Your pathway to a geography and environmental sciences degree 🌍
This foundation year will give you the essential skills and knowledge in science to start your undergraduate study journey.
Entry requirements:
You need 48 UCAS points to apply for this course.
You will also need a Grade 4/C in GCSE English Language, Mathematics, and Double Science.
It is essential you have a good knowledge and understanding of science, as this is a requirement for all the progression pathways available upon completion of this extended degree.
More information about the specific entry requirements for this pathway can be found on the University of Hertfordshire’s website.
Part of the University of Hertfordshire’s consortium
How to apply for an Extended Degree in Geography & Environmental Sciences at North Hertfordshire College
You can apply for the initial year of your Extended Degree in Science: Geography & Environmental Sciences through UCAS.
Application codes for Geography & Environmental Sciences:
Course code: B906Â Â Â |Â Â Â Institution code: H36
Course content
As North Hertfordshire College is part of the University of Hertfordshire’s consortium, this extended degree provides you with a direct route into an undergraduate bachelor’s in science degree at the University of Hertfordshire.* You’ll study for three days in-college at our Stevenage Campus, allowing you to fit work and/or your personal life around your studies. You’ll also benefit from being a UH student through access to the university’s facilities and their virtual learning environment where you can attend talks from industry experts and collaborate with fellow students and staff.
This course is informed by professional accreditation bodies, so you can be confident that the content you learn is high quality and meets industry standards.
While this course is not a foundation qualification, it provides a valuable opportunity to start your journey to undergraduate study. This isn’t a separate qualification, but rather a way to increase your skills and confidence before enrolling in the first year of a degree.
Modules on the Extended Degree in Science – Geography and Environmental Studies include:
Core modules for this pathway are listed below. Some modules are optional depending on the progression route you’ve chosen.
- Core module: Introductory Biology (15 credits)
- Core module: Mathematics for Scientists (15 credits)
- Core module: Individual Project (15 credits)
- Chemistry (15 credits)
- Physics (15 credits)
- Statistics (15 credits)
- Introductory Chemistry (15 credits)
- Introductory Physics (15 credits)
- Mathematics (15 credits)Mammalian Physiology (15 credits)
- Introduction to Healthcare (15 credits)
- Genes and Ecology (15 credits)
*Please note that there is no guaranteed progression into a desired pathway, but it is highly likely. Should your performance meet the University of Hertfordshire’s expectations, you’ll have the option to choose a bachelor’s degree from their wide range of progression pathways.
Taught at NHC’s Stevenage Campus
This course is based at North Hertfordshire College’s Stevenage Campus (Monkswood Way, SG1 1LA). The campus features social spaces, an on-campus library space, and easy access routes from public transport and the motorway.
The campus is also home to the Stevenage Innovation and Technology Centre (SITEC). These facilities feature industry-standard technology and equipment, including clean rooms and LIMS technology, to help you build your skills and confidence ahead of your next steps. SITEC has been designed with input from sector-leading science researchers to ensure you can learn the techniques employers are looking for.
Tuition fees and funding
You may be eligible for a student loan from Student Finance England to cover the cost of tuition for your foundation year at North Hertfordshire College.
For UK students in the 2026/27 year, full-time study fees are ÂŁ6,400
Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University of Hertfordshire’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
About the University of Hertfordshire
As a student on NHC’s Extended Degree in Science, you’ll benefit from being both a college and a university student. You’ll not just be enrolling at a local college – you’re also joining a university ranked in the top 50 of the UK.
The University of Hertfordshire commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and driving growth has led to the university ranking highly in various lists and student surveys. You can read more about the University of Hertfordshire’s achievements by visiting their website.
Regulated by the Office for Students and University of Hertfordshire
North Hertfordshire College and its courses as part of the University of Hertfordshire’s consortium has met the Office for Students (OfS) requirements to be a registered provider of Higher Education in England. This means that we provide high quality courses held to robust academic standards, that we support and protect our students from admission through to graduation, and that our students’ qualifications are valued by employers and enable further study.
You can read more about this regulation on the University of Hertfordshire’s website.
Frequently asked questions about the Extended Degree in Geography and Environmental Sciences at North Hertfordshire College
As part of your Extended Degree in Science, you will have 13 hours of in-college contact time with your tutor.
You should also expect to spend a further 13 hours studying privately.
The Extended Degree in Science is assessed through coursework, practical work, presentations, closed book tests, and exams.
This one-year course is designed as a preparatory year to help students develop essential knowledge and skills in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
It provides a pathway to progress onto a range of science degrees at the University of Hertfordshire, such as Geography or Ecology.
Please note that this initial year does not award a qualification, but sets you up for success in your chosen degree. You will earn a full degree upon successful completion of your following years of study at the University of Hertfordshire.
You will study the initial year at North Hertfordshire College’s Stevenage campus and then progress to the University of Hertfordshire campus for your degree. Students have access to academic support services, personal tutors, wellbeing teams, and university facilities throughout their studies.
Completing your year of study at North Hertfordshire College will provide you with a greater understanding of science, as well as more hands-on science lab experience.
After your initial year, you will have the opportunity to progress onto one of the following degrees at the University of Hertfordshire (some subject to an interview):
This initial year is very flexible, and you can also choose to progress onto one of the routes offered by the sports, psychology, geography and environmental sciences, mathematics or physical sciences Extended Degree.
Once you’ve completed your full undergraduate degree at the University of Hertfordshire, you could go on to work in:
- scientific roles in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry
- environmental science sector
- teaching
- management
The programme manager for the Extended Degree in Science at North Hertfordshire College is Linda Patterson.
You can find out more about Linda’s career and her work with North Hertfordshire College by reading her Meet the Team interview.
