| UCAS code | BCL0 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2024 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Ecology and Conservation |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB - ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB - BBC Prof. Placement/Study Abroad: |
| UCAS code | BCL2 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2024 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Ecology and Conservation |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA - AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB - BBC Prof. Placement/Study Abroad: |
| UCAS code | BCL1 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2024 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Ecology and Conservation |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA - AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB - BBC Prof. Placement/Study Abroad: |
Overview
- Who and what are human beings? Why are individuals and society the way they are? What problems do human societies face now and in the future, and how can we address them?
- This degree is designed to enable you to answer these questions through examining the past and present of humans from the perspectives of both social and biological sciences.
- Delivered jointly by the departments of Ecology and Conservation; Geography; and Earth and Environmental Science, the programme combines these exciting disciplines to make connections between biological processes, political and environmental issues and social patterns.
- The programme covers a broad range of topics, from human evolution and genetics, to the development of human cultures and cultural diversity, all the way through to sustainability and the interactions between human societies and their environments.
- Designed for those interested in human biology, the environment, social policy, politics, economics and society.
Top 10 in the world for Ecology
9th in the ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022
Top 30 in the world for Geography
QS World University Subject Rankings 2023
Top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences, Geography & Environmental Science
REF 2021, based on 4-star research
Opportunities to undertake study abroad or a year’s placement in business or industry
I really enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of the programme and that we get to analyse human behaviour and attitudes towards problems through the lenses of evolution and anthropology.
The biggest highlight was the support I received from my tutor and other lecturers when I started to doubt myself. As a result I got 95% on one of my assignments and a First Class Honours for that year.
I loved Introduction to Evolution and Introduction to Human Science because they were really interesting modules and totally exceeded my expectations.
I chose to study at Exeter because it is a well-renowned institution and I was really attracted to the programme. I chose Cornwall in particular because the Penryn Campus has a real sense of community and people engage a lot in the societies.
I went to the Isles of Scilly on a field trip, which really broadened my horizons and boosted my career prospects. I learnt a lot in a beautiful environment and had great fun.
In the future I would like to become a Project Manager for the UN or WHO and work on solving the most pressing problems of humankind, or found my own company.
I would advise anyone thinking of applying to Exeter to just go for it! It will give you the chance to study fascinating and well-regarded programmes at a beautiful, green, sustainable and inclusive campus. When you get here, make the most out of this experience and try new things and societies, because it will help you find yourself and meet people who, despite being different from you, will become your best friends.
Lucia
BSc Human Sciences
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB-ABB
AAA-AAB (with Professional Placement/Study Abroad) |
No required subjects |
| IB | 34/665 - 32/655
36/666 - 34/665 (with Professional Placement/Study Abroad) |
No required subjects |
| BTEC | DDD - DDM
DDD (with Professional Placement/Study Abroad) |
No required subjects |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade - 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade (with Professional Placement/Study Abroad) |
No required subjects |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB - BBC Prof. Placement/Study Abroad: |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other UK, EU and International equivalences | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
What should my personal statement include?
We would like to know why you are interested in studying Human Sciences, especially as it is not a subject typically taught in schools. You might discuss books that you have read, material you have covered in your school or college classes, or travel or work experience that has inspired you.
Course content
The study of human behaviour, culture and society is often set apart from the natural world. Yet humans, like other animals, have an evolutionary history and evolutionary forces continue to shape the way we live today. Important insights can therefore come from studying humans in the same way as we study other animals. Many of the problems we currently face, such as the biodiversity crisis, climate change, or the conflicts which occur within or between countries, relate to how humans create, shape and interact with their natural and social environments. Solutions to these problems will come from insights generated from a number of different disciplines.
Bridging the gap between the natural and social sciences, our Human Sciences programme allows you to combine exciting disciplines to make connections between biological processes, social patterns and political and environmental issues. It will enable you to understand relationships between science and policy and show how you may be able to facilitate decision-making in this context.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
You will develop both knowledge and practical skills in a range of core disciplines in the human sciences. This year includes lectures and laboratory work, introducing you to modern approaches to understanding the biology of organisms including humans, through ecology, genetics and evolution, to the comparative study of social and cultural patterns of world populations. You will also develop important communication and analytical skills.
In your second year, you will perform a more in-depth examination of the subject areas to which you were introduced in your first year. For example, you will consider the evolutionary origins of human behaviour by exploring the relationship between human cultural processes and human genetic processes. In particular, you will be encouraged to investigate the ways in which human beings both shape their environments and are shaped by them. You may also undertake a residential field course on the Isles of Scilly*.
*Field course destinations are subject to change. Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs.
Find out more about placement and study abroad options under Course variants.
with Professional Placement
with Study Abroad
In your final year, you will undertake a research project with a member of academic staff. Outside of the research project you will have freedom to choose among our final year modules, tailoring your degree to your specific interests. You will also take part in a two-week residential overseas field course*.
