Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Environmental Management with Foundation Year

Attendance

Full-time

Part-time

With placement

Course

Four year

Eight year

Five year

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

Learn how to manage the environmental challenges in the world around you. This foundation year pathway is designed to help you build both a strong foundation in environmental issues and essential study skills, so you are ready to progress and succeed on the full BSc (Hons) Environmental Management degree.

This pathway is recommended if you want to study the full honours degree, but don’t meet the direct entry requirements. If you successfully complete and pass the foundation year, you will automatically progress onto the full BSc (Hons) Environmental Management honours degree, where you will continue to build scientific knowledge and better understand interrelationships within the built and natural environments. 

Environmental Science courses at Salford course are designed to open up career opportunities in sustainable natural resource management, development and planning, where you can help to reduce the impact of climate change and make a difference.

Start your study journey 

Register for our next Open Day to learn more about studying environmental management, explore our facilities and meet the course team 

You will:

  • Gain a broad, basic knowledge of environmental studies to prepare you for one of our courses in environmental management
  • Develop and practice your field skills on a number of free field trips
  • Learn how organisations perceive the environment and the important considerations necessary for them to invest in improving their performance
Placement

options available

This is for you if...

1.

You’re returning to education or seeking to develop your career in a new direction

2.

Didn't meet the entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) Environmental Management

3.

Want to increase your knowledge and understanding of the social and natural sciences

Course details

All about the course

Geography and environmental management students

Foundation Year

The introductory foundation year is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of the social and natural sciences, necessary for understanding contemporary environmental issues.

With a focus on your progression, you will build knowledge across the breadth of the subject. You will also experience field and laboratory work, develop your study skills and learn to manage field data.

If you successfully complete and pass your Foundation Year but you're still not sure this is the subject for you, we have an extensive suite of Human and Natural Sciences (HANS) subjects you can still progress to:

  • Biological Science
  • Human Biology and Infectious Diseases
  • Marine Biology
  • Geography
  • Biomedical Science
  • Pharmaceutical Science
  • Biochemistry
  • Zoology
  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology
BSc Degree
Course Delivery

BSc Environmental Management is delivered over three years of study - or four, if you choose an industry placement, you will develop and advance your environmental management knowledge and skills.

During your studies you will focus on core areas such as sustainability, natural resources, earth processes and the impact of people on places. You'll also have the opportunity to choose specialist optional modules covering topics such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), environmental modelling and the environment's effect on wellbeing among others.  

Learn more about the course modules in the section below. 

Learning Experience

Fieldwork is a key element of this course, and trips are aligned with the specialist modules to develop applied skills and gain practical experience. Residential field trips take place in the UK and the European Alps. Typical day trip destinations include the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, and cities such as Sheffield and Liverpool. 

Embedding collaboration with industry and working on real-world projects is another essential aspect of studying environmental at Salford. In your second year you'll have complete a group consultancy project, where you'll work on a live brief, set by one of our industry partners, to solve a real-world environmental problem. 

Environment students

Industry placement

On this course, you will have the opportunity to take an industrial placement year between years two and three. Although you will be responsible for securing your own placement, we will assign you a placement tutor to monitor your progress and assess your final report.

By completing a placement year, you can add 'with professional experience' to your degree award. Industry placements are an excellent way to enhance your CV, gain hands-on work experience and build industry connections.

Foundation year

Environmental Conservation

The Environmental Conservation module provides fundamental introductions to ecology, sustainability, environmental management, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services. It also teaches practical approaches to sustainable resource development, conservation techniques and priorities in habitat and wildlife management. Thirdly, it provides essential skills in literature review and report writing that are extremely useful for a career in the environmental sciences.

Earth Processes

The Earth Processes module provides a fundamental introduction to the study of earth and environmental processes. It takes a systems approach to look at the atmosphere (its structure and composition), hydrosphere (as a global water cycle), biosphere (the living part of the environment) and geosphere (rocks and soils), where the focus is on both the resources and hazards they can offer.

Data Handling

Develop skills for the application of statistical and mathematical methods and practise using Information Technology for effective the presentation and communication of data and ideas.

Professional Communications

This module will provide students with a structured and supportive environment in which to develop their academic practice and professionalism. This will be achieved through a series of lectures and tutor-led seminars that will equip students with the skills required for successful study in Higher Education.

Science for Health

Evaluate a range of environmental and scientific factors that interact to influence health – e.g. pollution, nutrition, drug development and consider examples of environmental interventions and clinical trials.

Scientific Methods

This module will help you develop practical skills in the fields of biological, chemical and environmental science. It includes the use of glassware and instrumentation, developing data recording and analysis skills, and foundational laboratory-training. It also aims to train all students on how to write-up experimental work via an interactive learning platform, which includes pre- and post- laboratory training exercises. 

