encompass all of our work in physical and human geography, environmental science and management, health & safety, and disaster management. To find out more hear what our students and lectures have to say about this department.

Your Learning / Hear from us

Get to know our current students and their experiences on the course.

Kuba Grygiel talks about why he choose Northumbria University to study Environmental Science.

Luke tells you about what he enjoys most about the Environmental Science course and why he choose Northumbria to study it.

Delve Deeper / Discover more about life at Northumbria

Discover NU World / A virtual journey through everything Northumbria has to offer.

Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university videos and articles.

Book an Open Day / Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Environmental Science. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

112 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.


EU Fee in Year 1: £18,250

International Fee in Year 1: £18,250


Please see the main Funding Pages for 24/25 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

• Specialist equipment/materials – (walking boots and waterproofs), approximate cost up to £200 • Print costs – can exceed the £10 allocation made to all students • Optional field trip – flights to Tenerife - approximate cost up to £300 • Final Projects – (dissertation), approximate cost can be up to £300

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KE4005 -

Exploring Geographical and Environmental Data (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will learn collect and analyse a wide range of geographical and environmental data. You will engage in teaching, learning and assessment activities, which are generic to all students of geography and environmental science, as well as specific tasks tailored towards your own degree programme. The module aims to give you a broad introduction to data collection and analysis in the geographical and environmental sciences, which will form the basis of programme-specific training at levels 5 and 6. Topics and issues covered include:
• sources of geographical and environmental data;
• descriptive and inferential statistics;
• geographical information systems;
• qualitative data collection and analysis.

More information

KE4010 -

Academic Skills and Personal Development (BSc) (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will learn and develop the key intellectual skills and personal attributes required for effective study and future graduate employment. Teaching, learning and assessment activities are tailored towards your own degree programme, linking to substantive core modules, thus providing an appropriate subject context for your studies. The module aims to consolidate the process of induction onto your degree programme, thus supporting your transition from further to higher education. As part of this shift in academic culture, you will be encouraged to take increasing responsibility for your own learning and through the development of reflective practice, develop ways of monitoring your own academic performance and progress. Topics and issues covered include:
? Independent study and time management.
? Effective literature searching.
? Reading and summarising academic literature.
? Referencing, citations and plagiarism.
? Marking schemes and expectations.
? Essay writing skills.
? Report writing skills.
? Exam preparation.
? Oral presentation and debating skills.
? Dissecting a peer-reviewed journal article.
? Effective group work.
? Skills evaluation and reflection.
? CV preparation and employability skills.

More information

KE4011 -

Our Living Planet (Core,20 Credits)

On this module you will learn about Our Living Planet and how it has been influenced by humans. You will be introduced to a global overview of the complexity of life on earth and how this has changed through time. The wide-ranging and theoretical subject matter is grounded in real-life examples, including local environmental issues. You will also gain practical experience in taxonomy, field techniques, data analysis and standard methodologies required for environmental science. You will then build on this through a series of lectures and seminars that allow you to explore and debate the complexities of the relationship between people and the environment. You will learn about key historical and contemporary debates relating to the environment and how these have informed policy and practice. You will develop a much clearer sense of your own personal environmental values and your own perspectives in these broader debates. You will learn about the contested nature of the environment and economic and social aspects of the natural environment.

Some of the themes that will be covered include:
(as examples, staff dependent)
- Patterns of life on earth in space and time
- Ecosystems and ecological concepts: Arrangement of life on earth
- Biodiversity: Role and current crisis
- Ecosystem services and environmental change
- Climate change and its impacts
- Human impacts on the environment
- Carbon management
- Poaching and wildlife crime
- Plant and animal identification
- - Property rights and their role in environmental problems (e.g. Tragedy of the Commons versus Tragedy of Enclosure)
- Environmental risks (and concepts such as the precautionary principle)
- Ethical issues and perspectives (such as animal rights and fox hunting)
- Environmental management (including tools for environmental managers, critique of Environmental Impact Assessments)
- Management of environmental hazards
- Renewable energy and its impact on the environment
- Community management and ownership of the environment

These themes will provide you with a solid foundation to your degree and a broad background of knowledge that may be relevant to a range of environment-related jobs.

More information

KE4012 -

Environmental Science Fieldwork (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides a practical experience in field techniques, data analysis and standard methodologies required for environmental science in field settings that explore a variety of habitats and management strategies in Cumbria.

Topics on this module include:

- Ecosystem services and environmental change
- Human impacts on the environment
- Carbon management
- Standard survey methodologies
- Plant and animal identification
- Ecological data analysis and presentation

More information

KE4014 -

Introduction to Physical Environments (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn a broad range of basic concepts and principles of the physical environment, how these interact as part of the Earth System and are modified by human processes. As you explore the Earth System today and in the past, you will discover a diverse range of atmospheric, land based and oceanic components that together form the physical environment. Armed with this knowledge you will be able to begin to critically evaluate the evidence concerning processes, landforms and systems. This will develop your problem solving skills and give you an international holistic view on the Earth as a system. Topics include:
• Atmospheric processes and energy flows.
• Climate and climate change.
• The world’s oceans, their physical properties and interactions with the climate and coastal populations.
• Weathering and Erosion.
• Soils and soil forming processes.
• Glacial and periglacial environments and the processes that shape these.
• Landscape and landform evolution from hillslope processes, to rivers and the coastal environment.
• The biogeographical distribution of vegetation and biomes
• The role of the biosphere in the Earth system and ecosystem engineers.
• How the Earth system has changed over Quaternary and Cenozoic time scales.
• The physical environment and links to human health.

More information

KE4015 -

Environmental Challenges - Global to Local (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the fundamental principles of chemistry and physics governing natural environment, and interactions between geosphere and biosphere including anthropogenic impact. You will learn key environmental analysis skills, including field and laboratory methods to obtain and examine both ecological and chemical materials. You will develop skills to collect suitable environmental samples, and how to process and report on your findings.

Some of the key topics you will cover in lectures and seminars include:
• Chemical composition of the natural environment.
• Interactions and feedbacks between the Earth's sub-systems' cycles, processes and "spheres" – in particular hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere
• The chemistry of the global climate and processes affecting the release and sequestration of greenhouse gases.
• Pollution of surface water sediments, soils and groundwaters.
• Climate- and environment literacy.
• History of humans impacts on natural environment and processes.

The field- and laboratory-based skills will include:
• Water, sediment and suspended matter sampling techniques
• Field water measurements (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen)
• Laboratory measurements of water and sediment composition

The developed soft skills will include:
• Efficient planning and performing water- and sediment-sampling campaign (teamwork effort)
• Integrating observational and analytical data
• Assessing the river water quality
• Contextualising local data in the reginal and global scope

More information

KE5023 -

Academic Language Skills for Geography (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KE5014 -

Fundamentals of Ecology (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn the key concepts and debates within ecological science, the science underpinning our understanding of global biodiversity. The module focuses on populations and communities. You will be shown how populations of animals and plants change, how species interact and how ecological communities form and alter both in time and space. You will learn a wide range of ecological skills e.g. population modelling, quantifying mortality, measuring diversity and similarity, which underpin vital practical questions such as the conservation of rare species, spread of disease and nature reserve management. At the heart of the module is the significance of ecological systems for the well-being of humanity and the need to understand how natural systems work if we are going to conserve them. Ultimately they module will challenge you be become ecological researchers, to carry out a piece of detailed research not only as an assessment and practical but also as a research contribution to the management of a local site. You will move out from the academy and become practicing ecologists.