*Field course destinations are subject to change. Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs.
Course variants
UCAS code: BCL2
Why choose a professional placement year?
In your professional placement year you will learn to apply the knowledge learnt during your first and second years, improve personal and transferable skills, make new contacts and enhance your employability. Work placements allow you to gain experience of a professional workplace prior to graduating and develop your career focus, and are extremely valued by employers.
Where can I do my placement?
On the professional placement between the second and final years, you will gain valuable experience by spending a year working within an organisation appropriate to your degree. We have established collaborations with local, national and international organisations that you can consider when applying for placement positions.
Previous placement destinations include:
- The Office for National Statistics
- Cancer Research UK
- Eden Project
What support is available during my placement?
The module convenor provides support while you are researching and applying for positions and you are encouraged to consider a range of organisations, including consultancies, charities, NGOs, research institutes and universities.
Does it count towards my degree?
The professional placement year counts towards your degree through the completion of your placement and associated coursework. It contributes to your final degree classification, and the words ‘with Professional Placement’ will appear in your degree title.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more in the Fees section.
How do I apply?
You can apply to BSc Human Sciences with Professional Placement directly through UCAS using the code above.
How are the placements organised?
You are responsible for organising your own placement; however, we have established collaborations with local, national and international organisations that you can consider when applying for placement positions.
UCAS code: BCL1
Why study abroad?
Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all qualities employers are looking for.
Where can I study abroad?
If you choose to take the four year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, you have the option to spend your third year abroad, studying in a university with which we have established links. We have over 30 partner institutions around the globe; you can find a complete list of International Exchange partner universities on the Study Abroad website. Previous Human Sciences students have studied in the USA, Canada and Sweden.
What will I study whilst I am abroad?
Whilst abroad you will study approved modules at the host university to the value of 120 credits; these will be credited towards your degree, which you would then complete after four years of study rather than three.
Does it count towards my degree?
All assessments during the year abroad would be undertaken at the host university and would count towards your final degree. Upon return, you would then complete your degree in a fourth year.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
If you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more.
How do I apply?
You can apply to BSc Human Sciences with Study Abroad directly through UCAS using the code above. To qualify for your Study Abroad year, we would expect you to have successfully completed your Year 1 studies with an average mark of at least 60%.
Further information
For further information on where you can go and all the issues surrounding study abroad, see the Study Abroad website.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2024 entry
UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £29,700 per year
Year Abroad and Professional Placement
If, as part of your four-year degree programme, you spend a full academic year studying abroad you will pay a reduced fee of 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year. If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee of 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.
Fieldwork
Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs. When participating in these optional field courses, you will be expected to cover the cost of travel to some locations, which will be outlined clearly beforehand. However, field courses with no additional travel costs are available to select in each year.
You will also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination, e.g. walking boots, rucksack, mosquito net, sleeping bag, binoculars. You may incur additional costs dependent upon the specific demands of the research project chosen.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has over £2.5 million in scholarships available for students applying to study with us in 2023 - including our Global Excellence Scholarships* for international fee paying students and financial support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Fieldwork
Our field courses are among the most inspirational, rewarding and enjoyable experiences as an undergraduate student at the University of Exeter. They form an integral part of your degree, positioned at the very heart of our teaching in Human Sciences.
Field courses provide you with the ambition and ability to develop and apply the knowledge gained from our world-leading academic staff in the classroom into the central issues, concerns and experiences facing the world around us.
Each field course is carefully designed to bring theory to life, whether through developing fundamental field techniques in some of the most stunning landscapes found on our doorstep in West Cornwall, or further afield.
In Year 2 you will go on a week-long residential field course on the Isles of Scilly*. The Isles of Scilly is an ideal location in which you will get to try out a range of methodologies used in study, from ethnography to geomorphology. In addition the module will introduce you to key research skills such as sampling design, data analysis, interpretation of information, and field presentations.
In your final year, you will have the opportunity to go on a residential field course, which will tackle a range of topics that you have been introduced to during your Human Sciences degree, including some of the biggest environmental and social issues facing the world today.
*Field course destinations are subject to change. Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs.
Learning and teaching
Where will I study?
At the Penryn Campus in Cornwall you will be welcomed into an intimate and supportive learning environment that encourages enthusiasm and passion for your programme. You will benefit from excellent student-to-staff ratios, small group tutorials and friendly, accessible staff.
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Laboratory sessions
- Fieldwork
- Independent study
Learn from experts
We believe that every student benefits from being part of a culture that is inspired by research and being taught by experts. You will discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials and be an active member of a research team. Our academics bring their results from the laboratory and the field directly to their teaching, and our students also help to collect this data.
