Environmental Science (with a year in industry) BSc (Hons)
Course code F901
What is special about this course?
Are you passionate about understanding the processes that shape all aspects of our natural environment? Would you like to spend a year of your studies in a supported industry placement, learning the practical applications of environmental science in real-time?
Join our 5-year BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (with a year in industry), with amazing opportunities to pursue your specific interests via our Environmental Biology pathway, and spend 1 year working alongside industry professionals, developing invaluable expertise, adding to your CV, and improving your career prospects as you prepare for employment.
You won’t find a better classroom in which to study than the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. With outstanding locations such as the newly inscribed Flow Country World Heritage Site (the first peatland World Heritage Site), Cairngorms National Park, and many more, we have, undeniably, one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’, all set in the spectacular natural habitat of the Scottish Highlands.
Develop core scientific and analytical skills through your course work, with access to specialist and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities across the university network. During each year of study you will have the opportunity to choose modules with lab and field residentials at a variety of locations throughout the region, including an international field trip in year 2. These modules are a key part of the course, allowing you to develop your lab and field skills while working in some of the most outstanding habitats in Scotland and Iceland.
For a 4-year study option without the 1-year industry placement, please see our BSc (Hons) Environmental Science.
Special features
- Located in one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’ between the Cairngorms National Park and Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage site
- Have access to a course packed with field and lab activities at each level of study in Scottish locations and abroad.
- Have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience by spending a year working in industry
- Opportunities to exit with one of the following pathways:
- BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology (with a year in industry)
- BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (with a year in industry)
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BCC or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- These must include two science subjects*
- PLUS National 5, Standard Grade Credit, or Intermediate 2 at grade C or above, or equivalent, in a science subject
- Alternatively, Foundation Apprenticeship Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills) PLUS an additional Scottish Higher at grade B or above and National 5 at grade B or above (or equivalent)
- International students whose first language is not English must also meet relevant language competency standards
- Applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Advanced entry to year 2 may be available with:
- HNC Applied Sciences (120 credits/15 HN credits)
- HNC Bioscience (120 credits/15 HN credits)
- HNC Horticulture (120 credits/15 HN credits)
- HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management (120 credits/15 HN credits)
Advanced entry to year 3 may be available with:
*Recommended science subjects (Highers/A levels):
- Applications of Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Cruinn-eolas
- Computing science
- Design and Manufacture
- Engineering Science
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Geology
- Gniomhachas Matamataigs
- Human Biology
- Matamataig
- Mathematics
- Physics
Year 1 - CertHE
You will study the following core modules:
- Fundamental chemistry
- Introduction to biology
- Introduction to environmental science
- Introduction to global environmental issues
- Laboratory skills and practice
- Scientific research and careers
Year 2 - DipHE
You will study the following core modules:
- Applied chemistry in environmental systems
- Aquatic environments
- Environmental processes
- GIS for Scientists
- Practical skills in field ecology
You will also pick one of the following options:
- Environmental conservation
- Sustainable development approaches in an international context
Year 3 - BSc
Environmental Biology pathway
You will study the following core modules:
- Applied genetics and genomics
- Assessing environmental impacts of development
- Climate science
- Environmental monitoring
- Introduction to data science modelling
- Peatland ecology
Environmental Science pathway
You will study the following core modules:
- Assessing environmental impacts of development
- Climate science
- Environmental monitoring
- Introduction to data science modelling
- Peatland ecology
You will also pick one of the following options:
- Forests for people: policy and practice
- Remote sensing
Year 4 - Year in industry
You may have the opportunity to undertake an optional year-long work placement between your BSc and BSc (Hons) years. We will support you to find a suitable placement, however if a placement is not found, you will have the opportunity to transfer to the standard four year course.