More information

KE5016 -

Environment, Development and Sustainability (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn about environmental issues globally, examining the relationship between the process of development (widely understood) and environmental change. Environmental issues such as sustainability, climate change, desertification, deforestation, water scarcity, wildlife and biodiversity loss, mining and resource extraction will form the focus of the module. These will be contextualised in terms of changes in livelihoods, agriculture, governance, gender relations, population, technology, foreign investment and land ownership and poverty. Initiatives for tackling some of these problems, such as internationally agreed frameworks, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), ecotourism, urban planning, and corporate social responsibility, among others, will be critically examined. Examples will be taken at a range of scales from the local to the regional and across different geographies spanning the Global North and Global South. You will also learn some key tools and frameworks that are valuable in employment in the development sector, such as stakeholder analysis, logical framework analysis and participatory research tools. Through providing an opportunity to develop creative solutions to development problems in the form of project design, this module will enhance your employability skills.

More information

KE5017 -

Earth Observation and GIS (Core,20 Credits)

This module is designed to teach you the concepts and techniques of spatial data handling and analysis using the techniques of remote sensing and image processing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Adding to the cartographic skills and basic spatial analysis that you have learnt from level 4 (first year) you will be taught to carry out spatial analysis from a wider range of sources and types of social and scientific geographical data. You will learn basic theoretical principles underpinning the use and application of digital datasets followed by more advanced techniques of image classification and spatial analysis. You will be taught how to use industry standard computer software applied in research and the workplace that will allow you to manipulate and analyse those data. In particular you will learn:
• the key components of remote sensing acquisition and analysis/display, including different platforms, sensors, image wavebands, and temporal and spatial resolution of imagery, and the fundamental processing techniques required in order to interpret remotely sensed imagery;
• theoretical background of datasets that can be generated and used to interpret change over space and time (e.g. loss of crops to disease, impact of changes in climate on food productivity and earths biomass); and
• the techniques used to classify and analyse datasets; explore spectral signatures, apply different classification models to produce land cover maps as a basis for resource management.
• key critical theoretical concepts associated with the types and associated use of digital data, implications of scale on analysis, error (what is it, why it matters and what can be done about it) geographical co-ordinate systems and georeferencing;
• about the GIS tool box and different methods of spatial analysis available to you including the third dimension – 3D analysis using digital elevation models; and
• the practical skills you need to interrogate and analyse data in order to answer spatial queries – geographical decision making for policy and practice.

More information

KE5023 -

Academic Language Skills for Geography (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KE5028 -

Coastal Monitoring and Management (Optional,20 Credits)

This module will give you the opportunity to work on real-world coastal monitoring and management problems and will provide you with numerous transferable skills for future employment, including, but not limited to, familiarisation and application of advanced landscape surveying techniques, complex data visualization and presentation, developing solutions to applied problems, project management and delivery, and professional report writing.

You will learn about the past, present, and future behaviour of coastal systems, and the various ways in which coastal environments are monitored and managed. You will learn about the fundamental principles of coastal landscape evolution over long (millennial) to short (months-years) timescales, and gain understanding of the role that sea-level rise and extreme hydrological events play in the evolution of coastal landscapes, and subsequent management implications. You will additionally learn the principles and practices of landscape surveying using field-based (e.g. drones) and satellite remote sensing datasets, with a specific emphasis on surveying coastal domains.

You will learn how to produce and present your results in the style of a consultancy report, using templates and formatting that are used by external organisations. You will also learn how to produce material for the public communication of science. You will work both individually and as part of small teams to carry out desk- and field-based tasks.

On completion of the module, you will have gained many key skills that will be useful for your dissertation, further study, or to improve your future employment prospects. As well as having an improved knowledge of coastal processes and management issues/solutions, you will develop technical proficiencies in a range of landscape mapping and analysis techniques. By effectively taking on the role of an environmental consultant for the summative assessment, you will also develop experience of synthesising a range of data to propose and communicate coastal management strategies to a hypothetical client, and the public.

More information

KE5029 -

Green cities and nature-based solutions (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the ecological impact of cities and tools for enhancing urban biodiversity, liveability and sustainability. The module begins with an introduction to global trends in urbanisation and the relevance of cities for realising the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The module will then explore the multiple challenges posed by urbanisation and identify solutions to these challenges. The two overarching questions we will seek to answer are:

1. What are the key environmental, biodiversity and climate change challenges and opportunities facing cities?
2. How can nature-based solutions contribute to addressing the challenges and opportunities of urbanisation?

Skills developed include the ability to:

• Understand global trends in urbanisation and the relevance of cities for the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Identify and assess the contribution of cities to climate change and strategies for mitigation and adaptation
• Understand what constitutes an urban ecosystem, and the key drivers of urban biodiversity
• Identify the benefits that urban ecosystems provide to society (“ecosystem services”)
• Assess the importance of governance, stewardship and environmental justice in cities
• Identify, use and assess relevant planning and policy tools and concepts, with an emphasis on nature-based solutions and green infrastructure
• Critically evaluate interventions to enhance urban nature to address societal challenges
• Develop in-depth specialist knowledge of techniques relevant to green cities and urban ecosystems

More information

KE5030 -

Ecosystem Processes in the Anthropocene (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about key ecosystem processes, how they link to ecosystem services related to food production and land use management and how they are disrupted by human activities. There are a wide range of topics, we will consider human impacts to nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, pollination, biodiversity and conservation for example, and how these intersect with environmental policy and regulation, as well as societal and economic factors.

The Anthropocene presents us with many global challenges, and understanding ecosystem function will provide sustainable solutions to manage land and water resources successfully. In particular, you will learn laboratory techniques to assess human impact to ecosystem processes and how these are applied in land management decision-making tools.

More information

KE5031 -

Biodiversity and Climate Change (Optional,20 Credits)

On this module you will learn about biodiversity and climate change: how we identify species, how we monitor species and how we can use that data to improve our environment. The module begins with an introduction to biodiversity, climate, the tree of life and taxonomy. This is followed by a series of in depth lectures on individual groups of organisms (groups covered dependent on staff specialisms). The module then flows through three teaching “blocks”. Each block will explore an aspect of biodiversity or climate change with practical work that will build into the module assignment. At the end of the module you will present a concisely written professional report that makes recommendations for conservation, taking into account climate change.

More information

KE5032 -

Practice, Research and Fieldwork (Core,20 Credits)

This module has three main elements. First, you will extend your knowledge and deepen your understanding of a range of geographical and environmental concepts and issues, gaining real-world “in-the-field” experience. There is a focus on the complexity and interconnectedness of issues and their management. Second, you will gain experience of a variety of research approaches used in studying the environment, ranging from questionnaire design to protected area monitoring. Third, you will develop your ability to design research projects and devise fieldwork and data analysis methods. This will prepare you for carrying out your dissertation in final year. The module also develops your skills in designing research projects, choosing and using a wide variety of geography and environment fieldwork techniques and data analysis and interpretation.

