2025/26 entry Applications also open for 2024/25
BSc (Hons) Climate and Environment Sciences
Why study Climate and Environment Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Investigate climate and environment sciences using interdisciplinary skills to tackle pressing issues
- Taught by highly experienced, research-active staff
- Focus on skill acquisition via practical workshops and field learning
- Field trips included in the fees, currently to Iceland, the Lake District, Snowdonia, the Peak District and the North West coast*
- Access to brand new, state-of-the-art computing facilities and analytical equipment
- Excellent employment opportunities in areas such as: climate environmental management; consultancy; operational government authorities; engineering and surveying; civil service; and Geographical Information Systems
- Options to undertake work placements of 4-6 weeks and/or 12 months
- Options to study abroad for part of the degree with support from schemes such as the Go Global Fund and Erasmus+
- This degree is available to study following a foundation year
About your course
Climate Change is a pressing issue facing society. Rising temperatures and sea levels, near global retreat of glaciers, alterations to precipitation patterns and frequent extreme weather events, climate-induced changes in biogeographical patterns and loss of biodiversity pose threats to current and future societies.
This BSc in Climate and Environment Sciences will allow students to explore many different aspects of climate change in detail. Climate change is the most pressing issue facing today's society and our ability to understand the causes, impacts and potential mitigation strategies is vital for future populations. It is also vital to increase our capacity to communicate this to the public.
This programme has developed in direct response to this clear need for graduates with the knowledge and practical skills required to tackle climate change.
This course will provide a fully integrated study of climate change and climate science. It will cover the scientific, political, societal, economic aspects of the science, with full discussion of cutting-edge aspects of the subject.
This will provide students with ample background and practical knowledge for understanding climate change. The course will deliver extensive practical experience using Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing technologies and field-based learning.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
* Practical and field activities underpin all programmes in the School. PPE is provided for all necessary practical work. There are no costs for day field trips for core and optional modules. Residential field trips associated with core modules are subsidised and include travel and half-board accommodation costs. Any residential field trips for optional modules will have costs involved. Locations may be subject to change and also subject to national and international travel restrictions.
A DBS check is not required for your application, however a DBS may be required for modules where there is a work based learning placement option. Work based learning placements that do not require a DBS check are available.
Employability
Climate Change is a global issue affecting a large number of environmental processes and socioeconomic aspects of life, therefore graduates will have a broad range of career prospects.
Graduates could work for environmental management companies and consultancies such as Mouchel, Amec Foster Wheeler and Applied iGeology; operational government authorities such as the Environment Agency and Natural England; in engineering and surveying roles and in the business and insurance sector.
Roles in science communication and science policy through governmental and non-governmental organisations also offer employability opportunities, as well teaching, the civil service and a range of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) related roles across various (non-environment) employment sectors.
Further study, including Masters programmes, will enable you to develop your research skills in more specific areas of the wider climate, life and environmental sciences or you may wish to transfer to an environmental engineering related Masters to develop a more vocational career.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Ecology
20 credits
This module provides you with a basic understanding of ecology and ecological characteristics of a range of habitats. You will study basic concepts, such as species and succession, communities and ecosystems, biotic and abiotic elements, nutrient cycling, populations and diversity and adaptations of organisms to their environment. Part of this will be achieved through field visits to a range of habitats.
Methods Skills and Careers 1
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide you with practical experience in the methods employed by geographers to collect, statistically analyse, present and interpret primary and secondary data. You will develop quantitative and qualitative practical skills, as well as observational skills and be introduced to self reflection on personal and academic development.
Earth Systems
20 credits
This module will provide you with an introduction to the Earth from a geographical perspective and explores how the various global systems are linked and interact with one another.
Hazards
20 credits
This module introduces a range of natural, anthropogenic and cascading hazards, including pollution, flooding, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, wildfires, pandemics, heatwaves and human conflicts, etc. The causes and impacts from these hazards to the physical and human environment are explored, along with the latest adaptation and mitigation strategies used.
