Environmental Geoscience with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Why study this course

Professionally accredited

Accredited by the Geological Society, the professional body for geosciences in the UK.

Year abroad

Learn while you travel and experience the landscapes or coastlines, education and culture of a different country with the opportunity to complete a year studying at a university abroad.

No prior knowledge needed

You don’t need to have studied Geology to take this course. We start with the basics to bring everyone to the same level.

Flexible course

In most cases, you can request a transfer to a programme with a professional placement year or to the MSci at the end of the first year.

Fieldwork opportunities

We take regular field trips in the UK and overseas to help you develop strong fieldwork skills. The cost of compulsory field trips is included in the course fees.

Do you have a curious mind? Are you fascinated by how the Earth works? An environmental geoscientist uses their understanding of the planet and its processes to predict hazards like floods and earthquakes, clean up dangerous waste, and help civil engineers plan the construction of new roads, tunnels or buildings.

On our Environmental Geoscience course, you will explore different processes that happen on our planet like acid rain and global warming and find solutions to geological problems in the UK and around the world. You will develop advanced skills in mapping, research, analysis and problem-solving.

South Wales has a rich geological history and is ideal for teaching how geology impacts landscapes and industry. We take regular field trips to areas of natural beauty and old industrial and mining sites. There will be opportunities to do overseas trips, in the past we’ve been to Tenerife and Cyprus.

On this four-year programme, you will have the opportunity, subject to academic performance, to spend one academic year studying at one of our partner universities abroad. Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to experience other cultures and viewpoints, learning the different styles and approaches to your subject in another country and exploring new physical environments, landscapes and coastlines. You will get the chance to make new friends and contacts from around the world. Plus, you will have the opportunity to develop a wealth of life skills and strengths that will help you to compete in an increasingly global workplace, such as adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience.

Careers and placements

Career prospects

With the planet facing increasing environmental threats and challenges, the knowledge and skills of an environmental geoscientist are in demand. Environmental geoscientists will play an important role in developing sustainable infrastructure, green energy projects and helping to manage and remove pollution left by former industries like mining and chemicals manufacturing.

You can choose to work in a variety of different industries and roles including conservation and environmental management, as an engineering geologist, a water engineer or an environmental consultant. You will also have essential employable skills that sectors like insurance, finance, education and planning are looking for.

Some of our past students have gone on to work at the Environment Agency, BAM Construction, Atkins, Welsh Water, LCM Environmental Services and Mott MacDonald.

Placements

Yes.  The opportunity to undertake a study placement in year three at a partner institution in another country.  In recent years, study has been available at universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Sweden and the Netherlands.