This masters-level degree will enable you to study the physics, chemistry and biology of the Earth’s systems. It has a particular emphasis on soil and water quality, pollution and management, although a vast range of optional modules will allow you to pursue your own interests. The course has a strong practical basis and you will learn the essential skills needed by today’s professional environmental scientists. You will also 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. During the first year you will visit Somerset to study topics such as flooding, geology and soil formation. In your second year you will be able to visit Almeria in Spain, which is the driest area in mainland Europe. Here you will visit a solar research station and examples of greenhouse horticulture, and investigate issues such as pollution and water supply. In the third year there is an optional Mediterranean bio-geography field trip. Furthermore, you will have the option to work as an environmental consultant for a real client. You will be assigned a stretch of the River Loddon, carry out assessments, liaise with key stakeholders, and report your findings to the Environment Agency. 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.