More information

KE5033 -

Environmental Cycles: Air, Water, Soil (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module, you will learn about the nature and properties of soil, air and water, the key processes operating within them and the environmental cycles influencing their characteristics and behaviour. The module will enable you to appreciate the dynamic nature of pollution, its impacts on environmental systems and human health, and provide an introduction to approaches for pollution management and mitigation. In addition, you will develop skills in a range of field and laboratory techniques and approaches to data collection and analysis used in environmental monitoring. You will also develop a deeper appreciation of the interaction between physical and human aspects of the environment.

On completion of the module, your improved ability to link theory, practice and application will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.

More information

KE5023 -

Academic Language Skills for Geography (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KE5034 -

Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment to provide you with the option to take a one year work placement as part of your programme.

You will be able to use the placement experience to develop and enhance appropriate areas of your knowledge and understanding, your intellectual and professional skills, and your personal value attributes, relevant to your programme of study, as well as accreditation bodies such as BCS, IET, IMechE, RICS, CIOB and CIBSE within the appropriate working environments. Due to its overall positive impact on employability, degree classification and graduate starting salaries, the University strongly encourages you to pursue a work placement as part of your degree programme.

This module is a Pass/Fail module so does not contribute to the classification of your degree. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised both in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate.

Your placement period will normally be full-time and must total a minimum of 40 weeks.

More information

KE5054 -

Study Abroad Year (Optional,120 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the option to study abroad for one full year as part of your programme.

This is a 120 credit module which is available between Levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year of study abroad at an approved partner University where you will have access to modules from your discipline, but taught in a different learning culture. This gives you the opportunity to broaden your overall experience of learning. The structure of study will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).

Your study abroad year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)”.

More information

KE5055 -

Work placement semester (Optional,60 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment to provide you with the option to take a one semester work placement as part of your programme.

You will be able to use the placement experience to develop and enhance appropriate areas of your knowledge and understanding, your intellectual and professional skills, and your personal value attributes, relevant to your programme of study, within the appropriate working environments. Due to its overall positive impact on employability, degree classification and graduate starting salaries, the University strongly encourages you to pursue a work placement as part of your degree programme.

This module is a Pass/Fail module so does not contribute to the classification of your degree. When taken and passed, however, the placement is recognised both in your transcript as a 60 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate.

Your placement period will normally be full-time and must total a minimum of 20 weeks.

More information

KE5056 -

Study Abroad Semester (Optional,60 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the option to study abroad for one semester as part of your programme.

This is a 60 credit module which is available between Levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a semester of study abroad at an approved partner University where you will have access to modules from your discipline, but taught in a different learning culture. This gives you the opportunity to broaden your overall experience of learning. The structure of study will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).

Your study abroad semester will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as an additional 60 credits for Engineering and Environment Study Abroad Semester.

More information

KE5023 -

Academic Language Skills for Geography (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KE6000 -

Geography and Environment Dissertation (Core,40 Credits)

This module is designed to support you in independently pursuing an original piece of research on a geographical or environmental topic of your own choice grounded in final year specialist option modules. Dependent upon your programme of study, you will draw upon and develop your research skills in answering research questions/hypothesis on a dissertation topic within the social, humanities, natural and environmental disciplines. You will develop expertise in:

• identifying a suitable topic and in reviewing critically the relevant academic literature;
• formulating research questions/hypotheses and appropriate methods of inquiry;
• collecting your own data and/or using existing data sets and/or engaging in an analysis of the research literature;
• the ability to analyse and interpret your results using appropriate quantitative, statistical and/or qualitative techniques,
• relating the findings to existing and up-to-date literature;
• oral, visual and written presentation of your research project;
• objectively appraising the ethical considerations of conducting research; and
• managing and implementing a large independent project.

More information

KE6002 -

Modelling, Computation and Data Manipulation (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about a variety of approaches to model environmental systems. Following an overview of fundamental approaches to environmental modelling and a practical introduction to a number of specific models, you will apply one of the models to answer an environmental question as part of an individual study. In parallel with this, you will be introduced to a range of advanced techniques in computer programming which will allow data manipulation, analysis and presentation. As a result, this module will allow you to demonstrate:
- The use of numerical modelling as an important methodological tool in the physical environment.
- The role of modelling in gaining a better understanding of the interaction of processes driving change and in predicting the form and nature of the resulting response in a variety of environmental settings.
- The latest methodological design and application of modelling and the historical context of their development.
- The practice of model design: from conceptualisation of the model by understanding the main physical processes shaping the environment in question, through development of a computational algorithm to approximate environmental response to applied external forcings.
- Critical interpretation of model output.
- The importance of reproducibility in research.
- An appreciation of modelling as an emerging tool in understanding and predicting the impact of human activity upon physical and/or wider environmental processes.
- Computation and data manipulation skills using a wide range of computer packages (e.g. ArcGIS), including high-level technical computing languages (e.g. Matlab).

More information

KE6003 -

Palaeoecology and Biogeography (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to understand how our environment evolved in the past and how it might change in the future. Particular attention will be paid to the reconstruction and assessment of past human impact on the environment. The module strongly supports the interdisciplinary character of Geography by involving a number of different scientific disciplines such as Geology, Ecology, Palaeobotany, Limnology and Climatology.

The topics of this module include:
• Application of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction techniques (e.g. diatom and pollen analysis, and geochemical analyses)
• Principles of Biogeography and Ecology: Understanding temporal and spatial patterns of plant communities and ecosystems
• Case studies of Late Quaternary climate and vegetation
• Detecting anthropogenic impact in sediment records
• Regional vegetation and climate history of North England

The practicals will include a combination of techniques from the indicative list below::
• Core logging (e.g. description of colour using Munsell Color System, classification of sediment layers, identifying hiatus)
• Total inorganic and organic carbon (TIC/TOC)
• Charcoal particle analysis
• Pollen and spore analysis
• Diatom analysis
• Pollen diagram construction using Tilia/TiliaGraph software
• Multivariate data analyses ( e.g. PCA, cluster and correspondence analysis)

On completion of the module, you will know the theory and application of various palaeoecological and sedimentological proxy methods. You will understand the driving forces and feedbacks in the biotic and abiotic Earth System and learn to critically analyse and synthesise scientific data. In this module you will learn to assess the importance of climate change and human impact for the evolution of our modern landscapes and ecosystems.

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KE6017 -

Development and Disasters (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn about relationships between development and disasters to be able to analyse and respond to environmental and other catastrophes impacting on society, including through knowledge of their physical environmental, political and economic contexts. The way that disasters can be prevented, their impact on people reduced and relief and recovery better provided post disaster forms an applied focus to this module. Examples used include major hazards of environmental change, economic instability and conflict that disrupt human well-being over brief or long time-frames. The module addresses the challenges and solutions prevalent in practice and policy environments for those engaging with the development and disaster reduction sector. The content of this module is partly linked to work in this field through Northumbria’s ongoing facilitation of global disaster and development networks. The module teaches that although hazards, risks and disasters impact society, this is offset by individuals, groups, institutions and organizations through disaster management, and by becoming resilient, healthy and creative. Examples demonstrate the application of theory to practice in these relationships in both the economically wealthy and poorer parts of the world. Approaches detailed within this framework include early warning systems, risk management, mitigation techniques, response and recovery actions as well as appropriate sustainable development actions. The module draws from an interdisciplinary perspective making it suitable for those progressing from, or interested in pursuing physical environmental, economic or social aspects of development and disaster intervention. The knowledge and skills learnt can be readily applied to careers relating to this field.

