Introduction

Environmental issues impact on us all. This programme combines theory, leading edge research and practical experience to find workable solutions to current and future environmental problems, and help you to develop as a professional graduate in environmental and sustainability issues.


Featuring student: Brian Shek
 

Programme Features 

High Ranking
Northumbria is ranked 23rd in the UK for Geography & Environmental Science (Complete University Guide 2027) 

Employable Graduates
92% graduates in 2025 were employed upon graduation.  Our graduates have progressed to work in related fields of environmental sciences and ecology such as Project Officer at a local ecology consultancy, Technical Officer in a local environmental consultancy on wastewater treatment, and Environmental Engineer in a local waste management facility.

Professional Recognition 
Students are eligible to apply for Student Member of Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals (HKIQEP) and Affiliate Member of The Environmental Management Association of Hong Kong (EMAHK).  

Modules^

Geography and Environment Dissertation

This module is designed to support you in independently pursuing an original piece of research on a geographical or environmental topic of your own choice grounded in final year specialist option modules. Dependent upon your programme of study, you will draw upon and develop your research skills in answering research questions/hypothesis on a dissertation topic within the social, humanities, natural and environmental disciplines. You will develop expertise in: 

• identifying a suitable topic and in reviewing critically the relevant academic literature; 
• formulating research questions/hypotheses and appropriate methods of inquiry; 
• collecting your own data and/or using existing data sets and/or engaging in an analysis of the research literature; 
• the ability to analyse and interpret your results using appropriate quantitative, statistical and/or qualitative techniques, 
• relating the findings to existing and up-to-date literature; 
• oral, visual and written presentation of your research project; 
• objectively appraising the ethical considerations of conducting research; and 

• managing and implementing a large independent project. 

Translating Environmental Science into policy, outreach and decision making

Engaging with environmental issues and sustainable development beyond the academy has always been at the heart of Environmental Sciences at Northumbria. Environmental issues such as climate change mitigation and adaptation; reduction of pollution and plastics, reversing biodiversity losses; improving soil quality and managing urban growth present major sustainability challenges for the 21st Century. Environmental engagement can occur at multiple levels in society: business and corporate; government; public; education. On this module you will work towards completing a small piece of Application, Outreach or Decision making, the topic of which will be dependent staff expertise and partner engagement. 

The aim of the module is to explore, understand, practice and evaluate means of environmental engagement. From building both the business and environmental cases for corporate engagement in the environmental agenda to communication with the public and embedding the environmental understanding into education. The module will examine concepts of risk and risk management, the application of environmental management and assessment tools. Bringing science into policy, the role of stakeholder engagement and communication in environmental change. How you can successfully engage with the public and how to bring complex issues to school children. The module will help you to develop the skills required to support the implementation of environmental programmes and change the environmental agenda at all levels of society. 
 
Topics you will cover on the module include: 

 
• Conceptual framework for translating environmental science into policy, outreach and decision making 
• Sustainable Development Goals- differing interpretations, awareness and use 
• Environmental communication – the role of stakeholder engagement and communication in improving environmental engagement. 
• Practical tools for business engagement with the environmental agenda 
• Making science-based policy decisions to improve the environment 
• Environmental education – how, when and why? 
• Public engagement – outreach as a tool to promote the environmental agenda 
• Project management – approaches and issues. 
• Group working – practical skills and professional approaches

Advanced Geospatial Applications

In this module, you will delve into the design and implementation of geospatial projects using evidence-based practices, building on the practical knowledge and techniques acquired in your second year (Level 5). 

You will enhance your technical skills by learning advanced geospatial techniques, including geospatial statistics, coding and automation, and the use of novel data sources. Additionally, you will explore advanced concepts in method design and learn how to design and budget for a proposed project. 

To apply these skills, you will work on discipline-specific problems in areas such as environmental planning, land cover change, resource management, and risk assessment.

Applied Ecology and Conservation Management

In this module you will explore the policies and practice of conservation, using examples from around the world. You will find out how the conservation value of a site is assessed in the UK (and in other countries), how to map a river for ecologically sensitive engineering, how climate change is affecting the distribution of species and habitats and the challenges of managing a site for conservation and other conflicting uses. The module combines professional practice focused on careers and challenging contemporary ideas.

Environmental Pollution and Health

In this module, you will develop a holistic viewpoint on issues surrounding environmental pollution, pollution impacts on human health, and approaches to pollution management and mitigation. You will engage with a range of contemporary issues across air quality management, contaminated land and water pollution; appreciate the wider context of historical pollution; analyse and interpret environmental data using a range of modelling techniques (for example, contaminated land software, atmospheric dispersion modelling software) and evaluate different types of interventions that can be used to alleviate/control the effects/impacts of pollutants. On completion of the module, your ability to link theory and application will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.

^Under review and subject to change. 

QF Level

QF Level : Level 5 QR Registration No. : 18/000119/L5 Validity Period : 01/09/2018 - 31/08/2028

Importance of choosing a non-local top-up with QF Level 5 Employment Degree qualifications pitched at QF Level 5 are formally recognised by the HKSAR Government for employment purposes within the Civil Service for graduate posts. Further Studies Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes.  Upon graduation, students can pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level in Hong Kong and Overseas. Financial Assistance and Scholarships Various HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes and scholarships are only made available to eligible students enrolled into programmes with QF recognition.

Fees

• Application Fee : HK$200 (No application fee before the deadline!)
• Registration Fee : HK$3,500
• Tuition Fee (for local students): HK$88,440 by 2 instalments

Scholarships

 A variety of attractive scholarships are available to prospective, current and graduating SHAPE students.

Financial Aids 

​The following HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes are available to eligible students who pursue this programme at SHAPE:

Financial Assistance Schemes		Amount (HK$)
	Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme (NMTSS)	Up to $35,120 per year  [AY2026/27]
	Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)	Up to $96,900 (Tuition fee grant) Up to $9,370 (Academic expenses grant) Up to 58,200 (Living expenses loan) [AY2026/27]
	Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)	Up to the annual tuition fees payable in the academic year [AY2026/27]

For details including eligibility and subsidy amount, please refer to the hyperlink of each scheme.

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Career Prospects

92% graduates in 2025 were employed upon graduation.  Our graduates have progressed to work in related fields of environmental sciences and ecology such as Project Officer at a local ecology consultancy, Technical Officer in a local environmental consultancy on wastewater treatment, and Environmental Engineer in a local waste management facility. 

"Attending SHAPE was a fulfilling experience to me. The programme enabled me to gain knowledge on GIS, environmental policies, conservation, protection and management. The module of "Applied Ecology and Environmental Management" was particularly interesting and beneficial as it expanded my understanding and insights on these topics."   Coro Irish Joyce Gatdula BSc (Hons) Environmental Science Office Administrator, Love Recycling Plus HKSAR Government Outstanding Performance Scholarship 2023-24

"The programme has equipped me with important professional knowledge required in the field of environmental science.  This has greatly enhanced my employability and career prospects."   Leung Chun Hang BSc (Hons) Environmental Science ​Nature Interpreter / Eco-Education and Resources Centre (ERC)

Further Studies

• Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes.  Upon graduation, students can pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level in Hong Kong or Overseas.
• From September 2026 onward, graduates of this top-up degree programme can enjoy a 30% alumni tuition fee discount when they study a Master’s degree at Northumbria University’s Newcastle campus. Terms and conditions apply. 

Enquiries

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