BSc Environmental Science at 黑瓜吃料网

Study the environment from a scientific perspective, and discover how to solve some of the most-critical challenges facing planet Earth, with our accredited BSc Environmental Science.

You’ll explore Earth’s natural systems – its physical, chemical and biological interactions – and use this knowledge to develop strategies for tackling major environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.

This three-year degree has a strong scientific focus. Your learning will span from the single cells and atoms that form the building blocks of our world, to the cycling of matter and flows of energy into, between, and within the:

solid Earth and its surface
hydrosphere
atmosphere
biosphere.

Gain essential skills needed by today’s professional environmental scientists. Our balance of practical and theoretical learning enables you to gain experience in the field and enhance your specialist subject knowledge with real-life experience – preparing you for a career, or further research, in the environmental sector.

Choose BSc Environmental Science at the 黑瓜吃料网

Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the 黑瓜吃料网 is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).
The University is among the top ten UK universities for Environmental Sciences in world rankings (黑瓜吃料网 is 9th out of the UK universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024, Environmental Sciences)
The 黑瓜吃料网 is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).
In 2023, the 黑瓜吃料网 was the first ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership.
100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, responders from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science).
The 黑瓜吃料网 has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

The flexibility of this degree allows you to make an informed decision about where to focus your study, providing the opportunity to adapt your degree to your chosen interests as they develop.

Alternatively, you can choose from a variety of specialist pathways, including:

water resources and quality
conservation and sustainability
climate and palaeoclimate change
pollution and remediation.

Your learning environment

Learn from internationally recognised academics from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. We research and teach global topics, including:

climate change and governance
hydrology
landscapes and ecology
paleoecology
dryland environment
glaciology
development
sustainability
globalisation.

This expertise will expose you to changing trends and emerging technologies in the sector.

Our Whiteknights campus is the real hub of 黑瓜吃料网 life. Set in 130 hectares of stunning parkland, it offers plenty of places to eat, shop, study and socialise. The site has received 14 consecutive Green Flag awards, recognising it as one of Britain’s top green spaces. The scenic campus includes a lake, woodlands and the popular Harris Garden – all available for students, staff and the local community to enjoy.

Field classes and skill development

One of the most popular components of our BSc Environmental Science are its field classes.

You’ll have the opportunity to travel throughout the UK and abroad, putting theory into practice and gaining valuable research and practical experience.

All of our compulsory field classes are heavily subsidised by the Department, and the cost of the first-year Southern England class and second-year Scotland class are included in your fees.

We currently offer research field classes to:

Year one

Southern England - study a range of social, cultural, economic and environmental issues.

Year two

Stirling, Scotland - expand your knowledge of geomorphology, environmental change and nature restoration.

Year three

Berlin, Germany - explore neighbourhood spaces and social history.
Iceland - study volcanic processes and glaciology, energy resources, and the history of the landscape.
Nanjing, China - improve your understanding of approaches used to address a range of environmental issues.
Southern England and Wales - explore the inter-relationships between a range of social, economic and environmental problems.

As a student at 黑瓜吃料网, you will also have access to our campuses and grounds to develop your fieldwork skills and conduct research. Home to more than a thousand different animal species, they offer multiple habitats to study – from lakes, hay meadows and woodlands on our award-winning Whiteknights campus, to hedgerow, marshland and the Thames on our University farms.

Professor Nicholas Branch, who studies climate resilience and food production in South America, feeds his research into environmental science modules and has taken students with him to conduct research in the Peruvian Andes.

Placements with BSc Environmental Science

Gain valuable experience in the professional workplace through our placement opportunities.

Working with a local company or organisation, you will:

deepen your knowledge and put your learning into practice
develop your research, survey, data analysis and presentation skills
build your professional network
gain insight into the sector and potential career options.

Some of our students choose to complete their dissertation in conjunction with an outside agency, engaging in research for major organisations such as Natural England and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

We also offer a four-year version of this degree, BSc Environmental Science with Professional Experience, which offers an integrated placement in industry in the third year.

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you can apply to study abroad for a semester during your final year at one of our partner universities in North America, Europe, Asia or Africa. For example, recent destinations have included Svalbard, Norway and Rhode Island, USA.

All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs.

We also offer a four-year version of this degree, BSc Environmental Science with Study Year Abroad, which offers an integrated year of study at a partner university overseas.

Visit our for more information.

Overview

Study the environment from a scientific perspective, and discover how to solve some of the most-critical challenges facing planet Earth, with our accredited BSc Environmental Science.

solid Earth and its surface
hydrosphere
atmosphere
biosphere.

Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the 黑瓜吃料网 is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).
The University is among the top ten UK universities for Environmental Sciences in world rankings (黑瓜吃料网 is 9th out of the UK universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024, Environmental Sciences)
The 黑瓜吃料网 is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).
In 2023, the 黑瓜吃料网 was the first ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership.
100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, responders from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science).
The 黑瓜吃料网 has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

water resources and quality
conservation and sustainability
climate and palaeoclimate change
pollution and remediation.

Learning

Your learning environment

Learn from internationally recognised academics from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. We research and teach global topics, including:

climate change and governance
hydrology
landscapes and ecology
paleoecology
dryland environment
glaciology
development
sustainability
globalisation.

This expertise will expose you to changing trends and emerging technologies in the sector.

All of our compulsory field classes are heavily subsidised by the Department, and the cost of the first-year Southern England class and second-year Scotland class are included in your fees.

We currently offer research field classes to:

Year one

Southern England - study a range of social, cultural, economic and environmental issues.

Year two

Stirling, Scotland - expand your knowledge of geomorphology, environmental change and nature restoration.

Year three

Berlin, Germany - explore neighbourhood spaces and social history.
Iceland - study volcanic processes and glaciology, energy resources, and the history of the landscape.
Nanjing, China - improve your understanding of approaches used to address a range of environmental issues.
Southern England and Wales - explore the inter-relationships between a range of social, economic and environmental problems.

Professor Nicholas Branch, who studies climate resilience and food production in South America, feeds his research into environmental science modules and has taken students with him to conduct research in the Peruvian Andes.

Placements with BSc Environmental Science

Gain valuable experience in the professional workplace through our placement opportunities.

Working with a local company or organisation, you will:

deepen your knowledge and put your learning into practice
develop your research, survey, data analysis and presentation skills
build your professional network
gain insight into the sector and potential career options.

Entry requirements A Level BBB

Select 黑瓜吃料网 as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

BBB, including grade B in one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies or Geology

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall, including 5 at higher level in one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies or Geology

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to subject-specific requirement)

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the 黑瓜吃料网’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Compulsory modules

Skills in Geography and Environmental Science

Discover the expected academic standards and integrity at the undergraduate level, while being introduced to the Geography and Environmental Science discipline. Through real-world examples and data, learn essential skills for research.

Global Challenges

Introduce yourself to the interrelated global challenges facing the planet and humanity today. You’ll become familiar with academic debates and human geography, physical geography and environmental science perspectives surrounding several key challenges and develop skills to use academic literature to support critical discussions.

Field Class

Undertake field research in a real-world setting, using contemporary methods and equipment for data gathering and experience working as part of a team. The training you receive will be authentic and relevant to your ambitions and to the skills you’ll likely need for dissertation field research.

Earth Lab

Learn about the interrelated global challenges that the planet and humanity face today. You'll gain familiarity with academic debates, human geography, physical geography, and environmental science perspectives related to several key challenges. You'll also develop skills to use academic literature to support critical discussions.

Data Environment

Explore the application of mathematics and statistics in environmental science. You’ll learn selected statistical packages, their advantages and disadvantages, and make good charts to understand and present the data collected.

Optional modules

Restless Planet

Learn about the fundamental processes in the Earth System, encompassing the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Discover the interactions between the spheres, particularly the Earth System's integrated nature and how alterations to key biogeochemical cycles, can have far-reaching impacts across the globe.

Landscapes and Natural Resources

Discover the ways that spatial structure and renewable resources characterise natural landscapes, and how resilient these resources are in the face of global climate change.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 黑瓜吃料网.

Compulsory modules

Skills Training and Project Design

Develop professional skills, including research approaches, project management, career awareness and employability. Work closely with an academic mentor to carry out carefully planned and highly professional research, act as consultants, designing, executing and reporting on a research project.

Field Class

Environmental Diagnostics

Delve into a contemporary environmental issue to understand the principles and methods employed in environmental diagnostics. Learn about sampling, data quality objectives, measuring and tracking environmental parameters, as well as exploring how to present and interpret diagnostic data.

Optional modules

Earth Processes and Hazards

Discover the dynamic process and resultant hazards which stem from the tectonic and geomorphological evolution of the Earth including volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, weather events and landslides, and the impact these can have on the natural world and human societies.

Energy Resources

Explore past, present, and future social, environmental, health and political aspects of energy resource use. Gain a holistic consideration of the role of different energy resources in the national, international, and global energy mix.

Geographical Information Systems

Discover the principles, techniques, and applications of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Work with the storage and management of spatial data, setting coordinate systems and projections, spatial analysis, and geoprocessing, creating and editing data, and cartography and symbology.

