The Environmental Science programmes, built around the University of Birmingham's impressive research record, will allow students to develop an in-depth understanding of the Earth’s most complex environmental problems. The University of Birmingham will give students the knowledge and skills they need to help resolve the world’s most pressing problems in a sustainable way.

There is a growing need for graduates with a strong scientific background but who are also able to apply their knowledge to environmental management and protection globally.

The Environmental Science with Professional Placement Abroad BSc degree is designed around three key themes – understanding environmental processes and systems; investigating changes and impacts; and enabling their prediction and mitigation.

This programme has been designed to provide choice and flexibility whilst ensuring that students develop appropriate skills with a sound scientific foundation. The course includes both core modules taken by all Environmental Science students, and selected optional modules which allow students to concentrate on themes which are of particular interest to them.

During this four-year BSc degree, students will spend eight months abroad, working on a current environmental challenge with one of a variety of organisations from regional councils to the New Zealand Institute of Water and Atmosphere.

Countries like New Zealand conjure up images of pristine mountain ranges, native kauri forests, thermal hot springs and beautiful windswept beaches, but there are many pressing environmental concerns including agricultural intensification, groundwater depletion and contamination, sea-level rise, land erosion, and the impacts of exotic species introductions on native ecosystems. Environmental concerns and problems are truly global and exposure to these issues in another country will broaden students' horizons and enhance their future career prospects as an Environmental Scientist. This will count towards the degree and provide real workplace experience.