Year one

Earth Surface Processes

The Earth Surface Processes module explores the landscape in which we live, work and play, and considers the future trajectory of earth surface processes in the light of the Climate Crisis. We evaluate the influence of the properties of rock and soils on the operation of slopes, rivers and the coast, then look at the biogeography of the UK; past, present and future.

The learning environment includes fieldwork (both in-person and virtual) to develop field and analytical skills in soils, geomorphology and palaeoscience) to provide an holistic view of environmental challenges and the tools to tackle their environmental management.

Environmental Resources

Environmental resources such as food, energy, water and minerals are essential to development across the globe, yet the availability of these resources is not equally shared and, in some cases, not unlimited. This makes the variation in the availability of these resources one of the most important issues for society in the twenty-first century.

This module introduces the fundamental topics in environmental resources through a set of historical and contemporary environmental ‘crises’ related to climate change, food security, water availability and pollution and examines some of the global, national and local responses these crises.

Through an active learning process, you will explore the challenges faced by society and participate in site visits, field trips and laboratory work.

People, Place and Space

People, Place and Space is a rich module that introduces students to the human dimension of geography. Lectures will discuss contemporary themes to understand the socio-economic changes and evolution that our society has experienced in this last century. The module will start exploring topics such as urbanisation, industrialisation, globalisation and development, to then look at socio-cultural themes such as gender, identity, ageing, health and sexuality. It will finally conclude investigating the human dimensions of sustainability, disasters and climate change.

While studying this range of topics through the lenses of human geography, students will strengthen their critically skills, learn to meaningfully construct an argument and to discuss confidently about these world issues.  

Sustainability and Environment

Environmental resources such as food, energy, water and minerals are essential to development across the globe, yet the availability of these resources is not equally shared, nor is it unlimited. This makes the variation in the availability of these resources arguably one of the most important issues for society in the twenty first century.

This module introduces the fundamental topics in environmental resources through a set of historical and contemporary ‘crisis’ in the environment related to climate change, food security, water availability and pollution and examines some of the global, national and local responses these crises.

Academic Tutorial

The Academic Tutorial module supports your transition to university by developing your academic, personal and professional skills to prepare you for study and work. Lectures will focus on topics such as referencing, academic writing, understanding feedback and career planning. There will also be opportunities to work with your peers in small group tutorials and get involved in volunteering. Your assignments focus on a range of geographical/environmental management issues linked to the other core first year modules. As well as the weekly lectures, you will also attend one-hour tutorials with a member of academic staff from the department, these involve discussion, debate and problem solving, as well as regular monitoring of your personal progress throughout the first year.

Applied Skills and Field Course

The Applied skills and fieldwork module provides lectures and associated practical activities (in trimester 1) to identify and source data, describe, and utilise environmental statistics to develop writing and analytical skills associated with spatial and temporal variations in real world data.

In Trimester 2 lectures investigate the role of qualitative research methods and build background detail before the residential field course takes place. Post field course sessions provide opportunities for feedback, questions and guidance before the final assessment. This module introduces water, glaciers, climate change and a mixed methods approach to both desk and field based activities. You will explore these themes through a combination of lectures, practical computer lab sessions and field work. 

Year two

Occupational Risk Management

This module aims to foster an understanding of occupational risk management through the lens of social justice. It emphasizes the critical role of identifying, assessing, and controlling workplace safety and health risks to create equitable and safe working environments. By exploring the interpretation and application of occupational health and safety (OSH) legislation and guidance across various contexts, you will gain insights into how effective risk management contributes to sustainable business practices and the broader goals of social justice.

On successful completion, you will meet the academic requirements for Associate/Technical membership of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Research in Action

Research in Action is a dynamic module that runs in both trimesters of the second year. This module provides students with the theoretical knowledge to undertake an independent research project by studying key methods used in social science research. Once the theoretical basis has been delivered, students will be able to conduct their own research project working in small groups on key contemporary geography topics. Thus, the module provides students with the practical fieldwork skills to design and plan a dissertation project and develop life-long learning skills. In trimester 2 students will have also the opportunity to enhance their research skills by visiting another country and conducting a residential week international fieldtrip.

Consultancy Project

This is an exciting module that will help you develop your personal and professional skills. You will work in a small group to complete a project for a real external client. You will develop key skills such as teamwork, project planning, time management and communication. As a group, you will work with an academic supervisor who will support you in planning the project, allocating tasks, carrying out the work and reporting the results to a client. There is also a conference that is organised on campus where you will present your work to your client. The conference is a great opportunity to network with clients.

Monitoring Environmental Change

This module provides a research led introduction to some of the techniques used to assess and evaluate the changing and challenging conditions our planet is experiencing. Through a suite of integrated lectures, fieldwork, laboratory and IT sessions you will experience the approaches and strategies used to monitor human impacts on the environment in abiotic (non-living e.g., soils and sediments) and biotic (living) contexts and the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to integrate patterns and processes in environmental data. The module is assessed through the practical application of such techniques working on regional examples with local conservation bodies.

