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 and Environmental Biotechnology pathways, 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.

*subject to validation

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 any of the following pathways:
    • BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology (with a year in industry)
    • BSc (Hons) Environmental Biotechnology (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 C or above (these must include science at grade C or above) OR
  • 2 A levels at grade C or above (these must include science at grade C or above)
  • PLUS National 5, Standard Grade Credit, or Intermediate 2 Chemistry at grade C or above, or equivalent
  • Alternatively, Foundation Apprenticeship Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills) PLUS an additional Scottish Higher at Grade C or above and National 5 in Chemistry at Grade C or above (or equivalent)
  • We also accept candidates without the standard entry requirements, but with considerable professional experience in science-based employment
  • This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/units, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional modules/units, but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage

Advanced entry to year 2 may be available with:

Advanced entry to year 3 may be available with:

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study core modules aligned with the current HNC Applied Sciences content. The list of final modules is still to be confirmed.

You will also study the below core module:

  • Introduction to global environmental issues 

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

  • Biochemistry
  • 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

Environmental Biology/Environmental Science pathways
You will also study the following core module:

  • Aquatic environments

Environmental Biotechnology pathway
You will also study the following core module:

  • Chemistry

Year 3 - BSc

Environmental Biology pathway
You will study the following core modules:

  • Applied genetics
  • Assessing environmental impacts of development
  • Climate science
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Introduction to data modelling
  • Peatland ecology

Environmental Biotechnology pathway
You will study the following core modules:

  • Applied genetics
  • Climate science
  • Environmental applications of bioscience
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Introduction to data modelling
  • Microbiology

Environmental Science pathway
You will study the following core modules:

  • Assessing environmental impacts of development
  • Climate science
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Introduction to data modelling
  • Peatland ecology

You will also pick one of the following options:

  • Remote sensing
  • Sustainable land management

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:

  • Advanced monitoring skills*
  • Agroecology and regeneration food systems*
  • Applied marine ecology
  • Freshwater conservation science
  • Natural hazards and mitigation*
  • People, plants and animals*

Environmental Biotechnology pathway
You will study the following core modules:

  • Dissertation
  • Drug development
  • Environmental science in practice
  • Sustainable energy and waste minimisation

You will also pick one of the following options:

  • Agroecology and regeneration food systems
  • 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
  • Conservation of biodiversity
  • Freshwater conservation science
  • Natural hazards and mitigation
  • People, plants and animals
  • Sustainability past and present

 

*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

Fees to be confirmed.

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 trip to Iceland. You will be required to cover the travel cost to and from your place of work during your year out in industry, and to pay a contribution towards the cost of the residentials and international trips.
 
The Iceland trip contribution is usually approximately £500. Further information is available upon request.

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:

Is there more information available online?

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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)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025

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.