Year 5 - BSc (Hons)
Environmental Biology pathway
You will study the following core modules:
- Animal behaviour
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Dissertation
- Environmental science in practice
You will also pick one of the following options:
- Agroecology and regeneration food systems*
- Applied marine ecology
- Investigating human impacts on freshwater ecosystems
- Natural hazards and mitigation*
- People, plants and animals*
Environmental Science pathway
You will study the following core modules:
- Advanced monitoring skills
- Dissertation
- Environmental science in practice
- Sustainable energy and waste minimisation
You will also pick one of the following options:
- Agroecology and regeneration food systems*
- Animal behaviour
- Applied marine ecology
- Climate and marine resource modelling
- Investigating human impacts on freshwater ecosystems
- Natural hazards and mitigation*
- People, plants and animals*
*Not available to international students on this pathway
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- You will learn through a combination of practical laboratory work, field trips, face-to-face and video conference lectures and tutorials, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will take part in a mandatory induction in September
- You will have the opportunity to undertake an optional 1-year work placement in year 4. Those who don't complete the year in industry will undertake a mandatory 1-week work placement in year 4, on campus or in industry
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 5 years @ 40 hours per week (including 1 year in industry)
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
The above only applies to academic years but you should expect to work full-time (35-40 hours) during your year in industry.
Where can I study my course?
- Inverness
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes:
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (6 x 20 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Year in industry | £910 | £910 |
Scottish students can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to be assessed for eligibility to have their tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government.
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (6 x 20 credit modules) per year (years 1 to 3) | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year in industry | £1,850 | £1,850 |
| Honours year | Free | Free |
Honours year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
International students
This course is not currently available for international students (including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled status in the UK) requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study here. For students living in the UK and assessed as international for fee status, the following fees will apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year | £15,996 | £16,950 |
| Year in industry | £3,200 | £3,390 |
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
Additional costs
This course includes several field trips, including residentials and an optional international field trip module to Iceland. You will be required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the residentials and international trips. The module option for Iceland trip may also require a visa; it will be your responsibility to research and secure your visa to travel to Iceland if necessary.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed this BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (with a year in industry), you might like to consider the following careers:
- Scottish Natural Heritage (area officer, research projects, interpretation)
- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (ecologists, soil or microbial scientists, hydrologists, marine scientists)
- Local authorities (biodiversity workers, environmental project work including flood alleviation, coastal zone protection, wildlife protection)
- Forestry Commission (biodiversity, native woodlands, species, GIS)
- Environmental consultancy work
- Industry (environmental management teams)
- National or local NGOs and charities (RSPB, Scottish Wildlife Trust etc)
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to progress from the BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degree to the following courses:
- MSc Sustainable Energy Solutions
- MSc Net Zero Communities
- MSc Sustainable Mountain Development
- MSc Sustainability and Rural Regeneration
- MSc Applied Data Analytics
- MRes Environmental Science
- MRes Forestry
- MRes Freshwater Biodiversity and Conservation
- MRes Freshwater Science
- MRes Sustainability
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I knew this was the right course for me as I could learn from fantastic lecturers in good laboratories with high-spec equipment. The practical skills taught during field trips have already secured me an industry placement. I learnt a lot about the sector I hope to work in once I graduate. My favourite thing about UHI is the people! It’s a tight-knit community, and you really get to know each other while studying. Being so close to nature and being able to stay close to family are also great things about living in the Highlands and Islands.
Hannah studied the BSc (Hons) Environmental Science at UHI Inverness.
Being exposed to real-world projects has broadened my experience and has changed the way I approach my university work. I have been taught to think a different way when tackling a problem. Having a year in industry gave me a foot in the door and will give me an advantage when applying for jobs. It also helped me confirm the career I want to pursue.
If you are considering a year in industry, I would say jump at it! You gain invaluable experience in your field of study while getting paid. It is a chance to show what you are capable of and if you can impress the company, you may get invited back after your degree.
Darren is an engineering student who completed a year in industry with SSEN Transmission, where he has been offered a job after he graduates.
Apply for Environmental Science (with a year in industry) BSc (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.