BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

Key Information

Study Mode

Full Time

Duration

12 months

Start Date

Sep 2025

Tuition Fees

HK$85,770

QF Level 5

Location

IVE (Sha Tin)

Application Deadline

31 Mar 2025

Programme Content

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.

UK-specific contents may not be applicable to HK students

Programme Features

High ranking
Northumbria is ranked 11^st in the UK for Earth & Marine Sciences (The Guardian University Guide 2025)

Employable graduates
91% graduates in 2021 were employed upon graduation. Our graduates have progressed to work in related fields of environmental sciences and ecology such as Nature Interpreter in Eco-Education and Resources Centre, and Environmental Manager in an engineering company.

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. You will develop your research skills in answering research questions/hypothesis on a dissertation topic within the social, humanities, natural and environmental disciplines.
Translating Environmental Science into policy, outreach and decision making: 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. 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.
Advanced Geospatial Applications: You will learn about the design and implementation of geospatial applications using evidence-based practice extending practical knowledge of the techniques and analysis tools. You will be taught advanced concepts of method design and how to cost and respond to a tender request. You will also learn advanced IT skills on data compilation, download, generation, analysis, interpretation and presentation within the context of ‘fitness of use’ using image processing and GIS software.
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.

Assessment

Presentation, reports and dissertation, etc.

Recognition

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.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

Holders of one of the following VTC Higher Diplomas:

HD in Environmental Science
HD in Environmental Protection and Management
HD in Conservation and Tree Management
HD in Environmental Engineering

Holders of Higher Diploma or Associate Degree or equivalent qualifications in a relevant subject area awarded by a recognised institution will also be considered.

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants holding post-secondary qualifications (e.g. Higher Diploma, Associate Degree) taught and assessed in English from recognised institutions;

At least an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component), or TOEFL 575 (paper-based) or 232 (computer-based) or 89 (internet-based), or Pearson 62, or equivalent.

Fees & Funding

Fees

Application Fee : HK$200 (No application fee before the deadline!)
Registration Fee : HK$3,500
Tuition Fee : HK$85,770 by 2 instalments

Scholarships

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

"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

HKSAR Government Outstanding Performance Scholarship 2023-24

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 [AY2025/26]
	Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)	Up to $93,130 (Tuition fee grant) Up to $9,010 (Academic expenses grant) Up to 58,890 (Living expenses loan) [AY2024/25]
	Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)	Up to the annual tuition fees payable in the academic year

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

Career Prospects/ Further Studies

Career Prospects

91% graduates in 2021 were employed within 6 months upon graduation. Our graduates have progressed to work in related fields of environmental sciences and ecology such as Nature Interpreter in Eco-Education and Resources Centre, and Environmental Manager in an engineering company.

"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.
Graduates of this top-up degree programme can enjoy a 20% alumni tuition fee discount when they study a Master’s degree at Northumbria University’s UK campuses (London or Newcastle).

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