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KE6018 -

Advanced Geospatial Applications (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn about the design and implementation of geospatial Applications using evidence based practice extending practical knowledge of the techniques and analysis tools gained from level 5 (Second year). This will involve you critically reviewing existing published and adopted practice in topic areas such as:
• environmental planning,
• landcover change,
• resource management and
• risk assessment.
in order to design, cost and implement your own geospatial application. You will be taught advanced concepts of method design and how
to cost and respond to a tender request. You will also learn advanced IT skills on data compilation, download, generation, analysis, interpretation and presentation within the context of ‘fitness of use’ using image processing and GIS software. As you explore evidence based practice you will be asked to design your application with key consideration to the following questions. Can geospatial Applications be:
• value free and what role does positionality and ethics play?,
• simply sticks which powerful groups in decision making processes use to beat smaller groups with?, and
• a key determinant of planning and policy success in an organisational context?

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KE6019 -

Public Health and Occupational Safety (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn about public health protection and occupational safety and develop a critical understanding of the nature of communicable diseases and non-communicable occupational and environmental hazards to develop appropriate evidence and risk based approaches. You will build a critical understanding of organisations and approaches responsible for ensuring effective arrangements are in place nationally and locally for preparing, planning and responding to concerns and emergencies, including the future impact of climate change. You will focus on the key aspects including

• Harm from communicable diseases and health impact from environmental and occupational hazards
• Collection, analysis and interpretation of surveillance data
• Planning, investigation and response to incidents, accidents and outbreaks
• Legal and regulatory systems
• Resilience and emergency response
• Workplace health and safety,
• Health and safety risk management
• Principles and theories of health and safety management
• Occupational health and hygiene and occupational psychology

On completion of the module, your improved ability to link theory, practice and application will enhance your employability prospects within a broad environmental health / health, safety and environment job sector.

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KE6023 -

Applied Ecology and Conservation Management (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will explore the policies and practice of conservation, using examples from around the world. You will find out how the conservation value of a site is assessed in the UK (and in other countries), how to map a river for ecologically sensitive engineering, how climate change is affecting the distribution of species and habitats and the challenges of managing a site for conservation and other conflicting uses. The module combines professional practice focused on careers and challenging contemporary ideas.

Recent reviews of professionals working the fields of conservation and environmental management (Ecological Skills: shaping the profession for the 21st Century, IEEM 2011 and CIEEM 2017) identified the need for graduates who are able to undertake standard ecological surveys of sites and make recommendations for habitat and species management. This module is designed to help you develop these practical and employment related skills.

The teaching will focus on building your practice-based expertise, the confidence to make judgements and how to implement standard methods such National Vegetation Classification, Phase 1 mapping and rarity classifications (UK and international equivalents) that are essential skills for a career in this field. The topics are all based on the research rich expertise of the teaching staff with workshops based on techniques and strategies you need to know to work in the profession of conservation. At the heart of the module is the global biodiversity crisis, concepts of biodiversity (genetic biodiversity, species biodiversity, community biodiversity, habitat diversity), and how the conservation professions approach challenges such as assessing vulnerability and rarity or choosing sites for conservation. You will explore major causes of biodiversity loss with examples from the UK and beyond. Workshops build expertise and confidence in professional skills such as the principles of biological classification and taxonomy and the use of biological keys along with standard UK field methods such as River Habitat Survey and Phase 1 mapping (or international equivalents). Coursework assignments are based on authentic challenges faced by professionals working in conservation, such as what criteria should be used to designate conservation sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (or international equivalent). You will research and develop a site a management plan, with an external partner organisation. The overall aim is to equip you with the expertise, skills and confidence to work in wildlife conservation.

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KE6031 -

Environmental Pollution and Health (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module, you will develop a holistic viewpoint on issues surrounding environmental pollution, pollution impacts on human health, and approaches to pollution management and mitigation. You will engage with a range of contemporary issues across air quality management, contaminated land and water pollution; appreciate the wider context of historical pollution; analyse and interpret environmental data using a range of modelling techniques (for example, contaminated land software, atmospheric dispersion modelling software) and evaluate different types of interventions that can be used to alleviate/control the effects/impacts of pollutants;; and develop a good working knowledge of the regulatory systems that exist for air, water and soil pollution control at global, European, national and/or local levels. On completion of the module, your ability to link theory and application will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.

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KE6032 -

Tropical and Coastal Research (Optional,20 Credits)

With a strong research focus, the tropical and coastal research module will cover the cutting-edge developments in coastal science. From how to identify seagrass using satellites, to predicting the contents of a rockpool without even looking at it, you will understand the processes that make coastal ecosystems tick.

You will design and undertake two research projects – one using field data that you will collect in North-East England, and another using secondary data from the Tropics that you will analyse during IT practical sessions. In both cases, you will learn that the same overarching concepts, in coastal science and research design, apply equally in these contrasting coastal settings.

Within a group, you will be given a valuable opportunity to plan and execute scientific experiments of your own in the field. This will be a method of your choosing, on a topic of your choice, example topics include microplastics, rockpools, longshore drift, or even footfall at tourist hotspots along the coast. To design your project and discuss your findings, you will engage with cutting-edge literature from the field of coastal science. You will present this research project in an oral presentation.

You will apply these same concepts in coastal science and research design to undertake your individual research project in a tropical coastal environment. To undertake this project, you will engage with secondary data in order to design and undertake your enquiry. You will undertake this work in a series of IT sessions, and present the project in the form of a professional report.

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KE6033 -

Translating Environmental Science into policy, outreach and decision making (Core,20 Credits)

Engaging with environmental issues and sustainable development beyond the academy has always been at the heart of Environmental Sciences at Northumbria . Environmental issues such as climate change mitigation and adaptation; reduction of pollution and plastics, reversing biodiversity losses; improving soil quality and managing urban growth present major sustainability challenges for the 21st Century. Environmental engagement can occur at multiple levels in society: business and corporate; government; public; education. On this module you will work towards completing a small piece of Application, Outreach or Decision making, the topic of which will be dependent staff expertise and partner engagement.
The aim of the module is to explore, understand, practice and evaluate means of environmental engagement. From building both the business and environmental cases for corporate engagement in the environmental agenda to communication with the public and embedding the environmental understanding into education. The module will examine concepts of risk and risk management, the application of environmental management and assessment tools. Bringing science into policy, the role of stakeholder engagement and communication in environmental change. How you can successfully engage with the public and how to bring complex issues to school children. The module will help you to develop the skills required to support the implementation of environmental programmes and change the environmental agenda at all levels of society.