Environment Society and Sustainability
20 credits
Within this module, you will examine the relationship between environment, society and sustainability in the context of increasing concerns about human impacts on the environment. You will focus on issues in relationship to population, economic growth, resource use and distribution and social welfare in order to outline different scientific, technological, social and political approaches to handling 'real world' issues.
Methods Skills and Careers 2
20 credits
This module will provide you with practical skills in the methods used by geographers to collect, present and interpret primary and secondary data. You will develop both quantitative and qualitative practical skills and field based observational skills.
Level 5
Core modules
GIS and Employability
20 credits
This module aims to inform research, inquiry and communication through development of geographical skills and provide you with increased professional and subject specific understanding. It will also introduce you to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and key methods of data and database management.
Project Design and Management
20 credits
This module is an introduction to practical project design and management in theory and through structured learning exercises on the topic of Climate Change including project preparation.
Cryosphere, Catchments and Oceans
20 credits
This module will provide students with an appreciation of fundamental processes that operate in(and link) the cryosphere, catchments, riverine, coastal and marine environments in relation to climate change. To equip the students with the necessary skills and techniques that are used for monitoring and comprehending these changing environments.
Responding to Climate Change
20 credits
This module will examine the social and political responses to climate change, through both mitigation and adaptation strategies, via examination of specific topics and case studies at different scales. To highlight how climate change and responses to climate change are associated with (sustainable) development processes and challenges. It will also provide you with an appreciation of how climate change is subject to different interpretations and solutions.
Impact of Climate Change on Biological Processes
20 credits
This module enables you to examine the key biological processes that are affected in plants and animals due to climate change driven biotic and abiotic stresses. This will include examining from biochemical to organismal processes and their link to the environment.
Optional Modules
Ecology Field Skills
20 credits
In this module you will examine different standardised methods used for ecological censuses and surveys in the UK. Field experience is provided and different sampling techniques are dealt with in depth during lectures and during fieldwork, with the aim of explaining the quantitative framework on which they are based in addition to providing practical experience of their execution in the field. You will also learn how to digitise spatial data and produce maps using GIS which you will then use to analyse spatial data on habitat and vegetation features.
Study Semester Abroad - Climate Change
60 credits
This module provides you with an opportunity to spend a semester studying at an approved overseas partner that will replace one semester of their LJMU programme at level 5.
Study Year Abroad - Climate Change
120 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to spend an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU.
Sandwich Year - Climate Change
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.
Global Issues, Local Challenges
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with a clear understand of the key issues facing the world, including geographical, biological, ecological, economic, and social threats. You will have the opportunity to analyse a wide variety of quantitate and qualitative data to develop an understanding of the localisation of these issues.
Level 6
Core modules
Dissertation
40 credits
The Dissertation provides you with the experience of investigating a research topic under the guidance of an academic tutor.
Cold Environments: Processes and Change
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in previous lecture-based modules to a new geographical setting, by carrying out detailed data-collection. You will critically evaluate the importance of field-based observations and analyses within the context of the wider literature and develop a wide range of transferable skills in measurement technique, research design, effective communication and group work.
Optional Modules
Work-Based Learning
20 credits
This module provides relevant, stimulating and career-orientated experiential learning to encourage you to develop transferable skills relevant to the work environment and to foster initiative and independence of thought.
Coastal and Marine Management
20 credits
The aim of this module is to understand the main sustainability issues surrounding coastal and marine environments. You will study the scientific principles necessary to the efficient and sustainable management of coastal and marine environments and their application in a wide range of local, national and international contexts. You will also be able to develop the practical skills and knowledge required by professional environmental regulators and consultants working in coastal and marine management.
Environmental Modelling and GIS
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide you with a critical understanding of different environmental modelling techniques and to develop skills in the selection and application of appropriate models to investigate a range of environmental phenomena.