Choose one option from:

Geographical Information Systems and Science (BSc GEM)

In this module, you will obtain a comprehensive understanding of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The module concentrates on geospatial data interpretation within GIS software. You will learn how to critically assess environmental issues and design solutions using appropriate geospatial analysis methods. The knowledge you will gain is a growing area of employment. The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures and computer-based practicals. These combination sessions will provide you with fundamental skills in industry-standard GIS software to analyse environmental data.

Environmental Protection

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of planning and regulatory frameworks, highlighting their crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability. Through a blend of lectures, workshops, and hands-on field and laboratory work, you will engage with real-world case studies in areas such as planning, contaminated land management, and noise regulation. These case studies will help you explore the complex interplay between regulatory frameworks, environmental standards, and decision-making processes in sustainable development.

University Wide Language

Courses are available in: Arabic, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

Year three

Environmental Decision Making

This dynamic module delves into the vital role of decision-making in the sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystem services. We will engage in a comprehensive evaluation of key decision-making tools, including environmental impact assessments, hazard analysis, risk assessment, and other methodologies designed to balance environmental, economic, and social factors. By the end of the course, you will develop a deeper understanding of how these tools shape environmental policy, guide management practices, and support the long-term sustainability of ecosystems.

Corporate Environmental Management

As businesses and organisations face increasing pressure from regulators, investors, customers, and stakeholders to enhance their environmental and sustainability performance—both within their operations and across their supply chains—the need for effective response strategies has never been greater. Corporate environmental managers are at the forefront of these efforts, driving initiatives that reduce environmental impact and foster a more sustainable global future. The Corporate Environmental Management module comprehensively explores the challenges and responsibilities in this critical field. Combining in-depth theoretical knowledge with practical, work-based experience, this module is ideal for those aspiring to build a career in environmental management and sustainability leadership.

Dissertation (40 credits)

Your final year dissertation is an opportunity for you to undertake independent research in an area of interest to you. You will work with one of our academic staff who will guide your research and introduce you to a range of techniques and methods for collecting and analysing data. We offer a range of opportunities to undertake field investigations, work in our high specification laboratories, use cutting edge modelling and mapping software, and to explore areas of human geography through surveys, interviews and focus groups. We will match your research interests to the skills and expertise of our academic supervisors. There are also opportunities to work with professionals from our partner organisations, like the Environment Agency, Northern Roots, and companies such as Kier.

Choose one option from:

Environmental Remote Sensing

In this module, you will explore key components and applications of remote sensing for monitoring human impacts on the environment and gain interpersonal skills through contributing to teamwork. The module will use a combination of lectures, seminar discussions, fieldwork, and computer-based practicals. These combination sessions will provide you with experience in using industry-standard image processing software and the skills to carry out the group-based project. The group work will include planning, designing, and conducting remote sensing-related projects to address real environmental issues. The knowledge you will gain from this module to comprehend and analyse remotely sensed data is a highly employable skillset.

Modelling Environmental Systems

This module will give you an introduction in the role and implementation of models to solve environmental problems. Environmental modelling is an important tool across policy and decision making in fields such as conservation, wildlife management, biodiversity and climate change.  The module consists of a combination of lectures and computer practicals where you will get hands on experience of different types of models and how they are used to inform environmental decision making. The module is focused on the use of models rather than on mathematical or technical aspects of model development, and so will benefit anyone interested in the rapidly increasing role of models in environmental policy.

University Wide Language

Courses are available in: Arabic, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

Plus one option from:

Environment and Wellbeing

If ‘wellbeing’ is the ‘ability to appropriately respond to expected and unexpected stresses in order to be happy, healthy and prosperous in work and life’ – it is clear that we must carefully consider the influence of the wider environment. This includes consideration of social and economic factors in addition to those related to pollution, infectious and non-infectious disease, work and climate; these are recognised in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and are often concerned with health inequalities. This module explores the relationships between human health and the environment through policy, assessment, promotion and intervention – all of which are routed in real-world application.

Sustainable Cities

Sustainable Cities is a broad module covering a wide variety of topics, allowing you to focus on elements relevant to your specific field of study. This module will engage with a host of ideas and concepts, from radical urban greening, such as rooftops and living walls, to growing food at scale in cities. The module draws on large international research projects and work, exploring innovation in the likes of North America, Africa, Europe and elsewhere. As part of the module, students will undertake international fieldwork, with current trips visiting the likes of Prague to explore complex sustainability issues in a historic cityscape.