Topics you will cover on the module include:

• Conceptual framework for translating environmental science into policy, outreach and decision making
• Sustainable Development Goals- differing interpretations, awareness and use
• Environmental communication – the role of stakeholder engagement and communication in improving environmental engagement.
• Practical tools for business engagement with the environmental agenda
• Making science-based policy decisions to improve the environment
• Environmental education – how, when and why?
• Public engagement – outreach as a tool to promote the environmental agenda
• Project management – approaches and issues.
• Group working – practical skills and professional approaches

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Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KE4005 -

Exploring Geographical and Environmental Data (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will learn collect and analyse a wide range of geographical and environmental data. You will engage in teaching, learning and assessment activities, which are generic to all students of geography and environmental science, as well as specific tasks tailored towards your own degree programme. The module aims to give you a broad introduction to data collection and analysis in the geographical and environmental sciences, which will form the basis of programme-specific training at levels 5 and 6. Topics and issues covered include:
• sources of geographical and environmental data;
• descriptive and inferential statistics;
• geographical information systems;
• qualitative data collection and analysis.

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KE4010 -

Academic Skills and Personal Development (BSc) (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will learn and develop the key intellectual skills and personal attributes required for effective study and future graduate employment. Teaching, learning and assessment activities are tailored towards your own degree programme, linking to substantive core modules, thus providing an appropriate subject context for your studies. The module aims to consolidate the process of induction onto your degree programme, thus supporting your transition from further to higher education. As part of this shift in academic culture, you will be encouraged to take increasing responsibility for your own learning and through the development of reflective practice, develop ways of monitoring your own academic performance and progress. Topics and issues covered include:
? Independent study and time management.
? Effective literature searching.
? Reading and summarising academic literature.
? Referencing, citations and plagiarism.
? Marking schemes and expectations.
? Essay writing skills.
? Report writing skills.
? Exam preparation.
? Oral presentation and debating skills.
? Dissecting a peer-reviewed journal article.
? Effective group work.
? Skills evaluation and reflection.
? CV preparation and employability skills.

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KE4011 -

Our Living Planet (Core,20 Credits)

On this module you will learn about Our Living Planet and how it has been influenced by humans. You will be introduced to a global overview of the complexity of life on earth and how this has changed through time. The wide-ranging and theoretical subject matter is grounded in real-life examples, including local environmental issues. You will also gain practical experience in taxonomy, field techniques, data analysis and standard methodologies required for environmental science. You will then build on this through a series of lectures and seminars that allow you to explore and debate the complexities of the relationship between people and the environment. You will learn about key historical and contemporary debates relating to the environment and how these have informed policy and practice. You will develop a much clearer sense of your own personal environmental values and your own perspectives in these broader debates. You will learn about the contested nature of the environment and economic and social aspects of the natural environment.

Some of the themes that will be covered include:
(as examples, staff dependent)
- Patterns of life on earth in space and time
- Ecosystems and ecological concepts: Arrangement of life on earth
- Biodiversity: Role and current crisis
- Ecosystem services and environmental change
- Climate change and its impacts
- Human impacts on the environment
- Carbon management
- Poaching and wildlife crime
- Plant and animal identification
- - Property rights and their role in environmental problems (e.g. Tragedy of the Commons versus Tragedy of Enclosure)
- Environmental risks (and concepts such as the precautionary principle)
- Ethical issues and perspectives (such as animal rights and fox hunting)
- Environmental management (including tools for environmental managers, critique of Environmental Impact Assessments)
- Management of environmental hazards
- Renewable energy and its impact on the environment
- Community management and ownership of the environment

These themes will provide you with a solid foundation to your degree and a broad background of knowledge that may be relevant to a range of environment-related jobs.

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KE4012 -

Environmental Science Fieldwork (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides a practical experience in field techniques, data analysis and standard methodologies required for environmental science in field settings that explore a variety of habitats and management strategies in Cumbria.

Topics on this module include:

- Ecosystem services and environmental change
- Human impacts on the environment
- Carbon management
- Standard survey methodologies
- Plant and animal identification
- Ecological data analysis and presentation

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KE4014 -

Introduction to Physical Environments (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn a broad range of basic concepts and principles of the physical environment, how these interact as part of the Earth System and are modified by human processes. As you explore the Earth System today and in the past, you will discover a diverse range of atmospheric, land based and oceanic components that together form the physical environment. Armed with this knowledge you will be able to begin to critically evaluate the evidence concerning processes, landforms and systems. This will develop your problem solving skills and give you an international holistic view on the Earth as a system. Topics include:
• Atmospheric processes and energy flows.
• Climate and climate change.
• The world’s oceans, their physical properties and interactions with the climate and coastal populations.
• Weathering and Erosion.
• Soils and soil forming processes.
• Glacial and periglacial environments and the processes that shape these.
• Landscape and landform evolution from hillslope processes, to rivers and the coastal environment.
• The biogeographical distribution of vegetation and biomes
• The role of the biosphere in the Earth system and ecosystem engineers.
• How the Earth system has changed over Quaternary and Cenozoic time scales.
• The physical environment and links to human health.

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KE4015 -

Environmental Challenges - Global to Local (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the fundamental principles of chemistry and physics governing natural environment, and interactions between geosphere and biosphere including anthropogenic impact. You will learn key environmental analysis skills, including field and laboratory methods to obtain and examine both ecological and chemical materials. You will develop skills to collect suitable environmental samples, and how to process and report on your findings.

Some of the key topics you will cover in lectures and seminars include:
• Chemical composition of the natural environment.
• Interactions and feedbacks between the Earth's sub-systems' cycles, processes and "spheres" – in particular hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere
• The chemistry of the global climate and processes affecting the release and sequestration of greenhouse gases.
• Pollution of surface water sediments, soils and groundwaters.
• Climate- and environment literacy.
• History of humans impacts on natural environment and processes.

The field- and laboratory-based skills will include:
• Water, sediment and suspended matter sampling techniques
• Field water measurements (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen)
• Laboratory measurements of water and sediment composition

The developed soft skills will include:
• Efficient planning and performing water- and sediment-sampling campaign (teamwork effort)
• Integrating observational and analytical data
• Assessing the river water quality
• Contextualising local data in the reginal and global scope

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KE5023 -

Academic Language Skills for Geography (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

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KE5014 -

Fundamentals of Ecology (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn the key concepts and debates within ecological science, the science underpinning our understanding of global biodiversity. The module focuses on populations and communities. You will be shown how populations of animals and plants change, how species interact and how ecological communities form and alter both in time and space. You will learn a wide range of ecological skills e.g. population modelling, quantifying mortality, measuring diversity and similarity, which underpin vital practical questions such as the conservation of rare species, spread of disease and nature reserve management. At the heart of the module is the significance of ecological systems for the well-being of humanity and the need to understand how natural systems work if we are going to conserve them. Ultimately they module will challenge you be become ecological researchers, to carry out a piece of detailed research not only as an assessment and practical but also as a research contribution to the management of a local site. You will move out from the academy and become practicing ecologists.