In your final year you will become an active member of our research team. Our Human Sciences academic staff have active research programmes in topics spanning psychology, anthropology, human geography and human biology, from the lab to the field. Several members of our world-leading Human Behaviour and Cultural Evolution Group teach modules available to Human Sciences students.
Assessment
Your progress is monitored through a mixture of examinations, assessments (oral and written, formative and summative) and practical sessions.
The final degree mark is based on approximately 50 per cent exam and 50 per cent coursework assessments. The latter include a final year dissertation, which is an independent research project in which you study the topic that excites you most.
The modules taken in the first year must be passed to progress to the second year but the marks obtained do not influence your final degree classification.
Assessment methods will vary depending on your choice of optional modules; check individual module descriptions for details.
Foreign language modules
You can boost your employability by using up to 30 credits each year to study a foreign language. If you study the language for more than one year and achieve at least 60 credits in a language you may be entitled to have ‘with proficiency in’ added to your degree certificate. The Foreign Language Centre offers modules in French and Spanish language from complete beginners up to advanced levels, plus German and Mandarin Chinese from beginner’s level.
Further details can be found on the Foreign Language Centre web pages
Proficiency in Law
Students on this course are now able to add ‘with proficiency in Law’ to their degree title, by gaining a strand of additional legal knowledge and skills that adds value to their degree.
The ‘With proficiency in Law’ modules being offered to non-law students provide a theoretical and technical basis for understanding the regulatory and legal frameworks that you might encounter within your main field of study. These modules lend themselves strongly to students wishing to develop their skillset to work across the environment and sustainability sector and in wider business.
If you accrue at least 60 credits in elective law modules you will have ‘with proficiency in Law’ added to your degree title.
Academic support
We are committed to providing you with a supportive learning environment in which you can build confidence. All students have a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies, as well as a group of dedicated first-year tutors whose role is to support your transition to university-level learning. In addition, all students are represented through Student-Staff Liaison Committees and can regularly feedback through module and course evaluations.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a Student Mentoring Scheme in Year 1, matching you with a Year 2 or Year 3 student who can answer your questions, offer advice and moral support to smooth your transition to university.
Facilities
Our facilities include:
- Biosciences laboratories with equipment for human biology, physiology and genetics modules
- Computer suites with software for statistics (e.g. RStudio) and mapping (e.g. GIS)
- Extensive online library of books and journals covering anthropology, psychology, sociology and other human sciences.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Law
- Social Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
Students studying Human Sciences develop both a depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and experiences that make them highly employable across a diverse range of careers.
These skills include:
- Data gathering
- Data analysis
- Information retrieval
- Problem solving
- Project planning and management
- Organising and communicating information
- Report production and presentation (written and oral)
- The ability to work effectively on your own and as part of a team.
Supporting your career in Human Sciences
A range of employability sessions are put on for the students which include: career talks with visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds, career conversations and employability seminar series events with employers, a Careers in Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection Careers and Networking event and visits to the Met Office and UKHO. Plus the annual Careers Fair and opportunities to access high-quality work placements through an employability optional module.
Careers Services
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students and graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Whatever path you wish to follow, we’re here to help and support you with all your career and employability needs.
Career paths
The breadth of career opportunities open to graduates of Human Sciences is vast, such as health, conservation, education, third sector work, culture and heritage and community work. With training in both biological and social sciences, your options are likely to be broader than from a more narrowly focused subject. Further study is another popular choice for a number of students following graduation. Human Sciences is ideal preparation for a Master's degree in anthropology, biosciences, human geography or psychology.
Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your Human Sciences degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.
Below are a few examples of initial jobs undertaken by graduates from our Biosciences, Geography and Environmental Sciences undergraduate programmes*.
Recent graduates are now working as:
- Business and related research professionals
- Conservation professionals
- Biological scientists
- Laboratory technicians
- Property, housing and estate managers
- Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators
- Secondary education teaching professionals
- Data analysts
- Estimators, valuers and assessors
- Information technology professionals
Recent graduates are now working for:
- AECOM
- Darwin Ecology
- Environment Agency
- European Space Agency
- Harris Lamb Property Consultants
- Natural England
- Society for the Protection of Turtles
- UK Hydrographic Office
- Unilever PLC
- UKSTEM Ltd
Further study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from a Biosciences, Geography or Environmental Sciences undergraduate degree. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes*.
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MPH/MRes/PhD Biological Sciences
- MRes Ecosystem and Environmental Change
- MRes Sustainable Development
- MSc Applied Social Data Science
- MSc Conservation and Biodiversity
- MSc Environment and Human Health
- MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology
- MSc International Business
- MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies
*This information has been taken from aggregating the responses from full-time, first degree, UK domiciled students who completed 2017/18 and 2018/19 Graduate Outcomes surveys. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
