MSci Environmental Sciences with a Year Abroad

Course Overview

Taught by world-leading researchers, this highly flexible degree programme will allow you to explore how the physical, chemical and biological components of the natural environment function and how they're impacted by, and affect, our society, politics and culture in this era of the Anthropocene.

Our Environmental Sciences Master’s programme with a year abroad explores questions such as: How can we tackle the climate and biodiversity crises? What are the best strategies for achieving Net Zero? How are our oceans and rivers changing? What physical processes drive our weather? What happens inside an erupting volcano? How can we transform our energy systems and achieve greater sustainability in our lifestyles? If these are the sort of questions that fascinate you, and you want to experience life in another country, with a view to possibly going on to a PhD, then this advanced four-year integrated Master's degree with a year abroad is for you.

The environment supports all aspects of our daily life but is also the source of some of the most complex and wide-ranging challenges facing humanity. The need for environmental scientists who can help us respond to these challenges and ‘make a difference’ at local and global scale has never been greater. This degree will help you become one of these essential people.

At UEA, you’ll conduct experiments in our state-of-the-art laboratories, and develop highly valued transferable skills in data analysis, spatial visualisation and science communication. You'll also gain important field skills and have the rewarding opportunity to embark on national and international fieldwork in places such as Greece, Ireland, Swaziland, or Peru. On this exciting programme, you’ll spend your third year abroad studying at one of our partner universities across Europe, North America, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. As well as enriching your knowledge, your time abroad is a great way to build contacts and strengthen your resilience and adaptability, as well as being an unforgettable and life-changing experience.

Upon graduating, you’ll be a highly trained environmental scientist, well-equipped to take up a rewarding position in the public or private sector. Alternatively, you may wish to continue your studies into further postgraduate research where you can provide real world solutions to today’s environmental challenges. Check out Jessie’s story, who is currently taking part in exciting Arctic research, having completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Environmental Sciences at UEA.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.

You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.

English and Mathematics

All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.

We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.

Typical International Entry Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

A levels

AAB including Geography, Geology, Maths, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.

Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.

International Baccalaureate

33 points overall including HL5 in Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

INTO UEA

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

• IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components).

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

  If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Recent Study

We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.

Employability

Employability is embedded in our modules, helping you develop your career aspirations throughout your course. We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service to help you track and reflect on your activities via the UEA Award. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet employers (including alumni), explore your career options, speak to industry mentors, and apply for internships, volunteering, and rewarding graduate jobs.

Our degrees lead to a range of specialist environmental careers in areas such as sustainable environmental management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, carbon reduction, catchment management, weather forecasting, geophysics, natural hazard analysis, risk management, and teaching and education.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

• Environmental consultant
• Land surveyor
• Conservation officer
• Meteorologist
• Environmental policy advisor
• GIS technician

Discover more on our Careers webpages.