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KE5016 -

Environment, Development and Sustainability (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn about environmental issues globally, examining the relationship between the process of development (widely understood) and environmental change. Environmental issues such as sustainability, climate change, desertification, deforestation, water scarcity, wildlife and biodiversity loss, mining and resource extraction will form the focus of the module. These will be contextualised in terms of changes in livelihoods, agriculture, governance, gender relations, population, technology, foreign investment and land ownership and poverty. Initiatives for tackling some of these problems, such as internationally agreed frameworks, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), ecotourism, urban planning, and corporate social responsibility, among others, will be critically examined. Examples will be taken at a range of scales from the local to the regional and across different geographies spanning the Global North and Global South. You will also learn some key tools and frameworks that are valuable in employment in the development sector, such as stakeholder analysis, logical framework analysis and participatory research tools. Through providing an opportunity to develop creative solutions to development problems in the form of project design, this module will enhance your employability skills.

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KE5017 -

Earth Observation and GIS (Core,20 Credits)

This module is designed to teach you the concepts and techniques of spatial data handling and analysis using the techniques of remote sensing and image processing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Adding to the cartographic skills and basic spatial analysis that you have learnt from level 4 (first year) you will be taught to carry out spatial analysis from a wider range of sources and types of social and scientific geographical data. You will learn basic theoretical principles underpinning the use and application of digital datasets followed by more advanced techniques of image classification and spatial analysis. You will be taught how to use industry standard computer software applied in research and the workplace that will allow you to manipulate and analyse those data. In particular you will learn:
• the key components of remote sensing acquisition and analysis/display, including different platforms, sensors, image wavebands, and temporal and spatial resolution of imagery, and the fundamental processing techniques required in order to interpret remotely sensed imagery;
• theoretical background of datasets that can be generated and used to interpret change over space and time (e.g. loss of crops to disease, impact of changes in climate on food productivity and earths biomass); and
• the techniques used to classify and analyse datasets; explore spectral signatures, apply different classification models to produce land cover maps as a basis for resource management.
• key critical theoretical concepts associated with the types and associated use of digital data, implications of scale on analysis, error (what is it, why it matters and what can be done about it) geographical co-ordinate systems and georeferencing;
• about the GIS tool box and different methods of spatial analysis available to you including the third dimension – 3D analysis using digital elevation models; and
• the practical skills you need to interrogate and analyse data in order to answer spatial queries – geographical decision making for policy and practice.

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KE5023 -

Academic Language Skills for Geography (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

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KE5028 -

Coastal Monitoring and Management (Optional,20 Credits)

This module will give you the opportunity to work on real-world coastal monitoring and management problems and will provide you with numerous transferable skills for future employment, including, but not limited to, familiarisation and application of advanced landscape surveying techniques, complex data visualization and presentation, developing solutions to applied problems, project management and delivery, and professional report writing.

You will learn about the past, present, and future behaviour of coastal systems, and the various ways in which coastal environments are monitored and managed. You will learn about the fundamental principles of coastal landscape evolution over long (millennial) to short (months-years) timescales, and gain understanding of the role that sea-level rise and extreme hydrological events play in the evolution of coastal landscapes, and subsequent management implications. You will additionally learn the principles and practices of landscape surveying using field-based (e.g. drones) and satellite remote sensing datasets, with a specific emphasis on surveying coastal domains.

You will learn how to produce and present your results in the style of a consultancy report, using templates and formatting that are used by external organisations. You will also learn how to produce material for the public communication of science. You will work both individually and as part of small teams to carry out desk- and field-based tasks.

On completion of the module, you will have gained many key skills that will be useful for your dissertation, further study, or to improve your future employment prospects. As well as having an improved knowledge of coastal processes and management issues/solutions, you will develop technical proficiencies in a range of landscape mapping and analysis techniques. By effectively taking on the role of an environmental consultant for the summative assessment, you will also develop experience of synthesising a range of data to propose and communicate coastal management strategies to a hypothetical client, and the public.

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KE5029 -

Green cities and nature-based solutions (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the ecological impact of cities and tools for enhancing urban biodiversity, liveability and sustainability. The module begins with an introduction to global trends in urbanisation and the relevance of cities for realising the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The module will then explore the multiple challenges posed by urbanisation and identify solutions to these challenges. The two overarching questions we will seek to answer are:

1. What are the key environmental, biodiversity and climate change challenges and opportunities facing cities?
2. How can nature-based solutions contribute to addressing the challenges and opportunities of urbanisation?

Skills developed include the ability to:

• Understand global trends in urbanisation and the relevance of cities for the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Identify and assess the contribution of cities to climate change and strategies for mitigation and adaptation
• Understand what constitutes an urban ecosystem, and the key drivers of urban biodiversity
• Identify the benefits that urban ecosystems provide to society (“ecosystem services”)
• Assess the importance of governance, stewardship and environmental justice in cities
• Identify, use and assess relevant planning and policy tools and concepts, with an emphasis on nature-based solutions and green infrastructure
• Critically evaluate interventions to enhance urban nature to address societal challenges
• Develop in-depth specialist knowledge of techniques relevant to green cities and urban ecosystems

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KE5030 -

Ecosystem Processes in the Anthropocene (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about key ecosystem processes, how they link to ecosystem services related to food production and land use management and how they are disrupted by human activities. There are a wide range of topics, we will consider human impacts to nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, pollination, biodiversity and conservation for example, and how these intersect with environmental policy and regulation, as well as societal and economic factors.

The Anthropocene presents us with many global challenges, and understanding ecosystem function will provide sustainable solutions to manage land and water resources successfully. In particular, you will learn laboratory techniques to assess human impact to ecosystem processes and how these are applied in land management decision-making tools.

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KE5031 -

Biodiversity and Climate Change (Optional,20 Credits)

On this module you will learn about biodiversity and climate change: how we identify species, how we monitor species and how we can use that data to improve our environment. The module begins with an introduction to biodiversity, climate, the tree of life and taxonomy. This is followed by a series of in depth lectures on individual groups of organisms (groups covered dependent on staff specialisms). The module then flows through three teaching “blocks”. Each block will explore an aspect of biodiversity or climate change with practical work that will build into the module assignment. At the end of the module you will present a concisely written professional report that makes recommendations for conservation, taking into account climate change.

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KE5032 -

Practice, Research and Fieldwork (Core,20 Credits)

This module has three main elements. First, you will extend your knowledge and deepen your understanding of a range of geographical and environmental concepts and issues, gaining real-world “in-the-field” experience. There is a focus on the complexity and interconnectedness of issues and their management. Second, you will gain experience of a variety of research approaches used in studying the environment, ranging from questionnaire design to protected area monitoring. Third, you will develop your ability to design research projects and devise fieldwork and data analysis methods. This will prepare you for carrying out your dissertation in final year. The module also develops your skills in designing research projects, choosing and using a wide variety of geography and environment fieldwork techniques and data analysis and interpretation.

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KE5033 -

Environmental Cycles: Air, Water, Soil (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module, you will learn about the nature and properties of soil, air and water, the key processes operating within them and the environmental cycles influencing their characteristics and behaviour. The module will enable you to appreciate the dynamic nature of pollution, its impacts on environmental systems and human health, and provide an introduction to approaches for pollution management and mitigation. In addition, you will develop skills in a range of field and laboratory techniques and approaches to data collection and analysis used in environmental monitoring. You will also develop a deeper appreciation of the interaction between physical and human aspects of the environment.

