This masters-level degree will enable you to study the physics, chemistry and biology of the Earth’s systems, and has a strong practical element. It has a particular emphasis on soil and water quality, pollution and management, although a vast range of optional modules will allow you to also pursue your own interests. You will learn the essential skills needed by today’s professional environmental scientists and have the chance to experience life in another country by spending a term abroad during your final year. Fieldwork is a major part of this degree, and you will benefit from regular local trips and longer residential visits. The University of Reading’s award-winning campus is home to over a thousand different animal species and is extremely useful for learning fieldwork skills. It offers multiple habitats for study, including lakes, hay meadows and woodlands, and allows you to step straight from the classroom to the field. Meanwhile, the University's large farms provide access to hedgerow, marshland and the Thames. You can choose to carry out a short placement, which will involve working on a small project for a local company or organisations. This will provide you with valuable experience of professional work, as well as enabling you to develop your research, survey, and data analysis and presentation skills. Our department has a dedicated member of staff in charge of placements, which can advise and support you. As an environmental science graduate you will be well placed to move into a variety of technical and scientific roles within areas such as pollution, land remediation, environmental protection, renewable energy, sustainable transport, water, environmental consultancy and geological consultancy. Recent students have gone on to work for a range of major organisations including the Environment Agency, Sustrans, Thames Water, the Atomic Weapons Establishment, WS Atkins, Card Geotechnics and TV Energy.