Environmental Change
20 credits
Within this module, you will examine, interpret and evaluate the evidence for Quaternary environmental change using appropriate proxy techniques and dating methods.
Renewables and Low Carbon Futures
20 credits
Within this module, you will examine the relationship between energy systems, society and contemporary environmental challenges and how a low-carbon energy future can be achieved. The module will aid your understanding of the environment and social benefits and limitations of different kinds of energy generation resources and technologies. It will also outline the key factors in moving to a 'low-carbon' energy future in a way that is socially equitable and sustainable.
Catastrophic Futures
20 credits
Visions of catastrophic future events that undermine the very basis of survival saturate the public sphere and give rise to a contemporary atmosphere of fearful anticipation: from scientists’ dire warnings about climate futures, to environmental activism, to Hollywood blockbusters. Yet apocalyptic world endings have a history and a geography, are unevenly distributed, and intersect with other understandings of the future. In this module we will analyse multiple forms of knowing, governing, representing and resisting environmental futures. We will consider competing claims over the political and socio-cultural work that catastrophic narratives perform, and what our visions of the future reveal about present-day concerns.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching will include classroom, laboratory, online and field-based learning. A fully hands-on approach is taken, with emphasis on the development of practical skills across a wide range of subjects alongside substantial knowledge development. GIS and development of computer literacy is an important component.
Work-related learning
Work-related learning is a crucial element of your studies, and the best way to experience the world of work is by opting to undertake a 12-month placement between Levels 5 and 6.
With the support of a placement tutor, you will be given the opportunity to work for a geography or environment-related organisation and put into practice skills and knowledge gained in your first two years of study. As well as giving you a chance to develop personal skills and take a break from formal study, this experience will add real value to your CV and significantly boost your employability prospects. In fact, many of our students have subsequently been offered work with the same organisation or through contacts made.
There is also an option to do a short (4-6 week) placement in Level 6 and put together a portfolio about your experience.
International mobility at LJMU
LJMU offers a range of international exchange opportunities that enable students to spend some months at a foreign institution to develop their self-confidence, adaptability and cultural awareness. The specific opportunities may change from year to year, however the following programmes are currently available:
- Study abroad at a university in Europe using Erasmus+ or at one of our partner universities in the US
- Work abroad by taking part in internships in Europe using Erasmus+, in Asia via the Asia Internship Programme or anywhere on Earth using the Go Global Fund or Smaller Earth
- View the current programmes available on the LJMU website
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
All students are allocated a personal tutor to provide academic support and pastoral guidance throughout all years of study. Tutor groups typically have 5-8 students, and meet for regular (fortnightly) tutorial meetings discussing course material linked to academic and transferable skills with fellow students.
The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) and has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator and a School EDI Working Group. Personal Tutors also play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Assessment varies across the course and is scheduled across the semesters. The assessment types include: in-class tests; essays; scientific reports; field presentations and notebooks; poster presentations; and class presentations. Feedback will be provided following the standard university procedure and will include bespoke marking criteria for each assessment type.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Jon Dick
Programme Leader
Jon's background is in Earth Science. He studied BSc (Hons) Geology at the University of Durham and a PhD in Hydrology at the University of Aberdeen. Since completing his PhD, the bulk of Jon's work has focused on hydrology and environmental modelling, however more recently he has branched out into microplastic pollution. Jon's research interests are mainly in the field of hydrology, focusing on how hydrometeorological conditions affect water as it moves through the landscape and the chemistry of that water when it arrives in our rivers.
“I enjoy seeing students develop and flourish into confident, critical and independent thinkers.”
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
You will study at the Byrom Street site in the university's City Campus in the heart of Liverpool. You will have access to first class teaching facilities, laboratories and study areas. The Avril Robarts library is within easy walking distance and here you'll find all the information you need to support your studies.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: BBC-ABB (112-128)
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
BBC-ABB Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20
Subject requirements: C or above in Geography or related science at A Level
BTECs
Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject
T levels
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
International requirements
-
IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.