Monitoring the Earth from above

Develop your awareness of the importance of different spatial and temporal scales. Turn data into useful information for a range of geographical applications. Learn about the importance of resolution when conducting remote sensing analysis.

Water in the Earth System

Get an introductory understanding of the connections between the abiotic and biotic components of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, pedosphere, and biosphere. Where relevant these relationships will be considered within the Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR) Framework.

Climate and Environmental Change

Explore the evolution of atmosphere and climate, alongside ecosystem dynamics. Examine the main processes of climate formation of energy balance and atmospheric circulation and discuss natural climatic variability and climate change.

Summer Placement

Undertake a research or professional placement related to your degree. Research placements provide the opportunity to work with a member of staff on a current project based in the UK or internationally. Professional placements allow you to work with a professional organisation, consultancy or government organisation.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 黑瓜吃料网.

Compulsory modules

Dissertation

Work on an independent dissertation project under the guidance of a supervisor. You’ll identify the research question, critically evaluate the relevant literature, apply theoretical frameworks and research methods to your research questions, and learn to analyse and synthesise the research findings.

Optional modules

Air Pollution

Explore the history of air pollution, the origins and effects of sulphur dioxide and smoke, nitrogen oxides and particulates, ozone and other secondary pollutants, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, acid rain, indoor air pollution and more.

Environmental Pollution

Develop an understanding of sources of key environmental contaminants and the mechanisms by which contaminants behave in the environment and cause toxicity to biological organisms. You’ll learn to apply contemporary methods to assess the effects of contaminants in the environment and interpret environmental data.

Ecosystems Modelling

Model ecological dynamics, particularly land and below water ecosystems, which are relevant to a range of global issues, from environmental changes to food security. Gain an understanding of the building blocks of ecological models, from empirical to mathematical, for better understanding the ecosystem processes.

Soil Ecology Environment and Sustainability

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of organisms living in soil, their adaptations to the soil habitat and their impact on the wider environment. You’ll also gain practical experience of isolating, culturing and observation of soil organisms and methods for measuring biologically mediated biochemical processes.

Carbon and Global Change

Learn about the global carbon cycle as a basis for evaluating recent advances in scientific knowledge on the impact of climate change, land use and atmospheric pollution on carbon cycling in natural environments. Pay particular attention to carbon on the land surface.

Preparing for Floods

Understanding key issues in flood preparedness, from the local to the global scale, including flood forecasting and warning, response and incident management and building community resilience. Encounter interactive seminars, computer practical, guest speakers and a visit to the Global Flood Awareness System operational centre.

Climate Change

Learn about changes in global and regional climates that occurred in the last 1,000 years with emphasis on the recent (150 years) past. Examine natural and anthropogenic factors driving climate change such as changes in solar activity, aerosol concentrations in the atmosphere, and changes in greenhouse gas concentrations.

Tropical Rainforests, Climate, and Lost Civilisations

Unravel the long-term history of tropical forests and human-environment interactions using a range of complimentary approaches, with a focus on tropical South America, particularly Amazonia. Integrate physical and human geography, ecology, and archaeology.

Water Resources

Engage with past, current and future water quality problems and critically examine their impact, particularly on public health, as well as effectiveness of water resource management strategies and legislation.

Physical Geography Field Class

Gain field experience to investigate natural hazards and their impact on human societies both past and present. We expect this field class will take place in Iceland and will allow you to experience a range of natural environments including such activities as: ice cave formation, glacier walking, volcanic tephra sampling, volcano monitoring and archaeological investigations.

Environmental Science Field Class

Gain the practical skills to identify, document, and evaluate the impact of human activities on the environment in the field. While based at the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), China, you’ll conduct field work nearby.

Geography and Environmental Science Field Class

Conduct in situ problem-based research, encompassing data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Learn practical skills applicable to regional geographical and environmental issues, enriching your knowledge of field investigation methods used in human and physical geography, as well as environmental science.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 黑瓜吃料网.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: £29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the 黑瓜吃料网 sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Your BSc Environmental Science degree will equip you with a wide variety of skills – from teamwork writing and presenting, to the ability to adapt to changing circumstances – highly desirable to a range of employers.

You’ll be well placed to enter a variety of technical and scientific roles in areas such as:

environmental protection
renewable energy
sustainable transport
water
environmental consultancy.

Recent students have gone on to work for a range of organisations, including:

Evoke Transport
Mott MacDonald
RPS Group
Syngenta
WSP
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

Your degree also offers a route into postgraduate study, research or teacher training.

Overall, 91% of graduates from Geography and Environmental Science are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our analysis of HESA data © 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes first degree Geography and Environmental Science responders).

黑瓜吃料网