Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Environmental Sciences] From Oxford Brookes University

In the last decade, environmental industries have experienced massive growth, creating exciting opportunities globally. From climate change to biodiversity preservation and environmental change, our graduates get involved in changing our world for the better by identifying, assessing and managing the impact of human activities on the environment.

Why choose this Environmental Sciences course at Oxford Brookes University?

• There has never been a better time to study environmental sciences. The UK environmental industry has experienced massive growth, with over 400,000 people currently employed in 17,000 companies and an annual turnover of £25bn. Driven by tighter environmental regulation, increased development and scarce natural resources, this growth is set to continue. There are also international career opportunities, with rapid growth expected in world markets.
• Our broad-based Environmental Sciences degree suits students with many different interests. It also addresses the demands of the environmental sector by providing graduates with subject knowledge and transferable skills applicable to a variety of environmental job roles. By tackling issues from climate change to biodiversity preservation and environmental change, you can get involved in making our world a better place.
• We place a strong emphasis on laboratory and field work including residential courses in the CŽvennes (in southern France) and Devon, enabling you to put skills into practice.
• We have great links with regional environmental organisations, providing exciting work placement and career opportunities. One of our students worked for ADAS, the UKÕs largest independent provider of environmental consultancy, rural development services and policy advice. In recognition of its quality, our degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), potentially enhancing your career prospects.
• You will have opportunities to work with our own research groups and external conservation organisations with whom we have very good working relationships. Some of these are linked with our Centre for Ecology, Environment and Conservation. Additionally, the course includes involvement in a real-life consultancy project with an external client.
• A pathway within the course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. To receive this accreditation you need to take a particular set of modules.

Work placements

Our work experience module usually takes place during part of your summer vacation. It not only gives you a fantastic opportunity to gain some professional experience in an area of interest to you but also enables you to develop links with environmental organisations, which will enhance your career prospects.

You can also take your degree as a sandwich course with a full year in industry (minimum 9 months) gaining extensive experience in laboratory, fieldwork or related environmental skills and various aspects of the sector.

Students have worked for ADAS, the UKÕs largest independent provider of environmental consultancy, rural development services and policy advice, and have opportunities to work with our research groups, including our Environmental Information Exchange and the Freshwater Habitats Trust.

There are also opportunities to gain real-life experience of environmental consultancy. For example, one of our students worked for Oxfordshire Highways looking at the effects of salt on roadside verges.

Field trips

The course includes three field courses, which reflects our emphasis on learning through actively applying theory in both practical classes and the field.

Field course: Identification and Methodology

Students will undertake a one-week trip to the CŽvennes in the south of France - a most spectacular and diverse landscape that is rich in natural history. You will identify animals and plants in the field and apply a wide range of field techniques learned in the classroom.

Field course: Surveys and Licensing

Students visit a range of local environments to gain field techniques for assessing key habitat types and species for UK flora and fauna.

Environmental Change: Fieldwork and Research

Students go to South Devon for a week to investigate environmental change using experimental design and advanced data analysis.

Field trip costs: your course tuition fee covers the cost of all the mandatory field trips (currently the three listed above). The cost of any optional field trips such as going overseas to carry out your research project is not included in your course tuition fee, and a separate fee will apply.

Study abroad

Great opportunities to study or work abroad

You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year.

Studying abroad provides an amazing opportunity to add value to your studies by:

• increasing your employability within an international market
• boosting your language skills
• building your confidence in adapting to new situations
• improving your knowledge of different cultures.

While on exchange you will gain credits which count towards your degree.

We have more than 100 partner universities around the world. Funding is available through the Erasmus scheme, and also via some international programmes such as the Santander Student Awards.

There is also a European work placement programme which gives you the chance to work abroad as part of your studies.