University Wide Language

Courses are available in: Arabic, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

TEACHING

You will learn through a combination of:

  • Lectures
  • Practical sessions
  • Tutorials
  • Research projects
  • Field courses
  • Guided reading
  • Assignments

ASSESSMENT

Your assessment is based on a combination of exams and coursework throughout.

What You Want To Know

Frequently asked questions

What job can I get with an Environmental Management degree?

Our alumni often go into the following roles after graduating from their Environmental Management degree:

  • ESG analyst
  • Water and Environment Professional
  • Health and Safety Advisor
  • Retrofit Coordinator
  • Data Manager
  • Transport Planner
  • Teaching

What is a foundation year? 

A foundation year offers a year of studying to gain an understanding of the programme before progressing to the full three-year studies. You'll get the chance to understand the way higher education studying works and gain the relevant skills and knowledge needed to undertake the full degree. 

What is environmental management? 

Environmental management focuses on managing natural resources. Professionals in the field are involved in developing projects focused on sustainability and tackling environmental challenges. Environmental managers might help organisations reduce their environmental impact, be involved in reducing the impact of climate change, and making an environmental difference in a wide range of industries. 

What are the main principles of environmental management? 

There are three key pillars that hold up the field of environmental management: 

Ecology: environmental management focuses largely on the relationship between living things, especially humans, and the environment. An ‘ecological footprint’ refers to the impact humans have on the environment. 

Economy: economy is a key part of environmental management, focused on the use of resources since areas of civilisation require varying amounts and types of resources.  

Equity: Environmental management must also consider the fairness and equity of distribution and availability of environmental resources to the areas of society.  

Is environmental management a good career? 

A career in environmental management can be very rewarding. If you choose to go down this career path, you could make a big difference and a lasting impact on the environment. 

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our degree courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and leaders. 

Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in your career.

Facilities

As an environmental management student, you will have access to our state-of-the-art, integrated teaching laboratory known as the Bodmer Lab. The Bodmer Lab is a specialist, purpose-built facility and ensures our students benefit from the latest technologies to support their learning and remain on the cutting edge of innovation and discovery.

 

Industry collaboration and research

When you start this degree with Salford, you are also joining a community making a difference in industry, our local region and in our wider society.

Many of our academics and technicians who support your course are also part of a collective delivering collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in a range of local and global environmental issues and challenges.

Read on and discover how you are part of something bigger.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

EMPLOYMENT

The course is designed to help you to develop a range of personal and professional skills which will make you highly-employable. These include report writing and presentation skills, data interpretation and IT skills and team work and project management skills.

There is growing demand for professionals with environmental management skills. A wide range of organisations need skilled professional to help them to comply with legislation and conform to standards. Many environment-focused not-for-profit organisations are also increasing the range of roles to help tackle the impact of climate change.

As an environment management graduate, you will typically secure roles with environmental consultancies, local authorities, and utility companies (such as water, electricity and gas).  This could range from graduate schemes to entry-level roles in environment-focused departments.

FURTHER STUDY

You might find you want to learn more about the environment through further study. We offer a range of environment-focused postgraduate courses where you can build specialist knowledge and take your subject interest even further. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a significant fees discount. 

MSc Sustainability

MSc Environmental Assessment and Management

100%

Satisfaction

A taste of what you could become

An environmental consultant

An environmental education officer

An environmental manager

A nature conservation officer

A recycling officer

And more...

Career Links

This course includes modules that allow you to work with external agencies including companies, research organisations and voluntary groups. You will develop many of the key skills sought by employers and experience practical real-world project work that will give you an insight into the world of work.

INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS

You are encouraged to undertake an additional placement year in an industrial, governmental or research establishment, which we will help you to arrange.

Requirements

What you need to know

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

This course is not suitable for international students.

If you are an international student, and interested in a foundation year study pathway, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.  

Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses. 

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

English language and mathematics at or above grade C or 4. Equivalents are accepted.

You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.

UCAS tariff points

64 points

A level

64 UCAS points

BTEC National Diploma

MPP

T level

T level in any subject is accepted at 72 UCAS points.

Scottish Highers

64 UCAS points from Higher Level

Irish Leaving Certificate

64 UCAS points from Higher Level

European Baccalaureate

Completion of two full years study and an awarded qualification

Access to Higher Education

64 UCAS points from QAA approved course

International Baccalaureate

26 points

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

How much?

Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2025/26 £8,505.00 for Foundation Year and £9,535.00 for subsequent years.
Part-time 2025/26 part time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis

Additional costs

All field trips are funded by the school but you may need to consider additional costs such as food and spending money. 

International field trips that are part of core modules are also funded by the school but you will need to pay towards international field trips that are part of optional modules (although these are subsidised by the school) and you will be made aware of these costs before selecting the module. 

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

 

Apply now

All Set? Let's apply!

Enrolment dates

September 2025

UCAS information

Course ID F850

Institution S03