On completion of the module, your improved ability to link theory, practice and application will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.

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KE5023 -

Academic Language Skills for Geography (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

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KE5034 -

Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment to provide you with the option to take a one year work placement as part of your programme.

You will be able to use the placement experience to develop and enhance appropriate areas of your knowledge and understanding, your intellectual and professional skills, and your personal value attributes, relevant to your programme of study, as well as accreditation bodies such as BCS, IET, IMechE, RICS, CIOB and CIBSE within the appropriate working environments. Due to its overall positive impact on employability, degree classification and graduate starting salaries, the University strongly encourages you to pursue a work placement as part of your degree programme.

This module is a Pass/Fail module so does not contribute to the classification of your degree. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised both in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate.

Your placement period will normally be full-time and must total a minimum of 40 weeks.

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KE5054 -

Study Abroad Year (Optional,120 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the option to study abroad for one full year as part of your programme.

This is a 120 credit module which is available between Levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year of study abroad at an approved partner University where you will have access to modules from your discipline, but taught in a different learning culture. This gives you the opportunity to broaden your overall experience of learning. The structure of study will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).

Your study abroad year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)”.

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KE5055 -

Work placement semester (Optional,60 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment to provide you with the option to take a one semester work placement as part of your programme.

You will be able to use the placement experience to develop and enhance appropriate areas of your knowledge and understanding, your intellectual and professional skills, and your personal value attributes, relevant to your programme of study, within the appropriate working environments. Due to its overall positive impact on employability, degree classification and graduate starting salaries, the University strongly encourages you to pursue a work placement as part of your degree programme.

This module is a Pass/Fail module so does not contribute to the classification of your degree. When taken and passed, however, the placement is recognised both in your transcript as a 60 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate.

Your placement period will normally be full-time and must total a minimum of 20 weeks.

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KE5056 -

Study Abroad Semester (Optional,60 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the option to study abroad for one semester as part of your programme.

This is a 60 credit module which is available between Levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a semester of study abroad at an approved partner University where you will have access to modules from your discipline, but taught in a different learning culture. This gives you the opportunity to broaden your overall experience of learning. The structure of study will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).

Your study abroad semester will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as an additional 60 credits for Engineering and Environment Study Abroad Semester.

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KE5023 -

Academic Language Skills for Geography (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

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KE6000 -

Geography and Environment Dissertation (Core,40 Credits)

This module is designed to support you in independently pursuing an original piece of research on a geographical or environmental topic of your own choice grounded in final year specialist option modules. Dependent upon your programme of study, you will draw upon and develop your research skills in answering research questions/hypothesis on a dissertation topic within the social, humanities, natural and environmental disciplines. You will develop expertise in:

• identifying a suitable topic and in reviewing critically the relevant academic literature;
• formulating research questions/hypotheses and appropriate methods of inquiry;
• collecting your own data and/or using existing data sets and/or engaging in an analysis of the research literature;
• the ability to analyse and interpret your results using appropriate quantitative, statistical and/or qualitative techniques,
• relating the findings to existing and up-to-date literature;
• oral, visual and written presentation of your research project;
• objectively appraising the ethical considerations of conducting research; and
• managing and implementing a large independent project.

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KE6002 -

Modelling, Computation and Data Manipulation (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about a variety of approaches to model environmental systems. Following an overview of fundamental approaches to environmental modelling and a practical introduction to a number of specific models, you will apply one of the models to answer an environmental question as part of an individual study. In parallel with this, you will be introduced to a range of advanced techniques in computer programming which will allow data manipulation, analysis and presentation. As a result, this module will allow you to demonstrate:
- The use of numerical modelling as an important methodological tool in the physical environment.
- The role of modelling in gaining a better understanding of the interaction of processes driving change and in predicting the form and nature of the resulting response in a variety of environmental settings.
- The latest methodological design and application of modelling and the historical context of their development.
- The practice of model design: from conceptualisation of the model by understanding the main physical processes shaping the environment in question, through development of a computational algorithm to approximate environmental response to applied external forcings.
- Critical interpretation of model output.
- The importance of reproducibility in research.
- An appreciation of modelling as an emerging tool in understanding and predicting the impact of human activity upon physical and/or wider environmental processes.
- Computation and data manipulation skills using a wide range of computer packages (e.g. ArcGIS), including high-level technical computing languages (e.g. Matlab).

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KE6003 -

Palaeoecology and Biogeography (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to understand how our environment evolved in the past and how it might change in the future. Particular attention will be paid to the reconstruction and assessment of past human impact on the environment. The module strongly supports the interdisciplinary character of Geography by involving a number of different scientific disciplines such as Geology, Ecology, Palaeobotany, Limnology and Climatology.

The topics of this module include:
• Application of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction techniques (e.g. diatom and pollen analysis, and geochemical analyses)
• Principles of Biogeography and Ecology: Understanding temporal and spatial patterns of plant communities and ecosystems
• Case studies of Late Quaternary climate and vegetation
• Detecting anthropogenic impact in sediment records
• Regional vegetation and climate history of North England

The practicals will include a combination of techniques from the indicative list below::
• Core logging (e.g. description of colour using Munsell Color System, classification of sediment layers, identifying hiatus)
• Total inorganic and organic carbon (TIC/TOC)
• Charcoal particle analysis
• Pollen and spore analysis
• Diatom analysis
• Pollen diagram construction using Tilia/TiliaGraph software
• Multivariate data analyses ( e.g. PCA, cluster and correspondence analysis)

On completion of the module, you will know the theory and application of various palaeoecological and sedimentological proxy methods. You will understand the driving forces and feedbacks in the biotic and abiotic Earth System and learn to critically analyse and synthesise scientific data. In this module you will learn to assess the importance of climate change and human impact for the evolution of our modern landscapes and ecosystems.

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KE6017 -

Development and Disasters (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn about relationships between development and disasters to be able to analyse and respond to environmental and other catastrophes impacting on society, including through knowledge of their physical environmental, political and economic contexts. The way that disasters can be prevented, their impact on people reduced and relief and recovery better provided post disaster forms an applied focus to this module. Examples used include major hazards of environmental change, economic instability and conflict that disrupt human well-being over brief or long time-frames. The module addresses the challenges and solutions prevalent in practice and policy environments for those engaging with the development and disaster reduction sector. The content of this module is partly linked to work in this field through Northumbria’s ongoing facilitation of global disaster and development networks. The module teaches that although hazards, risks and disasters impact society, this is offset by individuals, groups, institutions and organizations through disaster management, and by becoming resilient, healthy and creative. Examples demonstrate the application of theory to practice in these relationships in both the economically wealthy and poorer parts of the world. Approaches detailed within this framework include early warning systems, risk management, mitigation techniques, response and recovery actions as well as appropriate sustainable development actions. The module draws from an interdisciplinary perspective making it suitable for those progressing from, or interested in pursuing physical environmental, economic or social aspects of development and disaster intervention. The knowledge and skills learnt can be readily applied to careers relating to this field.

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KE6018 -

Advanced Geospatial Applications (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn about the design and implementation of geospatial Applications using evidence based practice extending practical knowledge of the techniques and analysis tools gained from level 5 (Second year). This will involve you critically reviewing existing published and adopted practice in topic areas such as:
• environmental planning,
• landcover change,
• resource management and
• risk assessment.
in order to design, cost and implement your own geospatial application. You will be taught advanced concepts of method design and how
to cost and respond to a tender request. You will also learn advanced IT skills on data compilation, download, generation, analysis, interpretation and presentation within the context of ‘fitness of use’ using image processing and GIS software. As you explore evidence based practice you will be asked to design your application with key consideration to the following questions. Can geospatial Applications be:
• value free and what role does positionality and ethics play?,
• simply sticks which powerful groups in decision making processes use to beat smaller groups with?, and
• a key determinant of planning and policy success in an organisational context?

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KE6019 -

Public Health and Occupational Safety (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn about public health protection and occupational safety and develop a critical understanding of the nature of communicable diseases and non-communicable occupational and environmental hazards to develop appropriate evidence and risk based approaches. You will build a critical understanding of organisations and approaches responsible for ensuring effective arrangements are in place nationally and locally for preparing, planning and responding to concerns and emergencies, including the future impact of climate change. You will focus on the key aspects including

• Harm from communicable diseases and health impact from environmental and occupational hazards
• Collection, analysis and interpretation of surveillance data
• Planning, investigation and response to incidents, accidents and outbreaks
• Legal and regulatory systems
• Resilience and emergency response
• Workplace health and safety,
• Health and safety risk management
• Principles and theories of health and safety management
• Occupational health and hygiene and occupational psychology

On completion of the module, your improved ability to link theory, practice and application will enhance your employability prospects within a broad environmental health / health, safety and environment job sector.

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KE6023 -

Applied Ecology and Conservation Management (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will explore the policies and practice of conservation, using examples from around the world. You will find out how the conservation value of a site is assessed in the UK (and in other countries), how to map a river for ecologically sensitive engineering, how climate change is affecting the distribution of species and habitats and the challenges of managing a site for conservation and other conflicting uses. The module combines professional practice focused on careers and challenging contemporary ideas.

Recent reviews of professionals working the fields of conservation and environmental management (Ecological Skills: shaping the profession for the 21st Century, IEEM 2011 and CIEEM 2017) identified the need for graduates who are able to undertake standard ecological surveys of sites and make recommendations for habitat and species management. This module is designed to help you develop these practical and employment related skills.

The teaching will focus on building your practice-based expertise, the confidence to make judgements and how to implement standard methods such National Vegetation Classification, Phase 1 mapping and rarity classifications (UK and international equivalents) that are essential skills for a career in this field. The topics are all based on the research rich expertise of the teaching staff with workshops based on techniques and strategies you need to know to work in the profession of conservation. At the heart of the module is the global biodiversity crisis, concepts of biodiversity (genetic biodiversity, species biodiversity, community biodiversity, habitat diversity), and how the conservation professions approach challenges such as assessing vulnerability and rarity or choosing sites for conservation. You will explore major causes of biodiversity loss with examples from the UK and beyond. Workshops build expertise and confidence in professional skills such as the principles of biological classification and taxonomy and the use of biological keys along with standard UK field methods such as River Habitat Survey and Phase 1 mapping (or international equivalents). Coursework assignments are based on authentic challenges faced by professionals working in conservation, such as what criteria should be used to designate conservation sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (or international equivalent). You will research and develop a site a management plan, with an external partner organisation. The overall aim is to equip you with the expertise, skills and confidence to work in wildlife conservation.

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KE6031 -

Environmental Pollution and Health (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module, you will develop a holistic viewpoint on issues surrounding environmental pollution, pollution impacts on human health, and approaches to pollution management and mitigation. You will engage with a range of contemporary issues across air quality management, contaminated land and water pollution; appreciate the wider context of historical pollution; analyse and interpret environmental data using a range of modelling techniques (for example, contaminated land software, atmospheric dispersion modelling software) and evaluate different types of interventions that can be used to alleviate/control the effects/impacts of pollutants;; and develop a good working knowledge of the regulatory systems that exist for air, water and soil pollution control at global, European, national and/or local levels. On completion of the module, your ability to link theory and application will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.

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KE6032 -

Tropical and Coastal Research (Optional,20 Credits)

With a strong research focus, the tropical and coastal research module will cover the cutting-edge developments in coastal science. From how to identify seagrass using satellites, to predicting the contents of a rockpool without even looking at it, you will understand the processes that make coastal ecosystems tick.

You will design and undertake two research projects – one using field data that you will collect in North-East England, and another using secondary data from the Tropics that you will analyse during IT practical sessions. In both cases, you will learn that the same overarching concepts, in coastal science and research design, apply equally in these contrasting coastal settings.

Within a group, you will be given a valuable opportunity to plan and execute scientific experiments of your own in the field. This will be a method of your choosing, on a topic of your choice, example topics include microplastics, rockpools, longshore drift, or even footfall at tourist hotspots along the coast. To design your project and discuss your findings, you will engage with cutting-edge literature from the field of coastal science. You will present this research project in an oral presentation.

You will apply these same concepts in coastal science and research design to undertake your individual research project in a tropical coastal environment. To undertake this project, you will engage with secondary data in order to design and undertake your enquiry. You will undertake this work in a series of IT sessions, and present the project in the form of a professional report.

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KE6033 -

Translating Environmental Science into policy, outreach and decision making (Core,20 Credits)

Engaging with environmental issues and sustainable development beyond the academy has always been at the heart of Environmental Sciences at Northumbria . Environmental issues such as climate change mitigation and adaptation; reduction of pollution and plastics, reversing biodiversity losses; improving soil quality and managing urban growth present major sustainability challenges for the 21st Century. Environmental engagement can occur at multiple levels in society: business and corporate; government; public; education. On this module you will work towards completing a small piece of Application, Outreach or Decision making, the topic of which will be dependent staff expertise and partner engagement.
The aim of the module is to explore, understand, practice and evaluate means of environmental engagement. From building both the business and environmental cases for corporate engagement in the environmental agenda to communication with the public and embedding the environmental understanding into education. The module will examine concepts of risk and risk management, the application of environmental management and assessment tools. Bringing science into policy, the role of stakeholder engagement and communication in environmental change. How you can successfully engage with the public and how to bring complex issues to school children. The module will help you to develop the skills required to support the implementation of environmental programmes and change the environmental agenda at all levels of society.


Topics you will cover on the module include:

• Conceptual framework for translating environmental science into policy, outreach and decision making
• Sustainable Development Goals- differing interpretations, awareness and use
• Environmental communication – the role of stakeholder engagement and communication in improving environmental engagement.
• Practical tools for business engagement with the environmental agenda
• Making science-based policy decisions to improve the environment
• Environmental education – how, when and why?
• Public engagement – outreach as a tool to promote the environmental agenda
• Project management – approaches and issues.
• Group working – practical skills and professional approaches

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To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS

International applicants please apply using the links below

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All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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